Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki A Taste of Santorini at Home

Mediterranean Chicken Gyros With Creamy Feta Tza

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Preparation time:30 Mins

Cooking time:25 Mins

Servings:4 Gyros

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil
• 1/4 cup (60ml) lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons)
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup (240ml) Greek yogurt, plain, whole milk
• 1/2 cup (60g) crumbled feta cheese
• 1/2 cup (120g) cucumber, peeled, seeded, and grated, squeezed dry
• 1 clove garlic, minced (about 1 teaspoon)
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh mint, chopped
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 pita breads
• 1 medium tomato, sliced
• 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced
• Kalamata olives (optional)
• Banana peppers (optional)

Instructions:

• In a large bowl, combine all marinade ingredients. Add chicken and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally longer (up to overnight).
• Grate the cucumber and squeeze out excess moisture using cheesecloth or paper towels. In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, feta cheese, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, dill, mint, salt, and pepper. Stir well. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Refrigerate until ready to use.
• Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and discard the marinade. Grill chicken, turning occasionally, until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). (Alternatively, cook in a large skillet over medium-high heat.)
• Warm pita bread in a dry skillet, microwave (covered in a damp paper towel), or oven until pliable.
• Spread a generous amount of tzatziki sauce onto each pita bread. Top with grilled chicken, sliced tomatoes, and red onion. Add any optional toppings you desire.
• Fold the pita bread in half or roll it up and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Calories:550 calories

Fat:25g

Fiber:3g

Recipe Info

Category:Main Course

Cuisine:Mediterranean

Recipe Introduction

Quick Hook

Fancy a trip to Greece without leaving your kitchen? These Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki are the ticket.

Honestly, the creamy feta and zesty lemon takes your tastebuds on a trip.

Brief Overview

Gyros, a staple in Greek cuisine, are typically made with meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie. This version is easy and quick.

This Mediterranean Chicken Recipe takes inspiration from the classic. It is a simple recipe that takes about 55 minutes and makes four generous gyros.

Main Benefits

This recipe is packed with protein. It is also full of fresh herbs and flavors. Perfect for a casual weekend lunch, or even a quick weeknight dinner, these gyros are a total winner.

What makes them special? The Creamy Feta Tzatziki , of course! It's tangy, cooling, and the perfect complement to the juicy chicken.

Greek Chicken Wraps: Get Ready to Level Up Your Lunch Game

Why This Recipe Rocks

It reminds me of summers I spent on the Greek islands. You know? Sun, sea, and simple, delicious food. These Chicken Gyros capture that vibe perfectly.

A simple marinade of lemon juice and herbs, then grilled chicken. So yummy.

The Homemade Gyro Recipe

The marinade tenderizes the chicken. The secret to this awesome Chicken Gyro with Tzatziki lies in the quality of ingredients.

Start with fresh, good-quality chicken thighs. The creamy Tzatziki Sauce is what brings it home.

Tips for a Perfect Easy Chicken Gyro Recipe

Don't skimp on the marinating time. I made that mistake once. It makes a world of difference. I also prefer using a grill pan for that smoky flavor.

But a regular skillet works just fine too. This Mediterranean Chicken is incredibly versatile.

Ingredients & Equipment for Your Mediterranean Chicken Gyros

Okay, let's talk about what you'll need to make these amazing Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki . Honestly, it's all pretty straightforward.

We're aiming for Santorini vibes, not rocket science, you know?

Main Ingredients: The Star Players

For the Chicken Gyros , we're going to need:

• 1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into bite-sized pieces. Thighs are key here. They stay juicy, unlike chicken breast.
• 1/4 cup (60ml) olive oil. Go for a decent one, it makes a difference.
• 1/4 cup (60ml) lemon juice, freshly squeezed. Seriously, bottle stuff just doesn't cut it.
• 2 minced garlic cloves (about 2 teaspoons).
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano and 1 teaspoon dried thyme.
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, because smokiness is your friend.
• 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.

Quality Chicken: This recipe tastes delicious if you make sure to buy high-quality chicken.

Creamy Feta Tzatziki: The Secret Sauce

Now, for the real magic – the Creamy Feta Tzatziki Sauce :

• 1 cup (240ml) plain Greek yogurt. Full-fat is best for that creamy texture.
• 1/2 cup (60g) crumbled feta cheese. Don't skimp!
• 1/2 cup (120g) grated cucumber, squeezed dry. This is crucial unless you want watery tzatziki.
• 1 minced garlic clove (about 1 teaspoon).
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed, and 1 tablespoon each of fresh chopped dill and mint.
• 1/4 teaspoon salt (or to taste) and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. Homemade Gyro Recipe: If you do not add the feta cheese you can make an Easy Chicken Gyro Recipe.

Assembling Your Greek Chicken Wraps

Finally, to build those delicious gyros:

• 4 pita breads.
• 1 medium tomato, sliced.
• 1/2 medium red onion, thinly sliced.
• Optional: Kalamata olives, banana peppers.

Seasoning Notes: Amp Up the Flavor

Don't be shy with the oregano and thyme in the marinade. That's pure Mediterranean Chicken goodness! A little smoked paprika adds depth.

For the tzatziki, fresh dill and mint are a must . Seriously, don't even think about dried.

Quick sub? If you're out of fresh herbs, a teaspoon of dried dill will do in a pinch, but fresh is always better.

Equipment Needed: Keep it Simple

Okay, you'll need:

• A large bowl for the marinade.
• A grill or grill pan. Or just a regular skillet works too!
• A grater.
• Something to squeeze the cucumber dry – cheesecloth or even paper towels.
• Mixing bowl for the tzatziki.
• Tongs, cutting board, and a sharp knife. Easy peasy, right?

