Description
This Mediterranean Chicken Gyros recipe features tender, marinated grilled chicken thighs served in warm pita bread with a creamy feta tzatziki sauce, fresh vegetables, and herbs. Perfect for a flavorful and satisfying meal that brings the vibrant tastes of the Mediterranean to your table.
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 Serving
- 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 the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Add the boneless, skinless chicken thighs to the bowl and ensure they are thoroughly coated with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate the mixture for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to develop.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat a grill or stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat. Place the marinated chicken thighs on the grill and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked and lightly charred. Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing to retain its juices.
- Prepare the Feta Tzatziki: In a medium bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt, crumbled feta cheese, drained grated cucumber, chopped fresh dill, salt, and pepper. Mix all ingredients until well combined and refrigerate until ready to serve to allow the flavors to blend.
- Warm the Pita Bread: Lightly warm the pita bread rounds on the grill or in a pan for 1-2 minutes until soft and pliable, making them ready for assembling the gyros.
- Assemble the Gyros: Spread a generous spoonful of the creamy feta tzatziki onto each warmed pita. Add slices of the grilled chicken on top, followed by shredded lettuce, thinly sliced red onion, and tomato slices. Garnish with fresh parsley for a burst of color and flavor.
- Serve: Wrap each gyro neatly in parchment paper or foil to make it easier to handle and serve immediately while warm and fresh.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight if possible.
- Ensure the grated cucumber is well-drained to avoid watery tzatziki sauce.
- Use a grill pan if you do not have access to an outdoor grill.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in an airtight container and used in salads or wraps within 2 days.
- Adjust seasoning in the tzatziki to taste, adding more dill or lemon juice if desired.
