Mediterranean Chicken Gyros

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Mediterranean Chicken Gyros are the perfect combination of juicy, spiced chicken, fresh veggies, and a cool, creamy tzatziki sauce. The chicken is marinated in a blend of Mediterranean spices and grilled to perfection, creating a flavorful base for the gyros. The creamy tzatziki sauce adds a refreshing tang, while the pita wraps everything up into a handheld delight. It’s a customizable meal, so you can adjust the toppings and sauces to your liking. Plus, it’s easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights or a weekend treat!

Ingredients

For the chicken marinade:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 2 tbsp lemon juice

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tbsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1/2 tsp paprika

• 1/2 tsp ground coriander

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the tzatziki sauce:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt

• 1/2 cucumber, grated and excess moisture squeezed out

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp fresh dill (or 1 tsp dried)

• 1 tsp lemon juice

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the gyros:

• 4 pita bread or flatbreads

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced

• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

• 1/2 cucumber, sliced

• Fresh lettuce or spinach (optional)

• Feta cheese (optional, for garnish)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

For the chicken marinade:

1. In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, coriander, salt, and pepper.

2. Add the chicken thighs (or breasts) to a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish, and pour the marinade over the chicken. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight for more flavor).

For the tzatziki sauce:

1. In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, olive oil, fresh dill, lemon juice, and minced garlic.

2. Stir until well combined, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill the sauce in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

For the gyros:

1. Grill the chicken: Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for 5-7 minutes per side (depending on thickness), or until the chicken is fully cooked and has an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).

2. Prepare the pita bread: While the chicken is cooking, warm the pita or flatbreads in a dry skillet or on the grill for 1-2 minutes per side, just until heated through and slightly toasted.

3. Assemble the gyros: Once the chicken is cooked, slice it into thin strips. Place a warm pita on a plate and top with sliced chicken, tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, and a drizzle of tzatziki sauce.

4. Garnish and serve: If desired, add fresh lettuce or spinach and sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese on top. Roll the pita around the fillings, folding in the sides to create a wrap. Serve immediately and enjoy!

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4 gyros

• Prep Time: 15-20 minutes (plus marinating time)

• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes

• Total Time: 30-40 minutes (including marinating)

Variations

1. Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a delicious vegetarian gyro. You can also use falafel for a chickpea-based alternative.

2. Spicy Version: Add some chili flakes or hot sauce to the tzatziki sauce for an extra kick, or sprinkle some cayenne pepper on the chicken before grilling.

3. Use Different Breads: Swap the pita bread for a flatbread, naan, or even a whole wheat wrap for a different texture and flavor.

4. Extra Garnishes: For extra flavor, try adding pickled onions, olives, or a drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice over the veggies.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover chicken and tzatziki sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.

• Freezing: While the chicken can be frozen, the tzatziki sauce is best when fresh. Freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. To reheat, thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight, then heat in a skillet or microwave.

• Reheating: To reheat, place the leftover chicken in a skillet or microwave before assembling the gyros. If reheating the pita, wrap it in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20-30 seconds for a soft result.

Conclusion

Mediterranean Chicken Gyros are a perfect combination of savory, fresh, and creamy flavors, all wrapped up in a soft pita. With tender marinated chicken, tangy tzatziki sauce, and vibrant veggies, this dish is a crowd-pleasing favorite that’s simple to make yet full of flavor. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion, these gyros are sure to impress your family and friends. Give them a try, and enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean in the comfort of your own home!

Mediterranean Chicken Gyros

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Mediterranean Chicken Gyros are a flavorful and satisfying dish featuring tender, marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy tzatziki sauce wrapped in soft pita bread. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or casual gatherings, these gyros bring the vibrant flavors of Mediterranean cuisine right to your home.

• Author: Catherine
• Prep Time: 15-20 minutes (plus marinating time)
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 30-40 minutes (including marinating)
• Yield: 4 gyros
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling, Assembling
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients

• For the chicken marinade:
• • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp ground coriander
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• For the tzatziki sauce:
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cucumber, grated and excess moisture squeezed out
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill (or 1 tsp dried)
  • 1 tsp lemon juice
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • Salt and pepper to taste
• For the gyros:
  • 4 pita bread or flatbreads
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, sliced
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cucumber, sliced
  • Fresh lettuce or spinach (optional)
  • Feta cheese (optional, for garnish)

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Instructions

1. For the chicken marinade: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, coriander, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken to a resealable bag or shallow dish, pour the marinade over the chicken, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight for more flavor).
2. For the tzatziki sauce: Combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, olive oil, dill, lemon juice, and minced garlic in a bowl. Stir until well combined, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
3. For the gyros: Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Slice the chicken into thin strips.
4. Prepare the pita bread: While the chicken is cooking, warm the pita or flatbreads in a dry skillet or on the grill for 1-2 minutes per side until slightly toasted.
5. Assemble the gyros: Place a warm pita on a plate and top with sliced chicken, tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, and a drizzle of tzatziki sauce.
6. Garnish and serve: Add fresh lettuce or spinach and sprinkle feta cheese, if desired. Fold the pita around the fillings and serve immediately.

Notes

For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with grilled vegetables or falafel for a chickpea-based gyro.To add some heat, sprinkle chili flakes or cayenne pepper on the chicken or mix it into the tzatziki sauce.For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pita or flatbreads.Feel free to add other toppings like pickled onions, olives, or a drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 gyro
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 570mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 22g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 70mg