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To make these tasty gyros, you need: - 500g boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 2 teaspoons dried oregano - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - 1 teaspoon paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - 4 pita breads - 1 cup lettuce, shredded - 1 large tomato, diced - 1 small cucumber, diced These ingredients blend well to create a juicy and flavorful chicken. The chicken thighs stay moist and tender, while the spices add a nice kick. For the creamy feta tzatziki, gather: - 1 cup Greek yogurt - ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1 small cucumber, grated and drained - 1 garlic clove, minced - 1 tablespoon olive oil - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped - Salt and pepper to taste This sauce is cool and refreshing. The feta makes it rich, while the cucumber adds crunch. You can customize your gyros with these add-ins: - Sliced red onion for a bit of bite - Fresh parsley for extra color - Hot sauce for a spicy kick These options can enhance your gyros and make them uniquely yours. Feel free to mix and match based on your taste! {{ingredient_image_1}} First, get a bowl. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Next, mix in 2 teaspoons of dried oregano, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of paprika. Add salt and pepper to taste. Now, take 500g of boneless, skinless chicken thighs. Coat the chicken well in the marinade. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes. For the best flavor, marinate for up to 2 hours. Grab another mixing bowl. Combine 1 cup of Greek yogurt and ½ cup of crumbled feta cheese. Add 1 small cucumber, grated and drained, and 1 minced garlic clove. Mix in 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Then, add 1 tablespoon of fresh dill, salt, and pepper to taste. Stir everything together. Refrigerate the tzatziki for at least 20 minutes. This helps the flavors blend nicely. Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Take the marinated chicken out of the fridge. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes on each side. You want it to be golden brown and fully cooked, reaching an internal temp of 75°C (165°F). Once done, remove the chicken and let it rest for a few minutes. After that, slice it into strips. Now, lightly toast the pita breads on the grill or in a skillet for 1-2 minutes until they are warm. Now, it’s time to assemble your gyros! Take a warm pita bread and lay it flat. Start layering with the sliced chicken. Add shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and diced cucumber. Finally, drizzle the feta tzatziki over the top. Feel free to add more if you love tzatziki! Roll the pita around the filling tightly. Serve the gyros right away. I recommend having extra tzatziki on the side for dipping. You can also pair these gyros with a fresh salad or some crispy fries for a complete meal. Enjoy your homemade Mediterranean chicken gyros! To get the best flavor in your gyros, marinate your chicken well. Use a mix of olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic powder, and paprika. Let the chicken sit in the marinade for 30 minutes or longer. The longer it sits, the more flavor it absorbs. Also, always use fresh ingredients for the tzatziki. Fresh dill and quality Greek yogurt make a big difference. When cooking the chicken, preheat your grill or skillet well. This helps create a nice sear. Cook the chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temp; it should reach 75°C (165°F). After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes. This keeps it juicy when you slice it. Store any leftover chicken and tzatziki in airtight containers. They can last in the fridge for about 3 days. To reheat the chicken, use a skillet over low heat. This helps keep it moist. For tzatziki, just give it a good stir before serving. You can enjoy the leftovers in wraps, salads, or even on their own! Pro Tips Marinating Time: The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be. Aim for at least 2 hours, but overnight is even better! Tzatziki Tip: For a thicker tzatziki, make sure to drain the grated cucumber well. This prevents the sauce from becoming watery. Cooking Method: Grilling the chicken adds a smoky flavor that enhances the dish. If using a skillet, a touch of smoked paprika can mimic that grilled taste. Serving Suggestion: Serve the gyros with additional toppings like olives or roasted red peppers for an extra Mediterranean flair! {{image_2}} If you want a meat-free option, try grilled vegetables. You can use eggplant, zucchini, or bell peppers. Marinate them like the chicken. Cook them on the grill until soft and smoky. You will get a tasty, healthy gyro. You can also use falafel. These chickpea balls bring a nice crunch. They pair well with the creamy feta tzatziki. While feta tzatziki is a favorite, you can switch things up. Try a classic tzatziki with no feta. Just use Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, olive oil, and dill. For a spicy kick, add some chili flakes. If you enjoy herbs, mix in fresh mint or parsley. Each version adds a unique twist to your gyros. Make your gyros special with fun toppings. Add sliced red onions for a sharp bite. You can include olives for a briny touch. A sprinkle of feta cheese adds more flavor. Try adding pickled vegetables for extra tang. You can also use hummus underneath the chicken. It gives a rich, creamy layer. Don’t be afraid to mix and match! Once you finish your gyros, store leftovers in airtight containers. Place the chicken in one container and the feta tzatziki in another. This keeps flavors fresh. The chicken stays good in the fridge for up to three days. Tzatziki lasts around four days. Always check for any changes in smell or texture before eating. For pita breads, keep them in a cool, dry place. You can wrap them in foil or place them in a resealable bag. This keeps them soft. Avoid storing pita in the fridge, as it may dry out. They can last about a week this way. If you want them to last longer, freeze them. You can freeze both chicken and tzatziki. For chicken, slice it before freezing. This helps it thaw faster. Use freezer bags to prevent freezer burn. Tzatziki can also freeze well. Just make sure to leave some space in the container for expansion. Both will keep for about three months. When ready to eat, thaw in the fridge overnight. Reheat chicken gently to keep it moist. You can use chicken breast if you prefer. Chicken breast is leaner and cooks faster. Slice it thin for even cooking. You can also try pork, lamb, or even tofu for a vegetarian option. Each choice will change the flavor and texture a bit. Yes, you can! Feta Tzatziki tastes better when it sits. Make it a day before serving. Just store it in the fridge in an airtight container. This way, the flavors blend well. You can use a skillet or oven. Heat a non-stick skillet on medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side. You can also roast the chicken in the oven at 200°C (400°F) for 20-25 minutes. Both methods give great results. Some great sides include Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or crispy fries. You can also serve some olives or hummus. These sides pair well with the flavors of the gyros and tzatziki. In this post, we explored how to create delicious Mediterranean gyros. We covered essential ingredients like marinated chicken, creamy feta tzatziki, and tasty optional add-ins. You learned step-by-step cooking instructions and handy tips for great flavor. Variations include vegetarian options and customizable toppings. Finally, we discussed how to store leftovers properly. Enjoy trying these recipes at home. You can make gyros your way, and they will impress your friends!

Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Feta Tzatziki

A delicious and flavorful dish featuring marinated chicken thighs served in pita bread with fresh vegetables and a creamy feta tzatziki sauce.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 30 minutes
Cook Time 30 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 500 g boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 4 pieces pita breads
  • 1 cup lettuce, shredded
  • 1 large tomato, diced
  • 1 small cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1 small cucumber, grated and drained
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
  • to taste salt and pepper

Instructions
 

  • Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and coat them well. Let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours for best flavor.
  • Prepare the Feta Tzatziki: In a mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, crumbled feta, grated cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, fresh dill, salt, and pepper. Mix well and refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  • Cook the Chicken: Preheat a grill or a skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked and golden brown, reaching an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F). Remove and let rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.
  • Warm the Pita Breads: Lightly toast the pita breads on a grill or in a skillet for 1-2 minutes until heated through.
  • Assemble the Gyros: On each warmed pita bread, layer the sliced chicken, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, and cucumber. Drizzle with the prepared feta tzatziki.
  • Serve: Roll the pita around the filling tightly and serve immediately with extra tzatziki on the side.

Notes

For best flavor, marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours.
Keyword Chicken, gyros, Mediterranean, pita, tzatziki