Description
This Mediterranean Chicken Gyros recipe features tender, marinated chicken thighs grilled to perfection and served with a creamy feta tzatziki sauce. Wrapped in warm pita bread with fresh lettuce, onions, and tomatoes, these gyros deliver authentic Mediterranean flavors perfect for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Creamy Feta Tzatziki
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and drained
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembly
- 4 pita bread rounds
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tomato, sliced
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken thighs and toss to coat evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight, to let the flavors penetrate.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill or stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat. Place the marinated chicken thighs on the grill and cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side until fully cooked through and slightly charred. Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing thinly.
- Prepare Creamy Feta Tzatziki: In a bowl, mix together plain Greek yogurt, crumbled feta cheese, grated and well-drained cucumber, fresh chopped dill, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy. Refrigerate the sauce until ready to serve to let the flavors meld.
- Warm the Pita Breads: Heat the pita rounds on the grill or in a pan for 1 to 2 minutes until soft and pliable, making them easier to wrap the fillings.
- Assemble the Gyros: Spread a generous amount of the creamy feta tzatziki on each warmed pita. Layer with sliced grilled chicken, shredded lettuce, thinly sliced red onion, and tomato slices. Garnish with fresh parsley as desired.
- Serve: Optionally wrap each gyro in parchment paper or foil for easy handling and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight if time permits.
- Ensure the grated cucumber is well-drained to prevent the tzatziki from becoming watery.
- You can substitute chicken breast for thighs if preferred, though thighs remain juicier.
- To add extra heat, sprinkle in some crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños.
- Pita bread can be warmed in a toaster oven or conventional oven if a grill or pan is not available.
