1. Marinate the Chicken
- Prepare the Marinade:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, ground cumin, paprika, ground coriander, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Place the chicken thighs or breasts in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
- Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well coated.
- Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
2. Prepare the Creamy Feta Tzatziki
- Grate the Cucumber:
- Grate the cucumber and place it in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Squeeze out the excess water to prevent the tzatziki from becoming too watery.
- Make the Tzatziki:
- In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, crumbled feta cheese, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, and chopped fresh dill or mint.
- Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
3. Cook the Chicken
- Grill the Chicken:
- Preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. If using a grill, preheat to medium-high heat.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade, allowing any excess to drip off.
- Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
- Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing into thin strips.
4. Assemble the Gyros
- Warm the Pita Bread:
- Warm the pita bread or flatbreads on the grill or in a skillet for about 1 minute per side until soft and pliable.
- Assemble the Gyros:
- Lay the warm pita bread flat and spread a generous amount of creamy feta tzatziki in the center.
- Add a handful of shredded lettuce, a few slices of red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, and sliced kalamata olives (if using).
- Top with slices of the cooked chicken.
- Garnish with fresh dill or parsley if desired.
- Serve:
- Fold the pita bread around the filling and serve immediately.
Tips for Perfect Gyros
- Marinate Well: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 1 hour, but overnight is best for maximum flavor.
- Squeeze the Cucumber: Ensure you squeeze out as much water as possible from the grated cucumber to keep the tzatziki thick and creamy.
- Warm the Pita: Warming the pita bread makes it more pliable and easier to fold around the fillings.
Variations to Try
- Lamb Gyros: Substitute chicken with thinly sliced lamb for a traditional gyro flavor.
- Vegetarian Gyros: Use grilled vegetables or falafel as a substitute for the chicken.
- Spicy Tzatziki: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños to the tzatziki for a spicy kick.
Conclusion
Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki are a delicious and satisfying meal that brings the flavors of the Mediterranean to your table. With tender marinated chicken, fresh veggies, and creamy feta tzatziki, these gyros are sure to become a favorite.
Key Takeaway
The secret to perfect Chicken Gyros lies in the flavorful marinade, fresh ingredients, and creamy feta tzatziki. By following this guide, you’ll create delicious and authentic gyros every time.
We hope you found this guide helpful and inspiring. Enjoy your Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki!