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This hearty Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki brings the vibrant flavors of Greece right to your kitchen table. The tender marinated chicken wrapped in warm pita bread with a cool, creamy tzatziki sauce creates a perfect balance of flavors that will transport you straight to the Mediterranean coast.
I first made these gyros during a vacation at home when I was craving Mediterranean flavors but couldn't travel. The combination of savory marinated chicken and cooling tzatziki has become our Friday tradition ever since, with my family gathering around to build their perfect wraps.
Ingredients
- Chicken Breast: Boneless and skinless provides the perfect protein base that absorbs all the Mediterranean flavors while staying juicy when cooked properly
- Olive Oil: Use extra virgin for the best flavor as it forms the base of your marinade and adds authentic Mediterranean richness
- Fresh Garlic: Essential for depth of flavor; always use fresh instead of pre-minced for the most vibrant taste
- Dried Oregano: This signature Mediterranean herb brings authenticity to the dish; look for bright green leaves with strong aroma
- Greek Yogurt: Full fat provides the creamy base for tzatziki; choose authentic Greek yogurt for proper thickness and tanginess
- Cucumber: Creates refreshing crispness in the tzatziki; use English cucumbers with fewer seeds for best results
- Feta Cheese: Adds salty creaminess; traditional Greek feta made from sheep milk offers the most authentic flavor
- Lemon Juice: Brightens all the flavors; select juicy fresh lemons and squeeze just before using
- Pita Bread: The perfect vehicle for your gyros; look for thick soft pitas that can hold all the fillings without falling apart
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl combine olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground black pepper until well mixed. Add chicken breasts ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Allow to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes but ideally 2 hours. The longer marinating time allows the acids and salt to tenderize the meat while the aromatics infuse deeply into the protein.
- Prepare the Tzatziki:
- Grate the cucumber using the large holes of a box grater. Place grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze firmly to remove excess moisture; this prevents watery tzatziki. In a medium bowl mix Greek yogurt, crumbled feta, lemon juice, and the drained cucumber. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate while cooking the chicken to allow flavors to meld together and develop complexity.
- Grill the Chicken:
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium high heat. Remove chicken from marinade letting excess drip off. Place on hot grill and cook for 6 to 7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and surface has beautiful char marks. Let rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute before slicing into thin strips across the grain to ensure tenderness.
- Warm the Pita:
- While chicken is resting, lightly brush pita bread with olive oil. Place on the still hot grill for about 30 seconds per side until warmed through and slightly charred but still soft and pliable. Warming the bread activates its flavors and makes it more flexible for wrapping.
- Assemble the Gyros:
- Lay warm pita flat on serving plate. Arrange sliced chicken in center forming a line down the middle. Top generously with tzatziki sauce, allowing it to coat the chicken. Add your preferred fresh toppings such as sliced tomatoes, red onion, and crisp lettuce. The combination of warm chicken, cold sauce, and fresh vegetables creates the perfect temperature and texture contrast.
- Wrap and Serve:
- Fold the bottom edge of the pita up slightly, then fold one side over the filling. Continue rolling until completely wrapped, securing the filling inside. Serve immediately while chicken is still warm with extra tzatziki on the side for dipping. The slight warmth of the pita helps everything meld together into the perfect bite.
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The feta cheese in the tzatziki is my secret ingredient that makes this recipe stand out. Unlike traditional tzatziki that only uses yogurt and cucumber, the addition of feta creates a richer, more complex flavor profile that perfectly complements the savory chicken. My grandmother taught me this variation when I was just learning to cook, and it has become my signature twist on the classic.
Make-Ahead Options
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility for preparation. You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to develop even further. The tzatziki sauce actually improves when made a day ahead as the flavors have time to meld together. Store both components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, simply grill the chicken, warm the pita bread, and assemble your gyros for a quick weeknight dinner that tastes like it took hours to prepare.
Perfect Pairings
Complete your Mediterranean feast with complementary side dishes that enhance the gyros experience. A simple Greek salad with ripe tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and Kalamata olives dressed with olive oil and red wine vinegar makes the perfect fresh counterpart. For a heartier meal, serve alongside crispy roasted lemon potatoes or a light tabbouleh salad. If you're hosting guests, begin the meal with hummus and warm pita triangles as an appetizer. For beverages, a crisp white wine like Assyrtiko from Greece or a light beer complements the flavors beautifully without overpowering them.
Storage and Reheating
Leftover components can be stored separately for optimal freshness. Keep the cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The tzatziki will stay fresh for up to four days when properly refrigerated. Store any unused pita bread in a sealed bag at room temperature for two days or refrigerate for longer storage. When reheating the chicken, gently warm it in a skillet with a splash of water to prevent drying out or microwave at 50% power. Always assemble gyros just before eating to maintain the perfect texture contrast between warm chicken and cool tzatziki.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I marinate the chicken for Mediterranean gyros?
Combine olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to marinate the chicken. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.
- → What is the secret to creamy feta tzatziki?
Ensure you grate the cucumber, sprinkle with salt, and drain the excess liquid before mixing it with Greek yogurt, crumbled feta, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper for added taste.
- → Can I use an outdoor grill for the chicken?
Yes! Using an outdoor grill adds a smoky flavor to the chicken that enhances the authentic Mediterranean taste.
- → How should I warm the pita bread?
Warm the pita bread on a grill or in a pan for about 1 minute on each side until it is soft and pliable, making it easier to wrap the filling.
- → What toppings can I add to my gyros?
You can add fresh lettuce, diced tomatoes, red onions, or even bell peppers to enhance the flavors and provide a colorful presentation.
- → How do I ensure juicy chicken for the gyros?
Cook the marinated chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing to retain its juices.