Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki
Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki is a delightful dish that brings the flavor of the Mediterranean straight to your kitchen. This dish is not only packed with flavor but also offers a fresh and healthy option for weeknight dinners or special occasions. With its marinated chicken wrapped in warm pita bread and drizzled with a luscious, creamy tzatziki sauce, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser and worth every bit of effort.
It’s time to dive in with a Step-by-Step guide on how to create your own Mediterranean Chicken Gyros!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe for Mediterranean Chicken Gyros is one you’ll treasure for many reasons! First and foremost, it’s incredibly easy to prepare—perfect for weeknights when time is tight. The dish is not only family-friendly, but it’s also a great way to introduce your loved ones to the vibrant flavors of Mediterranean cuisine. The combination of tender, marinated chicken, refreshing toppings, and the creamy feta tzatziki makes each bite a delicious delight.
Moreover, this dish is versatile; you can easily customize the toppings and serving style to suit your family’s tastes. Whether you prefer extra veggies or have dietary restrictions, Mediterranean Chicken Gyros can be tailored to meet your needs, making it a fantastic go-to recipe.
Ingredients
To prepare these delicious Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki, gather the following ingredients:
- 1 pound chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 cup thick Greek yogurt
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 large cucumber, grated and drained
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4-6 pita breads
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 ripe tomatoes, diced
- 2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
This grouping of fresh, wholesome ingredients creates a colorful and flavorful dish that’s sure to impress.
Step-by-Step Directions
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Marinate the Chicken: In a mixing bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Add the thinly sliced chicken breast to this marinade and ensure it is well-coated. Allow it to marinate for at least 15 minutes to soak up all the vibrant flavors.
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Prepare the Tzatziki: While the chicken marinates, grate the cucumber using a box grater. To avoid a watery tzatziki, take the grated cucumber and squeeze it firmly in a clean kitchen towel to remove any excess moisture. In a medium bowl, gently fold together the Greek yogurt, crumbled feta cheese, drained cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then refrigerate until ready to serve.
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Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked (with an internal temperature of 165°F).
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Warm the Pita: To elevate your gyros, warm the pita breads in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds on each side, or wrap them in damp paper towels and microwave for roughly 20 seconds.
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Assemble the Gyros: Spread a generous amount of creamy tzatziki sauce on each warm pita. Top with the cooked chicken and finish with sliced red onion, diced tomatoes, and shredded iceberg lettuce. Fold the pita over the fillings and enjoy immediately while everything is fresh and warm.
These Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki are sure to be a hit at your table!
Tips & Tricks
- Perfect Chicken: For extra juicy chicken, consider letting it marinate for longer, ideally 1-2 hours, or even overnight if you have the time.
- Additional Toppings: Feel free to customize your gyros—add grilled bell peppers, olives, or even a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley for an extra pop of flavor.
- Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with grilled vegetables or falafel for a delicious vegetarian alternative.
- Storage: Store leftover tzatziki in the fridge for up to three days, and enjoy it with raw veggies or crackers.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Pair your Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with a refreshing Greek salad drizzled with olive oil and lemon. For a complete meal, consider serving it alongside roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs. A glass of cool tzatziki would also complement the dish beautifully, balancing the spices and enhancing the Mediterranean charm.
Nutritional Information
Each serving of these Mediterranean Chicken Gyros contains approximately:
- Calories: 450
- Protein: 30g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
This dish is a satisfying option that provides a good balance of protein and carbohydrates, making it a nutritious choice for families.
Storing Tips & Variations for Mediterranean Chicken Gyros
To ensure the best taste and quality, store any leftovers in an airtight container. The chicken can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The tzatziki will remain fresh for about three days as well. Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet before serving again.
Variations you might consider include using different types of meats, such as lamb or pork, or even making it entirely plant-based with grilled halloumi cheese or marinated tofu.
Conclusion for Mediterranean Chicken Gyros
Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki is a delicious recipe you won’t want to miss. The combination of rich flavors, fresh ingredients, and vibrant presentation makes this dish an ideal choice for any occasion. Try this recipe at home, and you will undoubtedly make it a regular feature in your weekly meal rotation!
FAQs
1. Can I prepare the tzatziki sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! The tzatziki sauce can be made a day in advance, which allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
2. Can I use store-bought tzatziki?
While homemade tzatziki is easy and fresh, feel free to use store-bought if you’re in a pinch!
3. How can I make the chicken spicier?
Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick.
4. What other proteins can I use in this recipe?
This recipe works well with lamb, pork, shrimp, or even a vegetarian alternative like falafel.
5. Can I freeze this dish?
While it’s best fresh, you can freeze the marinated chicken for up to 3 months. Just be sure to defrost it completely before cooking!
Mediterranean Chicken Gyros
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1 pound chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- to taste salt and freshly ground black pepper
For the Tzatziki
- 1 cup thick Greek yogurt
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 large cucumber, grated and drained
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- to taste salt and pepper
For Assembly
- 4-6 pieces pita breads
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 ripe tomatoes, diced
- 2 cups shredded iceberg lettuce
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
- In a mixing bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Add the thinly sliced chicken breast to this marinade and ensure it is well-coated. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes.
Prepare the Tzatziki
- Grate the cucumber using a box grater and squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel.
- In a medium bowl, gently fold together the Greek yogurt, crumbled feta cheese, drained cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then refrigerate.
Cook the Chicken
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the marinated chicken.
- Cook for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked.
Warm the Pita
- Warm the pita breads in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds on each side, or microwave wrapped in damp paper towels for 20 seconds.
Assemble the Gyros
- Spread a generous amount of creamy tzatziki sauce on each warm pita.
- Top with the cooked chicken, sliced red onion, diced tomatoes, and shredded lettuce. Fold the pita over the fillings and enjoy immediately.