Mediterranean Chicken Gyros are a delightful and flavorful meal that combines marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy, tangy tzatziki sauce. Inspired by the traditional flavors of Greek cuisine, these gyros offer a delicious and healthy option for lunch or dinner. The combination of tender grilled chicken, creamy feta tzatziki, and fresh toppings wrapped in soft pita bread is hard to resist. This recipe is perfect for those who enjoy the Mediterranean diet, which is known for its use of heart-healthy ingredients like olive oil, yogurt, and lean protein. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or preparing a quick weeknight meal, this Mediterranean Chicken Gyros recipe is sure to be a hit!
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Creamy Feta Tzatziki:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 cucumber, grated and drained
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Gyros:
- Pita bread
- Sliced red onion
- Chopped tomatoes
- Shredded lettuce
Preparation:
Step 1:
Prepare the chicken marinade by mixing 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp dried oregano, 1 tsp ground cumin, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a bowl. Ensure the marinade is well blended for an even flavor distribution.
Step 2:
Thinly slice 1 lb of chicken breast and coat it thoroughly with the marinade. Place the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse. For best results, marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours.
Step 3:
While the chicken is marinating, prepare the creamy feta tzatziki. In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of Greek yogurt with 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese. Grate 1 cucumber and drain the excess liquid by squeezing it in a clean kitchen towel. Add the grated cucumber, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tbsp olive oil to the yogurt mixture. Stir well until you achieve a creamy, smooth consistency. Season the tzatziki with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4:
After marinating, heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken slices for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are fully cooked and have a nice golden-brown exterior. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly.
Step 5:
Warm the pita bread on the grill or in the oven for a few minutes. Warming the pita ensures a soft texture and enhances the overall experience when assembling the gyros.
Step 6:
To assemble the gyros, place a generous amount of chicken slices onto the warm pita bread. Top with sliced red onion, chopped tomatoes, and shredded lettuce. Finally, add a generous dollop of the creamy feta tzatziki sauce on top.
Cooking Notes:
- If you prefer an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken marinade for a bit of heat.
- Make sure to drain the cucumber well when making tzatziki. Excess water can make the sauce too thin.
- You can prepare the tzatziki sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it. The flavors meld beautifully over time.
- If grilling isn’t an option, you can also cook the chicken in a skillet or oven.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve the Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with a side of Greek salad, which includes cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.
- Roasted vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant also complement the flavors of the gyros beautifully.
- For a heartier meal, pair the gyros with seasoned rice or crispy roasted potatoes.
Tips:
- To save time, you can marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator. This makes meal prep faster and allows the chicken to absorb even more flavor.
- If you’re serving a crowd, set up a gyro bar with different toppings like olives, roasted peppers, or pickled vegetables to let everyone customize their gyro.
- The tzatziki can be used as a versatile dip for other dishes like grilled vegetables, pita chips, or even served alongside roasted lamb or beef.
- If you want to make the meal gluten-free, simply swap out the pita bread for gluten-free wraps or lettuce leaves.
Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 30 minutes marinating)
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 65 minutes
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: Approximately 420 kcal
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 720mg
FAQs:
1. Can I use other types of meat for gyros?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with lamb, beef, or even turkey. Adjust the marinade to suit the meat you’re using. Lamb is a traditional option for gyros and pairs well with Mediterranean spices.
2. How do I make the gyros healthier?
To reduce calories, you can use whole wheat pita bread and opt for low-fat Greek yogurt in the tzatziki sauce. Additionally, increasing the vegetable toppings and reducing the amount of sauce will also lower the calorie content.
3. What can I serve with gyros for a complete meal?
Mediterranean dishes like hummus, baba ganoush, or tabbouleh salad complement gyros well. Roasted vegetables or a simple side of quinoa or couscous also work perfectly.
4. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken and prepare the tzatziki sauce ahead of time. Cook the chicken just before serving to maintain its freshness and juiciness. The tzatziki sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
5. Can I freeze leftover chicken gyros?
While it’s best to enjoy chicken gyros fresh, you can freeze the cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Reheat in a skillet or oven before serving. However, pita bread and tzatziki are best consumed fresh.
Conclusion:
Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki are a delightful blend of flavors and textures. From the juicy, well-seasoned chicken to the creamy, tangy tzatziki, every bite offers a taste of the Mediterranean. This dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutritious ingredients that make it a wholesome choice for any meal. With easy preparation and the option to customize toppings, these gyros are sure to become a family favorite. Try this recipe for your next meal and enjoy a quick trip to the Mediterranean from the comfort of your kitchen!
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Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki
- Total Time: 65 minutes
Ingredients
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Creamy Feta Tzatziki:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 cucumber, grated and drained
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Gyros:
- Pita bread
- Sliced red onion
- Chopped tomatoes
- Shredded lettuce
Instructions
Preparation:
Step 1:
Prepare the chicken marinade by mixing 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp dried oregano, 1 tsp ground cumin, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a bowl. Ensure the marinade is well blended for an even flavor distribution.
Step 2:
Thinly slice 1 lb of chicken breast and coat it thoroughly with the marinade. Place the chicken in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse. For best results, marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours.
Step 3:
While the chicken is marinating, prepare the creamy feta tzatziki. In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of Greek yogurt with 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese. Grate 1 cucumber and drain the excess liquid by squeezing it in a clean kitchen towel. Add the grated cucumber, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tbsp olive oil to the yogurt mixture. Stir well until you achieve a creamy, smooth consistency. Season the tzatziki with salt and pepper to taste.
Step 4:
After marinating, heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken slices for about 4-5 minutes on each side until they are fully cooked and have a nice golden-brown exterior. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly.
Step 5:
Warm the pita bread on the grill or in the oven for a few minutes. Warming the pita ensures a soft texture and enhances the overall experience when assembling the gyros.
Step 6:
To assemble the gyros, place a generous amount of chicken slices onto the warm pita bread. Top with sliced red onion, chopped tomatoes, and shredded lettuce. Finally, add a generous dollop of the creamy feta tzatziki sauce on top.
Notes
Cooking Notes:
- If you prefer an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the chicken marinade for a bit of heat.
- Make sure to drain the cucumber well when making tzatziki. Excess water can make the sauce too thin.
- You can prepare the tzatziki sauce ahead of time and refrigerate it. The flavors meld beautifully over time.
- If grilling isn’t an option, you can also cook the chicken in a skillet or oven.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 420 kcal
- Sodium: 720mg
- Protein: 30g