Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki Recipe

Introduction

Discover the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this easy and delicious chicken gyro recipe. Tender marinated chicken thighs paired with a creamy feta tzatziki sauce make for a perfect homemade gyro that’s fresh and satisfying.

A white plate on a white marbled surface holds a grilled chicken pita wrap. The pita bread is golden brown with grill marks, partially folded to reveal succulent grilled chicken pieces inside. The chicken is topped with a smooth white sauce with green herb flecks, fresh chopped cucumbers, tomatoes, and parsley. Underneath the pita on the plate is a generous layer of seasoned rice mixed with small diced vegetables. In the background, there are white bowls containing hummus, a fresh salad of tomatoes and cucumbers, and a whole banana. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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 toss to coat. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Step 2: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken thighs for 5-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and fully cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
  3. Step 3: While the chicken cooks, prepare the tzatziki sauce by mixing Greek yogurt, crumbled feta, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl until smooth.
  4. Step 4: Once the chicken is done, let it rest briefly, then slice into strips. To assemble the gyros, spread a generous amount of tzatziki on each pita bread. Add chicken slices and top with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Garnish with fresh parsley and roll up to serve.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
  • Use gluten-free pita or flatbreads if preferred.
  • Add a sprinkle of smoked paprika or cumin to the marinade for a smoky twist.
  • Replace the red onion with pickled onions for added tang.

Storage

Store leftover cooked chicken and tzatziki sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave before assembling the gyros. The pita is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored at room temperature for a day.

How to Serve

The image shows three wraps filled with layers starting from a base of fresh green lettuce, topped with grilled chicken pieces that are golden brown with char marks, then layered with dark purple olives and bits of red tomato, and finished with a thick creamy white sauce sprinkled with finely chopped green herbs on top. The wraps are folded inside soft, light tan flatbread with slight toasted spots, placed on a wooden board beside a white bowl of extra sauce and a lemon half. The whole setting sits on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful when cooked this way.

How can I make the tzatziki sauce dairy-free?

Substitute the Greek yogurt with a plant-based yogurt alternative and omit the feta cheese, or use a dairy-free feta substitute to keep the creamy texture.

Print
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Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki Recipe


  • Author: Lila
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

Description

Enjoy a vibrant and flavorful Mediterranean Chicken Gyros recipe featuring juicy marinated chicken thighs grilled to perfection and topped with a creamy feta tzatziki sauce. This quick and easy meal combines fresh vegetables, soft pita bread, and a tangy yogurt-based sauce for an authentic taste of the Mediterranean in just 45 minutes.


Ingredients

Scale

For the 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

For the Gyros

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

For the 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 mixing bowl, combine olive oil, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the boneless, skinless chicken thighs and coat them well with the marinade. Cover and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb the flavors.
  2. Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the marinated chicken thighs onto the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust and reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), ensuring they are fully cooked and juicy.
  3. Prepare the Creamy Feta Tzatziki Sauce: While the chicken cooks, in a bowl mix the plain Greek yogurt, crumbled feta cheese, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and creamy.
  4. Slice the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest briefly before slicing it into thin strips for easy assembly.
  5. Assemble the Gyros: Spread a generous amount of the creamy feta tzatziki sauce onto each pita bread. Add sliced chicken on top, then layer with cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion. Garnish with fresh parsley. Roll up the pita tightly and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Notes

  • Marinate the chicken for a minimum of 30 minutes, but for deeper flavor, marinate for up to 2 hours.
  • Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicier and more flavorful meat compared to chicken breasts.
  • Fresh parsley adds a nice herbal touch and color; feel free to add chopped mint or dill for variation.
  • To make the gyros gluten-free, substitute pita bread with gluten-free flatbread or lettuce wraps.
  • Adjust the garlic in the tzatziki sauce to your taste preferences.
  • Leftover chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and used in salads or wraps.
  • Prep Time: 35 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Keywords: Mediterranean chicken gyros, feta tzatziki, Greek yogurt sauce, easy chicken gyros recipe, skillet chicken gyros, pita sandwich, healthy Mediterranean meal

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