Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki Recipe
This Mediterranean Chicken Gyros recipe features tender, marinated chicken cooked to perfection and wrapped in warm pita bread with fresh vegetables and a creamy feta tzatziki sauce. Perfect for a quick, flavorful meal that brings the vibrant tastes of the Mediterranean to your table.
- Author: Marco
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Feta Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 cucumber, finely grated and drained
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Assembly
- 4 pita breads or flatbreads
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- Fresh parsley or additional dill, for garnish
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade for the chicken.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are coated evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 3-4 hours for maximum flavor infusion.
- Make the Feta Tzatziki Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine Greek yogurt, crumbled feta cheese, grated cucumber (squeezed to remove excess water), minced garlic, fresh dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir well until creamy and set aside to chill.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken thighs for about 5-7 minutes per side until fully cooked and slightly charred. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes, then slice thinly.
- Warm the Pita: Briefly warm the pita breads in a dry skillet or oven until soft and pliable.
- Assemble the Gyros: Lay out each pita and layer with shredded lettuce, sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and a generous spoonful of creamy feta tzatziki sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill as desired.
- Serve: Fold the pita around the fillings and serve immediately for a delicious Mediterranean meal.
Notes
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken marinade.
- Make sure to drain the grated cucumber well to prevent watery sauce.
- You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts for a leaner option.
- Leftover chicken and sauce can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.
- Serve with a side of Greek salad or roasted potatoes for a fuller meal.
Keywords: Mediterranean chicken gyros, creamy feta tzatziki, Greek chicken wrap, easy chicken gyro recipe, healthy gyros