Get ready to enjoy a delicious journey to the sunny Mediterranean with this easy recipe for Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki. This dish combines tender, marinated chicken with fresh veggies and a rich, tangy sauce, all wrapped in warm pita bread. It’s flavorful, satisfying, and perfect for lunch or dinner!
Why make this recipe
Mediterranean Chicken Gyros is not only scrumptious but also a healthier option for a meal. By using chicken thighs, fresh veggies, and Greek yogurt, you get a balance of protein, healthy fats, and nutrients. Plus, it’s quick to prepare and can be customized with your favorite toppings. It’s an excellent dish for family gatherings, picnics, or even a cozy night in.
How to prepare Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki
Ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 pita breads
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Steps:
Marinate the Chicken: Start by mixing olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add the chicken thighs to the mixture, making sure they are well coated. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes to soak up all the flavors.
Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown and reaches a safe internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Make the Tzatziki Sauce: While the chicken is cooking, prepare the tzatziki. In a bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, crumbled feta cheese, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
Assemble the Gyros: Once the chicken is cooked, slice it into strips. Take a pita bread and spread a generous layer of the tzatziki sauce on it. Add the sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and red onion. Roll it up tightly, and it’s ready to enjoy!
How to serve Mediterranean Chicken Gyros
Serve your gyros warm, garnished with fresh parsley for a pop of color. Pair them with a crunchy Greek salad or some pita chips for a complete meal. They make a great dish for sharing, too!
How to store Mediterranean Chicken Gyros
If you have leftovers, store the chicken and tzatziki sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken will stay fresh for about 3-4 days, while the tzatziki is best enjoyed within 2-3 days. When ready to eat, reheat the chicken and assemble your gyros again for the best taste.
Tips to make Mediterranean Chicken Gyros perfectly
- Marinate Longer: For even more flavor, marinate the chicken thighs overnight.
- Get Creative: Feel free to add other toppings like olives, feta cheese, or spinach according to your preferences.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh, bright vegetables make a big difference in flavor, so use high-quality, seasonal produce when you can.
Variations
- Spicy Option: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken marinade for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute chicken with grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or mushrooms for a tasty vegetarian alternative.
- Different Proteins: You can also use turkey or beef if you prefer. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
FAQ
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out faster than thighs.
2. How do I make my tzatziki more flavorful?
You can add ingredients like chopped fresh mint or dill for an extra layer of flavor.
3. Can I freeze the chicken gyros?
While cooked chicken can be frozen, the assembled gyros may not taste as good once thawed. It’s best to freeze the chicken and make the gyros fresh when you’re ready to eat.
Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki
A delicious Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring tender marinated chicken, fresh veggies, and a tangy feta tzatziki sauce wrapped in warm pita bread.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 pita breads
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add chicken thighs and coat well. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken, cooking for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Make the Tzatziki Sauce: In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, crumbled feta, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth.
- Assemble the Gyros: Slice the cooked chicken into strips. Spread tzatziki on pita bread and top with chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and onion. Roll tightly.
Notes
For extra flavor, marinate chicken overnight and use fresh vegetables. Garnish with parsley for presentation.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: gyros, Mediterranean, chicken, tzatziki, pita