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This hearty Mediterranean Chicken Gyros recipe brings authentic Greek flavors to your home kitchen without the hassle of a plane ticket. The combination of perfectly marinated chicken, warm pita, and tangy feta tzatziki creates a balanced meal that's both satisfying and refreshing.
I discovered this recipe during a cooking class in Santorini and have been perfecting it for my family ever since. My teenagers now request these gyros instead of fast food when they want something quick and flavorful.
Ingredients
- Chicken Breast: boneless and skinless chicken provides a lean protein base that absorbs the Mediterranean marinade beautifully
- Olive Oil: use extra virgin for the best flavor as it forms the foundation of the marinade
- Garlic: fresh minced cloves add essential aromatic quality look for firm bulbs with tight skin
- Dried Oregano: authentic Greek seasoning that gives the distinctive Mediterranean character
- Salt and Pepper: enhances all other flavors use sea salt for best results
- Pita Bread: the perfect vessel for your gyro fillings choose thick Greek style if available
- Cucumber: adds essential freshness and crunch select firm ones with bright green skin
- Greek Yogurt: creates the creamy base for tzatziki choose full fat for the richest texture
- Feta Cheese: adds salty tanginess that elevates the tzatziki traditional Greek feta works best
- Lemon Juice: brightens all flavors fresh squeezed makes a noticeable difference
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Combine olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl until well blended. Add your chicken breasts and use your hands to massage the marinade into every surface. The acid from the lemon will begin tenderizing the meat immediately, while the oregano infuses it with classic Greek flavor. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, though overnight marination will deepen the flavors significantly.
- Prepare the Feta Tzatziki:
- Grate the cucumber using the large holes of a box grater, then place in a colander. Sprinkle with a generous pinch of salt and let it sit for 10 minutes this draws out excess moisture that would otherwise make your sauce watery. Squeeze the cucumber firmly with your hands until no more liquid comes out. In a mixing bowl, combine the dried cucumber with Greek yogurt, crumbled feta, lemon juice, and seasoning. The feta adds a distinctive salty richness that traditional tzatziki doesn't have. Refrigerate until ready to serve, allowing flavors to meld.
- Grill the Chicken:
- Preheat your grill or stovetop grill pan to medium high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and place on the hot surface. Cook undisturbed for 6 7 minutes until golden brown grill marks form. Flip once and cook another 6 7 minutes until the internal temperature reaches exactly 75°C or 165°F. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing against the grain. This resting period allows juices to redistribute through the meat.
- Warm the Pita:
- While the chicken rests, place pita bread directly on the grill for about 30 60 seconds per side. You want them warm and slightly softened with faint grill marks, but not crispy. Immediately wrap warmed pitas in a clean kitchen towel to keep them pliable and prevent them from drying out.
- Assemble the Gyros:
- Lay a warm pita flat and place several slices of the grilled chicken down the center, leaving border room for folding. Add your desired fresh toppings like sliced tomatoes, red onion, and extra cucumber. Generously drizzle with the feta tzatziki sauce. Fold the bottom edge up slightly, then roll from one side to create a secure wrap. Secure with parchment paper or foil if serving on the go.
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The feta cheese in the tzatziki is my secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered this variation at a small family restaurant in Mykonos, where the owner insisted that adding feta to tzatziki was the only proper way to serve gyros. After one bite, I was completely converted and have never gone back to regular tzatziki since.
Make-Ahead Options
The beauty of this recipe lies in its convenience for meal prep. You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, which actually improves the flavor profile considerably. The feta tzatziki can also be prepared up to three days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a quick stir before serving as some liquid separation may occur. For complete meal prep, slice the grilled chicken after cooling and store separately from the tzatziki and pita. This way, you can quickly assemble fresh gyros throughout the week without any loss of quality.
Authentic Variations
Traditional Greek gyros typically use pork or a lamb-beef mixture cooked on a vertical rotisserie, but chicken has become increasingly popular for its accessibility and leaner profile. For a more authentic experience, consider adding traditional Greek toppings like kalamata olives, pepperoncini, or a sprinkle of sumac. In northern Greece, gyros often include french fries tucked right into the wrap a delightful addition that adds unexpected texture and comfort. If you want to go fully authentic, replace the pita with Greek flatbread known as 'lagana' which has a slightly different texture and flavor profile.
Serving Suggestions
These gyros pair beautifully with simple Mediterranean sides to create a complete feast. A classic Greek salad with chunks of cucumber, tomato, red onion, and additional feta makes a natural companion. For a starchy side, try lemon-oregano roasted potatoes or a simple rice pilaf with herbs. If you're hosting guests, consider setting up a gyro bar where everyone can assemble their own with various toppings. Complement the meal with a crisp white wine like Assyrtiko from Santorini or a light Greek beer such as Mythos for an authentic Mediterranean dining experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → What type of chicken is best for gyros?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work best for gyros as they are easy to marinate and cook evenly on a grill.
- → How do I prepare the feta tzatziki?
Grate cucumber, salt it, and squeeze out the excess moisture. Mix with Greek yogurt, crumbled feta, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- → Can I use store-bought pita bread?
Yes, store-bought pita bread is a convenient option. Warm it on a grill or stovetop for added flavor.
- → How long should I marinate the chicken?
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but 2 hours or overnight is ideal.
- → What toppings pair best with gyros?
Fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, and cucumbers complement the flavors of chicken gyros beautifully.