Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki Recipe

Introduction

Experience the bold flavors of the Mediterranean with this delicious chicken gyros recipe. Tender marinated chicken thighs combined with a creamy feta tzatziki sauce make for a satisfying and fresh meal. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gathering.

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

1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine olive oil, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and coat them well with the marinade. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
2. Step 2: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken thighs for 5 to 7 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown color and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
3. Step 3: While the chicken is cooking, prepare the creamy feta tzatziki sauce by mixing together Greek yogurt, crumbled feta cheese, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined.
4. Step 4: Once the chicken is cooked, slice it into strips. To assemble the gyros, spread a generous layer of tzatziki on each pita bread, add the sliced chicken, then top with cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion.
5. Step 5: Garnish with fresh parsley, roll the pita to enclose the filling, and serve immediately for a delicious Mediterranean meal.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
• Swap chicken thighs for chicken breast if you prefer a leaner option, but be careful not to overcook.
• Add a splash of red wine vinegar or white wine vinegar to the tzatziki for a tangier sauce.
• Include sliced olives or a handful of fresh spinach inside the gyros for added texture and flavor.
• Warm the pita breads briefly in a dry skillet or oven to make them softer and more pliable for rolling.

Storage

Store leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep tzatziki sauce separately in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave before assembling gyros. Assemble fresh before serving to maintain the pita’s texture and freshness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat for this gyro?

Yes, chicken breast, lamb, or beef can be used as alternatives. Adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure the meat is fully cooked and tender.

Is it possible to make the tzatziki sauce dairy-free?

Absolutely. You can substitute the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt alternative, and omit the feta cheese or use a vegan cheese substitute to keep the sauce creamy and tangy.

Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 57 reviews

This Mediterranean Chicken Gyros recipe features tender marinated chicken thighs cooked to perfection and served in warm pita bread with a refreshing, creamy feta tzatziki sauce. Paired with fresh cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion, it’s a flavorful and healthy twist on a classic Greek street food favorite.

• Author: Stella
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Low Salt

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken Marinade

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Gyro Assembly

• 4 pita breads
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced

Creamy Feta Tzatziki Sauce

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the boneless, skinless chicken thighs and toss until evenly coated. Cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse.
2. Cook the chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the marinated chicken thighs in the heated skillet and cook for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Remove from heat and let it rest briefly.
3. Prepare the creamy feta tzatziki: While the chicken cooks, mix together the plain Greek yogurt, crumbled feta cheese, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. This sauce adds a rich and tangy flavor to the gyros.
4. Slice the chicken: Once the chicken has rested, slice it into thin strips suitable for filling pita breads.
5. Assemble the gyros: Warm the pita breads slightly if desired. Spread a generous amount of the creamy feta tzatziki sauce onto each pita. Top with sliced chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Roll up the pita and serve immediately.

Notes

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
• Use full-fat Greek yogurt for the creamiest tzatziki sauce.
• You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts but adjust cooking time accordingly to avoid drying out.
• To make it spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade or the tzatziki sauce.
• Serve with a side of Greek salad or roasted potatoes for a complete meal.

Keywords: Mediterranean chicken gyros, chicken gyros recipe, feta tzatziki sauce, Greek chicken pita, homemade gyros