IRRESISTIBLE MEDITERRANEAN CHICKEN GYROS

Craving a taste of the Mediterranean but don’t want to order takeout? These Mediterranean Chicken Gyros are bursting with fresh flavors, tender chicken, and creamy tzatziki, all wrapped in a warm pita – it’s a delicious and healthy meal that will transport you straight to the Greek islands, and I promise you’ll be making them again and again!

The Magic Behind the Mediterranean Chicken Gyro

Okay, friend, let’s talk gyros. We all love them, but sometimes the thought of making them at home feels a little intimidating. Fear not! This Mediterranean Chicken Gyro recipe is designed to be super approachable, even if you’re a beginner in the kitchen. We’re skipping the complicated vertical spit and opting for tender, juicy chicken thighs marinated in a vibrant blend of herbs and spices. This isn’t just a recipe; it’s your ticket to a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful meal. I consider it one of my reliable go to recipes!

This recipe is perfect for those looking for quick and easy Chickpea Feta Avocado Salad or other Hot Honey Feta Chicken. It’s a great way to enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean without spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients: Your Mediterranean Treasure Chest

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or low-fat)
• 1/2 cup cucumber, grated and excess liquid squeezed out
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Assembly:

• 4-6 pita breads, warmed
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tomato, sliced
• Optional: crumbled feta cheese, Kalamata olives, fresh parsley

Step-by-Step Instructions: Gyro Glory Awaits!

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated.
3. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor. The longer it marinates, the more delicious it becomes!

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
2. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade.
3. Cook the chicken in a single layer for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and lightly browned. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
4. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing or shredding it.

Step 3: Whip Up the Tzatziki

1. In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (make sure you squeeze out all that excess liquid!), minced garlic, lemon juice, and chopped dill.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
3. Stir well and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is crucial – trust me, the tzatziki gets even better as it sits!

Step 4: Assemble Your Gyros

1. Warm the pita breads according to package directions. You can lightly toast them in a dry skillet or microwave them briefly.
2. Spread a generous layer of tzatziki sauce on each pita bread.
3. Top with sliced or shredded chicken, red onion slices, and tomato slices.
4. Optional: Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and fresh parsley.
5. Fold the pita in half and serve immediately. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

Tips and Tricks: Your Gyro-Making Superpowers

Okay, let’s level up your gyro game with some pro tips:

• Don’t Skip the Marinade: The marinade is what infuses the chicken with that amazing Mediterranean flavor. Don’t skimp on the marinating time!
• Squeeze That Cucumber: Seriously, squeezing the excess liquid out of the grated cucumber is essential for a thick and creamy tzatziki. Nobody wants watery tzatziki!
• Warm the Pitas: Warm pita breads are softer and more pliable, making them easier to fold and eat. Plus, warm bread just tastes better, right?
• Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add your favorite toppings! Bell peppers, banana peppers, or a drizzle of hot sauce can all add a unique twist.

Consider this one of your go to recipes. These gyros are perfect for Mediterranean Herb Crusted Grilled Chicken. Its flavorful and satisfying nature makes it ideal for quick Gnocchi With Spinach And Feta or other full dinner recipes, and it’s a great option for anyone following a Mediterranean diet.

Variations: Remix Your Gyro

Want to shake things up a bit? Here are a few ideas to get you started:

• Spicy Gyro: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken marinade or drizzle your gyro with a spicy sauce.
• Veggie Gyro: Replace the chicken with grilled halloumi cheese or marinated tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Lemon Herb Gyro: Add some lemon zest and extra fresh herbs to the chicken marinade for a brighter, more vibrant flavor.
• Make it a Bowl: Skip the pita and serve the chicken, tzatziki, and toppings over a bed of rice or quinoa for a healthy and delicious bowl.

Making Gyros Part of Your Weekly Routine

Incorporating these Mediterranean Chicken Gyros into your weekly meal plan is a fantastic way to ensure you’re enjoying healthy and delicious protein entrees. As part of Mediterranean diet recipes lunches, it’s a balanced and satisfying option, providing a great source of protein, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables. The ease of preparation also makes it ideal for busy weekdays when you need something quick but don’t want to compromise on flavor or nutrition. Plus, because the recipe is so versatile, you can easily adapt it to suit your preferences and dietary needs, ensuring it remains a staple in your list of go to recipes.

Storage and Reheating: Gyro Leftovers, Yes Please!

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Store the cooked chicken and tzatziki sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken will keep for up to 3 days, and the tzatziki sauce for up to 2 days.

To reheat the chicken, you can microwave it briefly or warm it in a skillet over medium heat. Reheat the pita breads as well for the best texture. Assemble your gyros just before serving to prevent the pita from getting soggy.

Enjoy Your Homemade Mediterranean Feast

Making Mediterranean Chicken Gyros at home is easier than you think, and the results are incredibly rewarding. From the zesty marinade to the creamy tzatziki, every bite is a burst of fresh, vibrant flavor. So, gather your ingredients, follow these simple steps, and get ready to impress yourself (and your friends and family) with your newfound gyro-making skills. Enjoy!

Irresistible Mediterranean Chicken Gyros

Amelia Chen-Morrison

These Mediterranean Chicken Gyros are bursting with fresh flavors, tender chicken, and creamy tzatziki, all wrapped in a warm pita. This recipe provides a delicious and healthy meal that transports you straight to the Greek islands, and it’s designed to be super approachable, even for beginners.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 30 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 4

Calories 600 kcal

Equipment

• Medium bowl
• Whisk
• Large skillet or grill pan
• Grater
• Spoon
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Airtight containers

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• ¼ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt full-fat or low-fat
• ½ cup cucumber, grated and excess liquid squeezed out
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 4-6 pita breads, warmed
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 tomato, sliced
• Optional: crumbled feta cheese
• Optional: Kalamata olives
• Optional: fresh parsley

Instructions

 

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
• Add the chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring they are well coated.
• Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.
• Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
• Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade.
• Cook the chicken in a single layer for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and lightly browned. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
• Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing or shredding it.
• In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (squeeze out excess liquid!), minced garlic, lemon juice, and chopped dill.
• Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Stir well and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
• Warm the pita breads according to package directions.
• Spread a generous layer of tzatziki sauce on each pita bread.
• Top with sliced or shredded chicken, red onion slices, and tomato slices.
• Optional: Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese, Kalamata olives, and fresh parsley.
• Fold the pita in half and serve immediately.

Notes

Don’t skip the marinade for maximum flavor. Squeeze the excess liquid out of the grated cucumber for a thick and creamy tzatziki. Warm the pita breads for a softer texture. Customize your toppings with bell peppers, banana peppers, or hot sauce. Store cooked chicken and tzatziki sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Chicken will keep for up to 3 days, and tzatziki sauce for up to 2 days. Reheat chicken and pita breads before assembling gyros. For a spicy gyro, add red pepper flakes to the marinade. For a veggie gyro, replace chicken with grilled halloumi or tofu. Make it a bowl by serving over rice or quinoa.