Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki Recipe
A delightful Mediterranean Chicken Gyros recipe featuring juicy, marinated chicken thighs grilled to perfection and served in warm pita bread with fresh vegetables and a creamy, tangy feta tzatziki sauce. This easy-to-make dish combines classic Greek flavors for a satisfying and healthy meal.
- Author: Rico
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Gyros Assembly
- 4 pita breads
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
For the Creamy Feta Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the boneless, skinless chicken thighs and coat evenly. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the marinated chicken thighs in the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until the chicken turns golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), ensuring it is fully cooked.
- Prepare the Feta Tzatziki Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine plain Greek yogurt, crumbled feta cheese, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy.
- Slice the Chicken: Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips suitable for filling the pita bread.
- Assemble the Gyros: Spread a generous layer of creamy feta tzatziki sauce onto each pita bread. Add sliced chicken, then top with halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion. Garnish with fresh parsley. Roll the pita tightly and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight will enhance the flavor even more.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken is cooked safely to 165°F (75°C).
- For a lighter option, use skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs, though thighs are juicier.
- Warm the pita breads slightly before assembling to make them more pliable.
- Fresh herbs like dill can be added to the tzatziki for extra flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 gyro (including pita and toppings)
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: Mediterranean chicken gyros, Greek chicken gyros, creamy feta tzatziki, chicken pita sandwiches, healthy Mediterranean recipe