Description
This Mediterranean Chicken Gyros recipe features tender, marinated grilled chicken thighs paired with a creamy feta tzatziki sauce, fresh vegetables, and warm pita bread. Perfect for a flavorful and wholesome meal, these gyros bring together classic Greek-inspired flavors with a satisfying blend of herbs, spices, and creamy textures.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Creamy Feta Tzatziki
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and drained
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembly
- 4 pita bread rounds
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tomato, sliced
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, mix the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat a grill or stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat. Place the marinated chicken thighs on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until they are fully cooked through and have a slight char. Remove the chicken and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.
- Prepare the Creamy Feta Tzatziki: In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, crumbled feta cheese, grated and drained cucumber, chopped dill, and salt and pepper. Stir well to blend all the ingredients into a creamy sauce. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Warm the Pita Bread: Heat the pita rounds on the grill or in a pan for 1-2 minutes until they become soft and pliable.
- Assemble the Gyros: Spread a generous spoonful of the feta tzatziki sauce over each pita. Layer with slices of grilled chicken, shredded lettuce, thinly sliced red onion, and tomato slices. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
- Serve: Wrap each gyro in parchment paper or foil to hold together and serve immediately for an authentic Mediterranean experience.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor.
- Ensure cucumber is well-drained to prevent watery tzatziki.
- You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts if preferred.
- For a spicier gyro, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade.
- Serve with a side of Greek salad or fries for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
