Description
This Mediterranean Chicken Gyros recipe features tender grilled chicken marinated with lemon, oregano, and garlic, served in warm pita bread pockets with a creamy and tangy feta tzatziki sauce. Perfect for a flavorful and healthy meal that brings classic Greek flavors to your table in under an hour.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
For the Feta Tzatziki
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 medium cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
- 4 oz crumbled feta cheese
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
For Assembly
- 4 pita bread pockets
- Fresh veggies like lettuce and tomatoes, sliced (optional but recommended)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts, ensuring they are fully coated with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to infuse.
- Prepare the Feta Tzatziki Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix together Greek yogurt, grated and drained cucumber, crumbled feta cheese, minced garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil. Stir well to combine, then set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Cook the Chicken: Preheat a grill or stovetop pan over medium heat. Remove chicken from marinade and cook for 6 to 7 minutes on each side until the exterior is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is fully cooked.
- Rest and Slice the Chicken: Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and allow it to rest for a few minutes. Then slice into thin strips suitable for filling the pita breads.
- Warm the Pita Bread and Assemble Gyros: Lightly warm the pita pockets on the grill or pan. Fill each pita with sliced chicken, fresh vegetables like lettuce and tomatoes, and generous spoonfuls of the creamy feta tzatziki sauce.
- Serve and Enjoy: Serve the assembled gyros immediately while warm, savoring the perfect blend of Mediterranean flavors.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight in the refrigerator.
- Squeezing excess water from the grated cucumber is essential to avoid a watery tzatziki sauce.
- Feel free to add fresh herbs such as dill or mint to the tzatziki for a more authentic taste.
- Use whole wheat pita bread for a healthier option.
- Vegetarian option can be made by substituting grilled vegetables or falafel in place of chicken.
