Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki Recipe
This Mediterranean Chicken Gyros recipe features tender, marinated chicken cooked to perfection and served with a creamy feta tzatziki sauce on warm pita bread. Fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and leafy greens complement the dish, making it a vibrant and flavorful meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1½ lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Feta Tzatziki
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ½ medium cucumber, grated and drained
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill or mint, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Gyros
- 4 pita or flatbreads, warmed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded lettuce or baby spinach
- ½ cup sliced cucumber
- Extra crumbled feta (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and toss to coat completely. Cover and marinate for at least 20 minutes or up to 4 hours for a deeper flavor infusion.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Place the marinated chicken onto the hot pan and cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.
- Prepare the Feta Tzatziki: In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, crumbled feta cheese, grated and drained cucumber, lemon juice, minced garlic, olive oil, and chopped fresh dill or mint. Stir well until the mixture is smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the flavors as desired.
- Assemble the Gyros: Lay the warmed pita breads flat. Spread a generous spoonful of the creamy feta tzatziki down the center of each pita. Top with sliced chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, and shredded lettuce or baby spinach. Add extra crumbled feta cheese if desired for added richness.
- Serve: Fold the pita breads to wrap the fillings securely, optionally wrapping in parchment or foil for easier handling. Serve immediately alongside lemon wedges to squeeze over the gyros for an extra burst of freshness.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken longer will enhance the flavors, but even 20 minutes will impart great taste.
- To drain grated cucumber properly, place it in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out excess moisture to prevent watery tzatziki.
- You can substitute fresh mint for dill depending on your preference.
- Warm the pita breads in a dry skillet or oven before assembling for best texture.
- Leftover tzatziki can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Keywords: Mediterranean chicken gyros, feta tzatziki, grilled chicken gyros, Greek chicken gyros, healthy gyros recipe, easy gyro recipe
