Chicken Gyros Feta Tzatziki: The Ultimate Mediterranean Recipe

Chicken Gyros Feta Tzatziki: Prepare to embark on a culinary journey to the sun-kissed shores of Greece, right from your very own kitchen! Imagine sinking your teeth into warm, pillowy pita bread, overflowing with succulent, seasoned chicken, creamy feta, and a cool, refreshing tzatziki sauce. This isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience, a taste of the Mediterranean that will transport your senses.

Gyros, a staple of Greek street food, has a rich history rooted in the Ottoman Empire’s doner kebab. Over time, Greek immigrants adapted the dish, creating the iconic gyros we know and love today. While traditionally made with pork or lamb, this Chicken Gyros Feta Tzatziki recipe offers a lighter, equally delicious alternative that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing weekend gathering.

What makes gyros so irresistible? It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The savory, marinated chicken, the salty tang of feta cheese, and the cool, herbaceous tzatziki create a symphony of taste that dances on your palate. Plus, the convenience of wrapping everything in a warm pita makes it a handheld delight that’s easy to enjoy on the go. Get ready to discover your new favorite way to enjoy chicken!

Ingredients:

• For the Chicken Gyro Meat:
• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 large yellow onion, grated
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• For the Tzatziki Sauce:
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or 2%)
• 1/2 cup cucumber, peeled, seeded, and grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
• 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
• For the Gyro Assembly:
• 6-8 pita breads
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 Roma tomatoes, sliced
• Optional: Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Preparing the Chicken Gyro Meat:

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken pieces, grated onion, minced garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, thyme, cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, salt, and pepper. Make sure the chicken is thoroughly coated with the marinade. I like to use my hands to really massage the marinade into the meat.
2. Refrigerate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful the chicken will be! I usually prepare this the night before for maximum flavor.

Cooking the Chicken:

1. Preheat the Oven (Optional): While you can cook the chicken entirely on the stovetop, I find that finishing it in the oven helps to ensure it’s cooked through and stays juicy. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
2. Sear the Chicken: Heat a large skillet (cast iron works great!) over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken to the skillet in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan. You may need to cook the chicken in batches. Sear each side for about 2-3 minutes, until nicely browned. Don’t worry about cooking it all the way through at this point; you just want to get a good sear.
3. Bake (Optional): If using the oven, transfer the seared chicken to a baking dish. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If you’re skipping the oven, continue cooking the chicken in the skillet over medium heat until cooked through, stirring occasionally.
4. Rest and Shred: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven (or skillet) and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in more tender and flavorful chicken. After resting, shred the chicken using two forks.

Preparing the Tzatziki Sauce:

1. Prepare the Cucumber: Peel, seed, and grate the cucumber. Place the grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and squeeze out as much excess liquid as possible. This is crucial to prevent the tzatziki from becoming watery. I usually squeeze until I can’t get any more liquid out.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, squeezed cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly distributed.
3. Chill: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. The tzatziki sauce tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge!

Assembling the Gyros:

1. Warm the Pita Bread: Warm the pita bread in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds per side, or until pliable and slightly toasted. You can also warm them in the microwave for a few seconds, but be careful not to overcook them, or they will become tough.
2. Spread Tzatziki Sauce: Spread a generous amount of tzatziki sauce on each pita bread. Don’t be shy – the tzatziki is what makes the gyro so delicious!
3. Add Chicken: Top the tzatziki sauce with a generous portion of the shredded chicken.
4. Add Toppings: Add sliced red onion, sliced tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese.
5. Garnish (Optional): Sprinkle with fresh parsley, if desired.
6. Serve: Fold the pita bread in half or roll it up, and serve immediately. Enjoy your homemade Chicken Gyros with Feta and Tzatziki!

Tips and Variations:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken marinade for a little heat.
• Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with grilled halloumi cheese or falafel for a vegetarian gyro.
• Lemon Herb Marinade: For a brighter flavor, use a marinade with more lemon juice and fresh herbs like rosemary and mint.
• Make Ahead: The chicken and tzatziki sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This makes it easy to assemble the gyros quickly when you’re ready to eat.
• Grilling the Chicken: Instead of searing and baking, you can grill the marinated chicken for a smoky flavor. Just make sure to cook it through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Homemade Pita Bread: For an extra special touch, try making your own pita bread from scratch! There are many great recipes online.
• Serving Suggestions: Serve your Chicken Gyros with a side of Greek salad, roasted potatoes, or lemon rice.

Storing Leftovers:

Store leftover chicken and tzatziki sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken before assembling the gyros. The pita bread is best served fresh, but can be stored in a plastic bag at room temperature for a day or two.

Nutritional Information (Approximate):

Please note that the nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used.

• Calories: Approximately 500-600 per gyro
• Protein: 40-50g
• Fat: 25-35g
• Carbohydrates: 40-50g

This recipe is a family favorite, and I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do! The combination of the flavorful chicken, creamy tzatziki sauce, and fresh toppings is simply irresistible. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different variations and make it your own. Happy cooking!

Conclusion:

And there you have it! This Chicken Gyros with Feta Tzatziki recipe is truly a must-try for anyone craving a taste of the Mediterranean. It’s a vibrant, flavorful, and surprisingly easy dish to make at home, bringing the joy of street food right to your kitchen. The combination of the tender, marinated chicken, the creamy, tangy tzatziki, the salty feta, and the warm pita bread is simply irresistible. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you! But why is this recipe so special? It’s the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The chicken, infused with lemon, garlic, and oregano, is incredibly juicy and aromatic. The homemade tzatziki sauce, bursting with fresh cucumber and dill, adds a refreshing coolness that complements the richness of the chicken. And the feta? Well, feta just makes everything better, doesn’t it? It adds that salty, briny kick that elevates the entire dish. Beyond the incredible taste, this recipe is also incredibly versatile. Feel free to experiment with different variations to suit your preferences. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the chicken marinade or a drizzle of hot sauce to your gyro. If you’re looking for a vegetarian option, you can easily substitute the chicken with grilled halloumi cheese or marinated tofu. You could even add some grilled vegetables like bell peppers, onions, and zucchini for extra flavor and nutrients. Serving suggestions? The possibilities are endless! Of course, the classic way to enjoy these gyros is wrapped in warm pita bread with all the fixings. But you can also serve the chicken and tzatziki over a bed of rice or quinoa for a lighter meal. Or, create a delicious gyro salad by tossing the ingredients with mixed greens, tomatoes, and cucumbers. For a party, consider setting up a gyro bar where your guests can customize their own creations. Provide a variety of toppings like olives, tomatoes, onions, and different types of cheese, and let everyone have fun building their perfect gyro. Don’t be intimidated by the thought of making your own gyros. This recipe is designed to be simple and straightforward, even for beginner cooks. The steps are easy to follow, and the ingredients are readily available at most grocery stores. Plus, the satisfaction of creating a restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen is truly rewarding. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, put on some Greek music, and get ready to embark on a culinary adventure. I’m confident that this Chicken Gyros with Feta Tzatziki will become a new favorite in your household. I’m so excited for you to try this recipe! Once you do, please don’t hesitate to share your experience. Let me know what you think in the comments below. Did you make any variations? What were your favorite toppings? I’d love to hear all about it! And if you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to share it with your friends and family. Happy cooking!

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