Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki Recipe

Introduction

Enjoy the fresh and vibrant flavors of Mediterranean chicken gyros, perfectly paired with a creamy feta tzatziki sauce. This recipe brings together tender marinated chicken, crisp vegetables, and tangy sauce wrapped in warm pita bread for a delicious and satisfying meal.

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. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes.
2. Step 2: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for 5 to 7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
3. Step 3: While the chicken is cooking, prepare the tzatziki sauce. In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, crumbled feta cheese, lemon juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper until smooth and creamy.
4. Step 4: Once the chicken is cooked, slice it into strips. To assemble the gyros, spread a generous amount of tzatziki sauce on each pita bread, then layer with chicken strips, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
• Use chicken breast if you prefer leaner meat, but be careful not to overcook it to keep it juicy.
• Add a splash of red wine vinegar to the tzatziki for a tangier twist.
• Serve with a side of Greek salad or roasted potatoes for a fuller meal.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and tzatziki sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat chicken gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Assemble fresh gyros with warmed chicken and fresh pita to maintain the best texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other cuts of chicken for this recipe?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts if you prefer. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out faster than thighs.

How do I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make a dairy-free version, substitute the Greek yogurt and feta cheese in the tzatziki sauce with coconut yogurt and omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.

Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 90 reviews

This Mediterranean Chicken Gyros recipe combines tender, marinated chicken thighs cooked to perfection in a skillet with a creamy and tangy feta tzatziki sauce. Wrapped in warm pita bread and topped with fresh cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion, these gyros offer a delightful balance of flavors and textures that make for an easy and delicious meal perfect for any day.

• Author: Marco
• Prep Time: 40 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Low Fat

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

Vegetable Toppings

• 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

Other

• 4 pita breads
• 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 coat thoroughly. Let the chicken 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 in the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), ensuring it is cooked through.
3. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: While the chicken cooks, combine plain Greek yogurt, crumbled feta cheese, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix until smooth and creamy, creating the feta tzatziki sauce.
4. Slice the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and let it rest briefly. Slice into strips for easy assembling.
5. Assemble the Gyros: Warm the pita breads slightly if desired. Spread a generous amount of the creamy feta tzatziki over each pita. Add sliced chicken strips, then top with halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion. Garnish with fresh parsley for a finishing touch.

Notes

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
• You can use chicken breasts instead of thighs, but thighs remain juicier.
• Adjust garlic and lemon juice in the tzatziki to your taste preference.
• Warm pita bread slightly before assembling for better texture.
• Leftover chicken and tzatziki make great salad toppings or wraps the next day.

Keywords: Mediterranean, Chicken Gyros, Tzatziki, Greek Yogurt, Feta, Pita, Healthy Chicken Recipe