Whip up these incredibly flavorful Mediterranean Chicken Gyros for a delicious and healthy weeknight meal that’s far more satisfying andbudget-friendly than takeout. This easy recipe brings the vibrant tastes of the Mediterranean right to your kitchen, perfect for a quick lunch or a fun dinner.
Key Ingredients for Mediterranean Chicken Gyros:
- For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional, for a hint of smokiness)
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat recommended for creaminess)
- ½ English cucumber, grated and squeezed dry to remove excess water
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- For Assembling the Gyros:
- 6-8 warm pita breads or flatbreads
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes
- ½ cup chopped cucumber
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- Fresh romaine lettuce, shredded
- Kalamata olives, pitted and halved (optional)
How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Gyros:
Get ready for a flavor explosion that’s surprisingly simple to achieve! These Mediterranean Chicken Gyros are incredibly versatile and satisfying, boasting tender, marinated chicken and a cool, creamy tzatziki sauce. The entire process, from marinating to assembly, takes under an hour, making it perfect for busy evenings.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
Marinate the Chicken:
- In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Whisk well to combine.
- Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the marinade. Toss thoroughly to ensure all pieces are well-coated.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally for 1-2 hours, to allow the flavors to meld. The longer it marinates, the more tender and flavorful the chicken will be.
Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce:
- While the chicken is marinating, prepare the tzatziki sauce. Grate the English cucumber using the large holes of a box grater. Place the grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. This step is crucial to prevent a watery sauce.
- In a separate medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, squeezed grated cucumber, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, chopped dill, salt, and pepper.
- Stir everything together until well combined and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or on a grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Once the pan is hot, add the marinated chicken in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to cook the chicken in batches.
- Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until it is cooked through and nicely browned with slightly crispy edges. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving in larger pieces.
Assemble the Gyros:
- Warm the pita breads according to package directions. You can warm them in a dry skillet, in the oven, or in a toaster.
- Open each warm pita bread to create a pocket, or lay it flat as a wrap.
- Spread a generous spoonful of tzatziki sauce inside the pita pocket or over the flatbread.
- Layer with shredded romaine lettuce, cooked chicken pieces, chopped tomatoes, sliced red onion, chopped cucumber, crumbled feta cheese, and Kalamata olives (if using).
- Drizzle with a little extra tzatziki sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice, if desired.
- Fold or roll up your Mediterranean Chicken Gyros and enjoy immediately!
Why You’ll Love This Mediterranean Chicken Gyros:
You’ll absolutely fall in love with these Mediterranean Chicken Gyros for so many reasons! The star of the show is undoubtedly the tender, juicy chicken, bursting with the aromatic flavors of lemon, garlic, and herbs, which is significantly more delicious and healthier than the often greasy restaurant versions. Plus, making them at home allows you to control every ingredient, making this a wonderfully budget-friendly meal that’s far kinder to your wallet than frequent takeout. Don’t forget the vibrant toppings – the cool, tangy tzatziki sauce, fresh tomatoes, crisp onions, and salty feta cheese create a symphony of textures and tastes that truly transport you to the Mediterranean coast.
Unlike a standard chicken sandwich, these gyros offer a complete flavor journey with every bite, reminiscent of a vacation in every mouthful. The balance of savory chicken, creamy sauce, and fresh vegetables is simply divine and offers a refreshing change of pace for any dinner table. So, ditch the delivery apps and gather your loved ones to create these delightful Mediterranean Chicken Gyros right in your own kitchen – you won’t regret it!
Storing and Reheating Tips:
- Storing Leftovers: Once cooled, store leftover Mediterranean Chicken Gyros components separately for the best texture. Refrigerate the cooked chicken, tzatziki sauce, and chopped vegetables in airtight containers. The assembled gyros can also be stored, but the pita may become soggy over time. Leftover components will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Reheating: To reheat the chicken, you can gently warm it in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or olive oil, or microwave it in short bursts until heated through. Warm the pita bread separately before assembling your gyro. The tzatziki sauce is best served cold.
- Freezing for Future Meals: While not ideal for the assembled gyros due to the pita texture change, you can freeze the marinated or cooked chicken for later use. Spread cooked chicken pieces in a single layer on a baking sheet until frozen, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. It can be frozen for up to 2-3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. The tzatziki sauce is not recommended for freezing as it can separate.
Final Thoughts:
These Mediterranean Chicken Gyros are a delightful and easy way to bring a taste of sunshine to your table. Give them a try for a flavorful, wholesome meal that’s sure to become a family favorite. Enjoy crafting these delicious gyros and savoring every bite!
try also :
- Lentil and Sweet Potato Salad
- Cranberry Brie Bites
- Crispy Sweet Potato Bites
- Matcha Cake Recipe
- find more in Pinterest
Mediterranean Chicken Gyros
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika (if using), salt, and pepper. Whisk well to combine.3 tablespoons olive oil, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 2 cloves garlic, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon dried thyme, 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika, 0.5 teaspoon salt, 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- Add the bite-sized chicken pieces to the marinade. Toss thoroughly to ensure all pieces are well-coated.1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally for 1-2 hours, to allow the flavors to meld. The longer it marinates, the more tender and flavorful the chicken will be.
- While the chicken is marinating, prepare the tzatziki sauce. Grate the English cucumber using the large holes of a box grater. Place the grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. This step is crucial to prevent a watery sauce.0.5 English cucumber grated and squeezed dry
- In a separate medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, squeezed grated cucumber, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, chopped dill, salt, and pepper.1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 clove garlic, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon fresh dill, to taste Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Stir everything together until well combined and smooth. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Heat 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or on a grill pan over medium-high heat.3 tablespoons olive oil
- Once the pan is hot, add the marinated chicken in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to cook the chicken in batches.1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until it is cooked through and nicely browned with slightly crispy edges. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
- Once cooked, remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing or serving in larger pieces.
- Warm the pita breads according to package directions. You can warm them in a dry skillet, in the oven, or in a toaster.6-8 warm pita breads or flatbreads
- Open each warm pita bread to create a pocket, or lay it flat as a wrap.
- Spread a generous spoonful of tzatziki sauce inside the pita pocket or over the flatbread.1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- Layer with shredded romaine lettuce, cooked chicken pieces, chopped tomatoes, sliced red onion, chopped cucumber, crumbled feta cheese, and Kalamata olives (if using).Fresh romaine lettuce, 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, 1 cup tomatoes, 0.5 red onion, 0.5 cup cucumber, 0.5 cup feta cheese, Kalamata olives
- Drizzle with a little extra tzatziki sauce or a squeeze of lemon juice, if desired.1 cup plain Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Fold or roll up your Mediterranean Chicken Gyros and enjoy immediately!