Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of the Mediterranean right to your kitchen. This recipe is a perfect blend of marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy tzatziki sauce. It’s quick to prepare, healthy, and tastes amazing, making it a great option for family meals or casual gatherings. Whether you are looking for a tasty weeknight dinner or a fun weekend treat, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to make Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki. First, it’s an incredibly flavorful dish. The marination of the chicken infuses it with the tastes of olive oil, garlic, and oregano, giving it a wonderful depth. Second, it is a healthy choice. Chicken thighs are tender and juicy without being overly greasy, and the fresh vegetables add essential vitamins and nutrients.
Third, this recipe is versatile and can be customized to suit your personal preference. You can easily add or substitute your favorite vegetables or even vary the tzatziki sauce. Lastly, it’s a fun meal to make, especially if you get the whole family involved in assembling the gyros. Making this dish can turn dinner into a mini celebration!
Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki
Ingredients
Method
- In a bowl, mix together the olive oil, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the boneless, skinless chicken thighs to the bowl and coat them well with the marinade. Cover the bowl and let it sit for at least 30 minutes.
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the marinated chicken thighs in the skillet. Cook each side for about 5 to 7 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- In a bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt, crumbled feta cheese, lemon juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until it is smooth and creamy.
- Once the chicken is cooked, take it off the heat and let it rest for a minute. Then, slice the chicken into strips.
- Take a pita bread and spread a generous amount of tzatziki sauce on it. Add a few strips of the cooked chicken, then top with halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion. Roll up your pita and enjoy!
Nutrition
Notes
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Let us know how it was!How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki
Making Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki is easy and straightforward. Follow these simple steps to create a delicious meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
To make this recipe, you will need the following ingredients:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4 pita breads
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Fresh parsley for garnish
Directions
Marinate the Chicken: Begin by preparing the chicken. In a bowl, mix together the olive oil, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the boneless, skinless chicken thighs to the bowl and coat them well with the marinade. Cover the bowl and let it sit for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, marinating for a few hours will enhance the flavor even more.
Cook the Chicken: After marinating, heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the marinated chicken thighs in the skillet. Cook each side for about 5 to 7 minutes until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Make sure to handle the chicken carefully to keep it juicy and tender.
Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: While the chicken is cooking, you can make the tzatziki sauce. In a bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt, crumbled feta cheese, lemon juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Mix everything together until it is smooth and creamy.
Slice the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked, take it off the heat and let it rest for a minute. Then, slice the chicken into strips. This will make it easy to assemble your gyros.
Assemble the Gyros: Now comes the fun part! Take a pita bread and spread a generous amount of tzatziki sauce on it. Add a few strips of the cooked chicken, then top with halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, and thinly sliced red onion. Roll up your pita and enjoy!
How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki
Serving Mediterranean Chicken Gyros is as easy as enjoying them. You can serve them on a platter or individually for a more personal touch. Consider adding extra tzatziki sauce in small bowls for dipping. You might also offer sides like Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or a light soup. Fresh parsley can be sprinkled on top of the gyros for a pop of color and added freshness.
This dish is perfect for casual get-togethers or family dinners. Encourage everyone to build their own gyros with their favorite toppings. It adds a fun, interactive element to the meal that everyone will enjoy.
How to Store Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki
If you have leftovers, properly storing them is key to keeping them fresh. Here’s how to store your Mediterranean Chicken Gyros:
Chicken: Allow the cooked chicken to cool completely. Place it in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay good for about 3-4 days.
Tzatziki Sauce: Store the tzatziki sauce in a separate airtight container in the fridge. It will last for about a week.
Vegetables: If you have leftover vegetables, store them in a covered container in the refrigerator. Use them within a few days for the best flavor.
When you are ready to enjoy your leftovers, simply reheat the chicken in a skillet or microwave, and assemble the gyros again with fresh pita and toppings.
Tips to Make Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki
Marination is Key: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken longer if you can. Overnight marination gives the spices time to soak into the meat.
Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh veggies when making your gyros. They enhance the taste and texture.
Adjust the Spices: If you prefer a spicier kick, try adding paprika or red pepper flakes to the marinade.
Serve Warm: For the best experience, serve the gyros warm. This keeps the pita soft and the filling flavorful.
Variation
Feel free to customize your Mediterranean Chicken Gyros according to your taste. You can add ingredients like olives, arugula, or roasted red peppers for extra flavor. Additionally, swap out chicken thighs for grilled chicken breast or even shrimp for a different protein option. Vegans can substitute the chicken with grilled vegetables or tofu and use a plant-based yogurt for the tzatziki sauce.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?
Yes, you can definitely use chicken breasts. They will cook a little faster than thighs, so keep an eye on them to ensure they do not dry out.
2. How long can I keep tzatziki in the fridge?
Tzatziki sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about a week. It may separate slightly, so just give it a good stir before using.
3. Can I freeze the cooked chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken. Place it in airtight freezer bags or containers. It will keep for about three months in the freezer. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge when you are ready to use it.
With these simple steps and tips, you will have a delicious meal that everyone will love. Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki is not just a dish; it’s an experience that brings people together. Enjoy your cooking!