If you’re searching for a quick yet delicious dinner option, look no further than this Mediterranean Chicken Gyro recipe. It’s a vibrant dish that brings together marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, and a creamy tzatziki sauce, all wrapped in warm pita bread. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe is ready in just 30 minutes – plus some marinating time – which makes it ideal when you need to whip up something flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of herbs and spices in the marinade infuses the chicken with a rich, savory flavor that is sure to impress your family or guests.
What makes the Mediterranean Chicken Gyro even more appealing is its versatility. You can easily customize the toppings and ingredients based on your preferences or what you have on hand. Whether you prefer more veggies, different spices, or additional sauces, this simple recipe allows you to get creative without compromising on taste. Moreover, with the inclusion of fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, and a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce, each bite is not only delicious but also refreshing.
As you dive into this culinary journey, you’ll discover how easy it is to savor the flavors of the Mediterranean right from your kitchen. Get ready to enjoy a delightful meal that’s wholesome, quick, and utterly satisfying. Enjoy the adventure of making your own chicken gyros at home!
Why You’ll Love This Mediterranean Chicken Gyro
- Quick Preparation: This dish can be made in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorsome: The aromatic marinade elevates the chicken, ensuring each bite bursts with flavor.
- Customizable: Adjust the toppings and ingredients to suit your taste and dietary preferences.
- Balanced Meal: Featuring protein, wholesome vegetables, and healthy fats, it’s a well-rounded choice.
- Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this easy-to-eat, handheld meal.
Preparation Phase & Tools to Use
Before you start cooking your Mediterranean Chicken Gyros, it’s essential to prepare your workspace and gather your ingredients. Make sure to have a clean cooking area, and if possible, do some simple batch prep for your veggies and marinade. For this recipe, you’ll need a few key tools:
- Grill or Skillet: A grill will give the chicken beautiful grill marks, while a skillet can achieve similar results inside
- Large Bowl: For marinating the chicken, a large bowl is necessary to ensure the chicken is well-coated.
- Medium Bowl: This is for mixing the tzatziki sauce ingredients.
- Grater: Essential for preparing the cucumber for the tzatziki sauce.
- Knife and Cutting Board: To slice your chicken and vegetables for easy assembly.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat)
- 1 medium cucumber, grated & squeezed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (for sauce)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for sauce)
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt to taste (for sauce)
- 4 large pita breads or flatbreads
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup lettuce, shredded
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Olive oil for drizzling
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
To kick off this scrumptious meal, first, you need to prepare the marinade. In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk these ingredients together until they are thoroughly blended.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Once your marinade is ready, add the chicken thighs (or breasts) to the bowl. Ensure each piece of meat is well-coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken to a resealable plastic bag for better marination. Place it in the refrigerator for at least one hour, or better yet, overnight if you can. This allows the flavors to penetrate and tenderize the chicken.
Step 3: Make the Tzatziki Sauce
While the chicken is marinating, you can work on the beloved tzatziki sauce. In a medium bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (make sure to squeeze out excess moisture), minced garlic, olive oil, fresh dill, lemon juice, and salt. Stir the mixture until it forms a smooth sauce. This can be stored in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Once the chicken has marinated, it’s time to cook it. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or prepare your skillet with a little olive oil over medium heat. Grill the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side until fully cooked with an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If you prefer, you can also bake the chicken in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 to 25 minutes or pan-sear in a skillet.
Step 5: Rest and Slice the Chicken
Once the chicken is done cooking, let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps retain juices and makes for more tender bites. After resting, slice the chicken into strips, making it easy to stuff into the pita.
Step 6: Warm the Pita Bread
Heat the pita breads on the grill or in a skillet for approximately 1 minute on each side. Warm pita bread makes it easy to fold and hold your delicious fillings!
Step 7: Assemble Your Gyros
Now comes the fun part! To assemble your gyros, take a warm pita, and fill it with slices of grilled chicken, shredded lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onions, and crumbled feta. Generously top it off with the tzatziki sauce, drizzle a little olive oil, and if you like, garnish with fresh parsley.
Variations
- Protein: Substitute chicken for lamb, beef, or even grilled vegetables for a vegetarian option.
- Vegetables: Add roasted red peppers, cucumbers, or any preferred greens to enhance the topping.
- Spices: To spice things up, add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the marinade for a kick.
Cooking Notes
- Be sure to marinate the chicken overnight for maximum flavor.
- Don’t skip the resting time for the chicken; it ensures juicy results.
- If you don’t have a grill, a cast-iron skillet works perfectly for cooking the chicken.
Serving Suggestions
- Pair your gyros with a side of Greek salad or roasted vegetables.
- For a refreshing drink, serve with a classic Mediterranean lemonade.
Tips
- Try using homemade pita bread for an extra special touch.
- Customize your tzatziki by adding mint or changing up the herbs for added flavor.
- Keep the leftover tzatziki sauce for dipping vegetables or chips.
Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes (not including marinating)
Nutritional Information
- Calories: Approximately 500 per serving
- Protein: 32g
- Sodium: Varies based on added salt and feta cheese
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs?
Yes! Chicken breasts can be used, but thighs usually provide a richer flavor and juicier texture.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pita bread or serve the chicken and toppings on a gluten-free salad.
Can I make this gyro ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken ahead of time and prepare the tzatziki sauce in advance. Store them separately and assemble the gyros just before serving.
What should I do with leftover tzatziki sauce?
Leftover tzatziki sauce is great as a dip with veggies, on sandwiches, or as a dressing for salads!
Conclusion
In conclusion, making Mediterranean Chicken Gyros at home is not only simple but also deliciously satisfying. This recipe brings together vibrant flavors and fresh ingredients to create a meal that your family will love. With its quick prep time and the ability to customize to your heart’s content, you can easily make this dish a staple in your dinner rotation. Don’t forget the delicious tzatziki sauce, which truly makes these gyros stand out. Share your experience with us—try this recipe, make it your own, and let your friends and family enjoy the wonderful taste of the Mediterranean right in your own kitchen!
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Mediterranean Chicken Gyros
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Mediterranean Chicken Gyro recipe is a must-try for a quick and delicious dinner!
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat)
- 1 medium cucumber, grated & squeezed
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (for sauce)
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for sauce)
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt to taste (for sauce)
- 4 large pita breads or flatbreads
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup lettuce, shredded
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Olive oil for drizzling
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- To kick off this scrumptious meal, prepare the marinade by combining the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Whisk until thoroughly blended.
- Add the chicken thighs (or breasts) to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover tightly with plastic wrap or transfer to a resealable plastic bag and refrigerate for at least one hour, or overnight for better flavor.
- While the chicken is marinating, prepare the tzatziki sauce by mixing Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, fresh dill, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a medium bowl until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or prepare a skillet with olive oil over medium heat. Grill the chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side until cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C). Alternatively, bake in a 400°F (200°C) oven for 20 to 25 minutes.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips for easy stuffing into the pita.
- Warm pita breads on the grill or in a skillet for about 1 minute per side.
- Assemble your gyros by filling warm pita with grilled chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and feta. Drizzle with tzatziki sauce and garnish with parsley if desired.
Notes
Marinate the chicken overnight for maximum flavor and ensure to let it rest after cooking for juicy results.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: 500 kcal
- Sodium: Varies based on added salt and feta cheese
- Protein: 32 g