These Mediterranean Chicken Gyros are a tasty treat! Tender chicken is marinated with flavorful spices, then grilled to perfection and wrapped in soft pita bread. Yum!
Top it off with fresh veggies and a creamy tzatziki sauce for an extra zing. Whenever I make gyros, my kitchen smells like a feast. Who needs takeout when you can whip up these at home?
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken is great for this recipe. If you’re looking for a healthier option, turkey breast can be used as a substitute, but keep in mind it may need less cooking time.
Olive Oil: This adds a rich flavor to the marinate. If you’re out, any neutral oil like canola can work, but extra virgin olive oil has the best taste for Mediterranean dishes.
Greek Yogurt: There’s nothing like Greek yogurt for tzatziki! If you’re dairy-free, swap it for a plant-based yogurt, just ensure it’s thick enough to hold the flavors.
Fresh Dill: Fresh is best for tzatziki, but if you don’t have it, dried dill works. Use about one-third the amount since dried herbs are stronger.
Pita Bread: While traditional for gyros, you can use flatbreads or even lettuce wraps for a low-carb option. Whole wheat pita increases the fiber content if that’s your preference.
How Do I Get Perfectly Grilled Chicken?
Getting that juicy, well-cooked chicken is all about the marinating and cooking techniques. Here’s what to do:
- Slice the chicken into thin strips to help them absorb the marinade better.
- Don’t skip the marination time! Let it sit at least 1 hour, but longer is better for flavor.
- When cooking, preheat your skillet or grill to medium-high. This helps sear the chicken and lock in the juices.
- Cook the chicken for about 4-5 minutes on each side. The key is not to overcrowd the pan to maintain that nice char.
Lastly, let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This preserves moisture and gives you juicy bites in your gyros!
Mediterranean Chicken Gyros
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Gyros:
- 4 pita breads or flatbreads
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, finely diced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced (for tzatziki)
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce
- 1/2 cup chopped red onion
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber slices
- Optional: kalamata olives, sliced
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and requires at least 1 hour to marinate the chicken. Cooking the chicken takes about 10 minutes, and assembling the gyros will take another 5 minutes. In total, you’ll want to set aside about 1 hour and 30 minutes for marination and cooking, plus any additional time for chilling the tzatziki sauce.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken Marinade:
In a bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips so they soak up the flavors better. Coat the strips in the marinade until they are well covered. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but if you have time, let it marinate for 2-3 hours for even more flavor!
3. Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
In a separate small bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, finely diced cucumber, minced garlic, dill, and lemon juice. Stir everything together until it’s well mixed. Adjust the salt if needed, cover, and refrigerate until you’re ready to use it.
4. Cook the Chicken:
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken strips. Cook them for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until they are fully cooked and have nice char marks. Make sure they’re no longer pink inside!
5. Warm the Pita:
While the chicken is cooking, warm the pita breads on a dry skillet or in the oven just until they are soft and easier to work with.
6. Assemble the Gyros:
Lay a warm pita flat on your plate. Start layering it with chopped romaine lettuce, cucumber slices, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and the grilled chicken strips. Don’t forget to save some space for sauce!
7. Add Toppings:
Spoon a generous amount of tzatziki sauce over the top. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top, and if you like, add some kalamata olives for extra flavor.
8. Wrap and Serve:
Fold the pita over the fillings to create your gyro wrap. Enjoy your Mediterranean Chicken Gyros immediately while they’re warm. They make a delicious meal, especially when served with a side of fries or a fresh Greek salad!
Bon appétit!
Can I Use Chicken Thighs Instead of Breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great alternative as they’re more flavorful and stay juicy during cooking. Just be sure to check for doneness; they may take a couple of extra minutes to cook through compared to breasts.
How Can I Make This Recipe Gluten-Free?
No problem! You can use gluten-free pita or flatbreads instead. Many brands make excellent gluten-free options that work just as well in this recipe.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
To store leftovers, place the remaining ingredients in airtight containers. The chicken can be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the tzatziki sauce will hold up well for about 5 days. Just keep the pita and fresh ingredients separate until you’re ready to enjoy again!
What Can I Substitute for Greek Yogurt in the Tzatziki?
If you’re looking for a substitute for Greek yogurt, you can use sour cream for a similar tangy flavor. For a dairy-free option, try coconut yogurt or a thick cashew cream; just add a splash of lemon juice for acidity!