Honestly, you probably have most of this stuff already. No need to buy fancy gadgets for this Mediterranean Chicken Recipe !

Cooking Method: Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki

Okay, so you're craving something fresh and vibrant? You know, something that tastes like sunshine and holidays? Well, grab your apron.

We're making Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki. This ain't your average kebab. It's a flavour explosion. Let's do it!

Prep Like a Pro

First things first, mise en place. Sounds fancy, right? It just means getting everything prepped. Chop your garlic (about two teaspoons worth), squeeze your lemons.

Slice your tomatoes. Thinly slice that red onion. Get your spices measured and ready. This makes cooking stress-free. Honestly, it's a game-changer.

Time-saving tip : Whisk up your marinade first thing and pop the chicken in. That way, it soaks up all that flavour while you prep everything else.

I normally left mine marinated for 1 hour, but the best thing is to leave the chicken for a night.

Don't forget to grate that cucumber for your Tzatziki Sauce and squeeze all the juice to not dilute it!.

Safety first! Make sure your hands are clean. Watch out for those sharp knives. You don't want to lose a finger while making your Easy Chicken Gyro Recipe now, do you?

Step-by-Step Gyro Magic

1. Marinate that chicken! Combine marinade ingredients in a bowl. Add chicken and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes . Ideally, let it sit for longer (up to overnight) for maximum flavour.
2. Make the Creamy Feta Tzatziki: Squeeze the water out of that grated cucumber! Combine it with yogurt, feta (one half of cup, crumbled feta cheese), garlic, lemon juice, dill, mint, salt, and pepper. Stir. Now, refrigerate until you're ready to rock and roll.
3. Cook the Chicken: Preheat your grill pan to medium-high. Or use a skillet. Grill those marinated thighs until they hit 165° F ( 74° C) . This normally takes 25 minutes. Make sure to turn them occasionally, You want them cooked through and juicy!
4. Warm the Pita Bread: You know what to do. A quick zap in a dry skillet or microwave works a charm.
5. Assemble Time! Slather that Creamy Feta mixture all over your pita. Pile on the grilled chicken. Top with sliced tomatoes and red onion. And you can optionally add Kalamata olives or banana peppers.

Pro Tips for Chicken Gyros Greatness

Want next-level gyros? Here's the secret. Don't skip the marinade! It's not just about flavour. It tenderizes the chicken. Mediterranean Chicken needs time to soak in those flavours.

Common mistake alert! Soggy tzatziki. Squeeze that cucumber, seriously! You'll thank me later.

Make-ahead option? The Tzatziki Sauce can be made a day in advance. The flavours will meld together beautifully. Honestly, these Greek Chicken Wraps are perfect for meal prep or a quick dinner.

Now you have your own Homemade Gyro Recipe , enjoy your Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki!

Recipe Notes for Your Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki

Alright, mates, let's talk about making these Mediterranean Chicken Gyros even more spectacular! Honestly, the base recipe is ace, but a few tweaks can make all the difference.

It's all about making it your own, yeah?

Plating like a Pro: Serving Suggestions

Presentation is key, isn’t it? I like to arrange the Chicken Gyros on a platter, nestled amongst a vibrant Greek Salad , you know, the one with tomatoes, cucumber, and a big chunk of feta.

A drizzle of olive oil over everything? Chef's kiss! These Greek Chicken Wraps pair perfectly with crispy lemon potatoes or a refreshing cucumber salad

Fancy a tipple? A chilled glass of Assyrtiko (a Greek white wine) or even just a fizzy lemonade works wonders.

I also love serving my Mediterranean Chicken with crispy baked fries or refreshing Greek Salad for a light meal.

Storing Your Leftover Gyro Goodness: Storage Tips

So, you've got leftovers. First off, congrats on having that level of self control! Pop any leftover Mediterranean Chicken Recipe in the fridge and it will keep for up to 3 days .

The Creamy Feta Tzatziki Sauce is best stored separately. Freezing isn't really recommended for the assembled gyros, as the pita can get soggy.

When reheating, warm the chicken in a skillet or microwave until it hits a safe internal temperature of 165° F ( 74° C) .

Honestly, cold chicken is a bit naff, isn't it? Assemble the gyros just before serving to avoid soggy pitas.

Mixing it Up: Variations

Feeling adventurous? Why not try a spicy version? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken marinade for a bit of a kick.

Or, for my veggie friends, grilled halloumi is a fabulous stand-in for the chicken.

If you're dairy-free, sub in a plant-based yogurt alternative, then skip the feta or grab some vegan feta instead for the Tzatziki Sauce .

You could even chuck in some seasonal veggies instead of tomato and red onion. Got some courgettes or peppers going spare? Chuck 'em on the grill!

Quick Look at Nutrition: Nutrition Basics

These Easy Chicken Gyro Recipe are relatively healthy too, you know? Each serving comes in around 550 calories. That's packing 40g of protein (thanks, chicken!) and 25g of fat.

There are about 45g of carbs and 3g of fiber in each wrap.

The beauty of this Chicken Gyro with Tzatziki is you're getting good protein, healthy fats from the olive oil, and loads of vitamins from the veggies.

Plus, Greek yogurt is great for your gut. This Homemade Gyro Recipe is a winner all around.

So there you have it – your ticket to gyro glory! Don't be afraid to experiment, have a laugh, and most importantly, enjoy the process! You've got this!