There’s something truly satisfying about Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki. Not only are they bursting with flavor, but they also offer a delightful balance of textures, crispy chicken wrapped snugly in warm pita, with a cool, tangy tzatziki to complement every bite. With just 30 minutes of preparation time, you can bring the warmth of a Mediterranean kitchen to your dinner table, perfect for family gatherings or busy weeknights.
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Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Delicious Mediterranean Chicken Gyros wrapped with crispy chicken and a creamy feta tzatziki, perfect for family dinners or busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 pita breads
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and coat with the marinade. Marinate for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the marinated chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, crumbled feta, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth to make the tzatziki sauce.
- Remove the chicken from the skillet, let it rest, then slice it into strips.
- On a warm pita, spread tzatziki, add chicken, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and onion. Roll it up and enjoy!
Notes
Marinate the chicken overnight for maximum flavor. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 gyro
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Growing up, my family gathered around the dinner table to share stories and laughter, and the kitchen filled with mouthwatering scents that invited everyone in. I remember the excitement when my mom served homemade gyros, the way the warm pita enveloped the savory chicken, and how my siblings and I clambered for seconds. There was no pleasant aroma quite like it — a mix of garlic, herbs, and grilled goodness wafting through the air. This dish is my way of keeping those cherished memories alive while creating new ones with my own family.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki is a dish that brings everyone together. It’s quick, delightful, and utterly customizable, making it perfect for any occasion. Think of it as a playful culinary canvas where everyone can paint their favorite flavors into their gyros! Whether you’re serving it at a casual family dinner or during a lively weekend gathering, it’s bound to impress. Plus, there’s nothing quite as satisfying as cooking a dish that feels like a warm hug – this recipe truly embodies that comfort.
Let’s Cook It Together
What You’ll Need
Before we get cooking, let’s gather our ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make these mouthwatering Mediterranean Chicken Gyros:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 pita breads
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Step-by-Step Directions
Now that we’ve got everything ready, let’s dive into the cooking process. It’s simpler than it might appear!
Begin by marinating the chicken: In a bowl, mix olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and rub the marinade thoroughly over them. Let them marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
Heat the skillet: Once the chicken is ready, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. It needs to be nice and hot to achieve a golden-crispy exterior.
Cook the chicken: Place the marinated chicken in the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Prepare the tzatziki sauce: While the chicken is cooking, you can quickly whip up the tzatziki. In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, crumbled feta, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix until it’s smooth and creamy.
Slice the chicken: Once the chicken is done cooking, remove it from the skillet and allow it to rest for a minute. Then, slice it into strips.
Assemble the gyros: Start with a warm pita, spread a generous layer of tzatziki onto it, add the sliced chicken, and pile on the cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and red onion. Roll it up, and enjoy your delicious creation!
Nutrition Values
| Serving size: | 1 gyro |
| ————– | —— |
| Calories: | 450 |
| Protein: | 32g |
| Carbs: | 40g |
| Fat: | 20g |
| Fiber: | 3g |
Packed with protein and fiber, this recipe keeps you full longer without feeling heavy.
Perfect Pairings for This Dish
The beauty of Mediterranean Chicken Gyros is in their versatility. Serve them up alongside a refreshing Greek salad drizzled with olive oil and lemon juice. They’re also wonderful with crispy roasted potatoes or a side of hummus and veggies for dipping. For drinks, consider a chilled glass of crisp white wine or refreshing iced tea. My family loves making it a weekend brunch tradition, where we gather around the table, share stories, and joyfully dive into our gyros.
Make-Ahead & Storage Tips
Got leftovers? No problem! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. You can keep the chicken and tzatziki sauce separate to maintain their freshness. If you’re looking to prep ahead, marinate the chicken the night before and store it in the fridge. For longer storage, the cooked chicken can be frozen in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Just ensure to reheat until hot throughout!
Pro Tips from My Kitchen
- Marination Matters: Allowing the chicken to marinate longer enhances its flavor, ideally overnight if you have the time!
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to achieve that perfect caramelization. Overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than searing.
- Salt Smart: When making your tzatziki, start with less salt, and adjust according to your taste. Feta is salty, so keep that in mind!
- Herb Variations: If you like a little extra kick, try adding a dash of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to your chicken marinade for a spicy twist.
- Experiment with Toppings: Fresh mint and dill make wonderful additions to your tzatziki or as toppings for added freshness.
Fun Variations
- Spicy Gyros: Add some sliced jalapeños and a dash of chili powder to your chicken marinade for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian Delight: Swap the chicken for grilled eggplant or zucchini, and keep the tzatziki for a delightful vegetarian version.
- Global Twist: For a different vibe, incorporate curry powder into your yogurt for a fusion tzatziki that pairs beautifully with the chicken.
FAQs
Can I freeze this recipe?
Absolutely! You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months in an airtight container. Just remember to separate it from the tzatziki, as the sauce doesn’t freeze well.
What’s the best substitute for feta cheese?
If you can’t find feta or want a different flavor, crumbled goat cheese works as a delightful alternative that still offers that creamy texture.
How long will this stay fresh?
When stored properly in an airtight container, the chicken will last up to 3 days in the refrigerator. The tzatziki sauce is best consumed within 2 days for optimal freshness.
Can I double the recipe for meal prep?
Of course! This recipe doubles beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Just be sure to marinate the chicken for longer to enhance the flavor.
Each bite of these Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki is not just a meal; it’s an experience filled with warmth and love. I hope this recipe brings you and your family as much joy as it has brought mine. Happy cooking!