Description
How to make Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with tender chicken, warm pita, and creamy feta tzatziki that your family will love for a quick dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
- For the Chicken Gyros:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1/2-inch strips
- 8 pieces pita bread
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 2 lemons, juiced and zested (divided)
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 Roma tomatoes, diced
- 2 cups shredded romaine lettuce
- For the Creamy Feta Tzatziki:
- 1 large English cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
- 1.5 cups plain full-fat Greek yogurt
- 4 ounces crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- Marinade & Seasonings:
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (divided for marinade and tzatziki)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon sea salt and 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: Slice chicken thighs into 1/2-inch strips. In a bowl, combine chicken with 1/8 cup olive oil, lemon zest, half the lemon juice, half the minced garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly and let marinate for at least 15 minutes.
- Prep Tzatziki: For the tzatziki, grate the English cucumber and squeeze out excess water using a clean kitchen towel. This crucial step prevents a watery sauce. In a separate bowl, combine the dried cucumber with Greek yogurt, crumbled feta, dill, and the remaining minced garlic.
- Season Tzatziki: Stir the tzatziki ingredients until well combined and creamy. Add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste, and the remaining lemon juice. For best flavor, let this Creamy Feta Tzatziki chill in the fridge while the chicken cooks, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
- Cook Chicken: Heat the remaining 1/8 cup olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken strips in a single layer without crowding the pan. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until chicken is golden brown and cooked through. This is key for tender Mediterranean Chicken Gyros.
- Warm Pita: While the chicken cooks, warm the pita bread. You can do this quickly in a dry skillet, microwave, or oven for about 30 seconds per side until soft and pliable. This makes them perfect for wrapping your delicious gyros.
- Assemble Gyros: Lay out a warm pita. Spread a generous dollop of the Creamy Feta Tzatziki on top. Add a spoonful of the cooked chicken, then top with shredded romaine lettuce, diced tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion. Fold or roll tightly.
- Serve Gyros: Drizzle a little extra lemon juice over the assembled Mediterranean Chicken Gyros for a final zesty touch, if desired. Serve immediately with fresh parsley and enjoy this quick, flavorful dinner. These homemade gyros are sure to be a family favorite!
