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This creamy Mediterranean chicken gyros recipe brings the authentic flavors of Greek street food right to your home kitchen. The combination of tender marinated chicken, warm pita bread, and homemade feta tzatziki creates a restaurant-quality meal that's surprisingly easy to prepare any night of the week.
I discovered this recipe during my travels through Greece and have perfected it over countless family dinners. My children now request these gyros instead of takeout, which I consider the ultimate culinary victory.
Ingredients
- Chicken Breast: boneless and skinless chicken provides lean protein and absorbs the marinade beautifully. Look for plump pieces of uniform thickness.
- Olive Oil: use extra virgin for the authentic Mediterranean flavor and health benefits. A high quality oil makes a noticeable difference.
- Garlic: fresh minced garlic provides aromatic depth. Choose firm bulbs with tight skin for the most potent flavor.
- Dried Oregano: authentic Greek oregano has a more robust flavor than Italian varieties. The earthy notes pair perfectly with the chicken.
- Salt and Pepper: kosher salt and freshly ground pepper enhance all the other flavors. Be generous with both.
- Pita Bread: look for thick, soft pitas that can hold the fillings without tearing. Authentic Greek pitas are ideal.
- Cucumber: provides refreshing crunch in the tzatziki. Choose firm cucumbers with minimal seeds for best texture.
- Greek Yogurt: full fat yogurt makes the creamiest tzatziki. The tanginess balances the rich chicken perfectly.
- Feta Cheese: traditional Greek feta made from sheep's milk offers the most authentic flavor. The creamy saltiness elevates the tzatziki.
- Lemon Juice: fresh squeezed brightens all the flavors. The acidity cuts through the richness of the yogurt and feta.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Combine olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a large bowl, whisking to integrate all flavors. Add chicken breasts and massage the marinade into every surface, ensuring complete coverage. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, though 2 hours will develop deeper flavor. The acid from the lemon begins tenderizing the protein while the herbs infuse throughout.
- Prepare the Tzatziki:
- Grate cucumber using the large holes of a box grater, then place in a colander set over a bowl. Sprinkle with salt and allow to drain for 10 minutes. This critical step removes excess moisture that would otherwise make your sauce watery. Using clean hands, squeeze cucumber firmly to extract remaining liquid. Combine drained cucumber with Greek yogurt, crumbled feta, lemon juice, and season with salt and pepper. Stir thoroughly until completely incorporated, then refrigerate to allow flavors to meld while you prepare the chicken.
- Grill the Chicken:
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium high heat. Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Place chicken on the hot grill and cook undisturbed for 6 7 minutes until grill marks appear. Flip once and continue cooking until internal temperature reaches exactly 75°C or 165°F. Transfer to a cutting board and allow to rest for 5 minutes, which ensures the juices redistribute throughout the meat. Slice into thin strips against the grain for maximum tenderness.
- Prepare the Pita:
- Place pita bread directly on the warm grill for approximately 60 seconds per side. Watch carefully as they can quickly go from perfectly warmed to overly crisp. The ideal pita should be warm and pliable with slight char marks. Remove and immediately wrap in a clean kitchen towel to maintain warmth and softness until serving.
- Assemble the Gyros:
- Lay each warmed pita flat and arrange sliced chicken down the center, leaving room around the edges for folding. Add your desired fresh toppings such as sliced tomatoes, red onion, and lettuce. Generously spoon the feta tzatziki over the chicken, allowing it to coat all components. Carefully fold the bottom edge up, then wrap the sides around to create a secure handheld meal. Serve immediately with additional tzatziki on the side for dipping.
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The secret to this recipe's success lies in the feta cheese added to the traditional tzatziki. I discovered this variation at a small family restaurant on a Greek island, where the owner proudly shared that the creamy addition was her grandmother's special touch. Ever since that meal, I've never made tzatziki without feta.
Make-Ahead Tips
The tzatziki sauce actually improves when made 24 hours in advance. The flavors meld together beautifully and the texture becomes even creamier. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days.
Chicken can be marinated overnight for maximum flavor development. The acid in the lemon juice works with the olive oil to create incredibly tender meat. Simply prepare the marinade the night before, add the chicken, and refrigerate until cooking time.
Serving Suggestions
Create a Mediterranean feast by serving these gyros alongside a classic Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and kalamata olives dressed simply with olive oil and lemon juice.
For an authentic experience, pair with crispy Greek lemon potatoes or a side of warm rice pilaf seasoned with fresh herbs. The starchy sides complement the protein filled gyros perfectly.
Ingredient Substitutions
Replace chicken with lamb, beef, or even portobello mushrooms for vegetarians. The marinade works beautifully with any protein, though cooking times will vary accordingly.
No Greek yogurt available? Labneh or even sour cream can work in the tzatziki, though the flavor profile will shift slightly. Just ensure whatever dairy you choose has a thick, creamy consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
- → How do I marinate the chicken for gyros?
Combine olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Coat the chicken evenly and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes or overnight for deeper flavor.
- → What is the key to creamy feta tzatziki?
Grate cucumber, salt it, and remove excess moisture before mixing with Greek yogurt, crumbled feta, lemon juice, and seasoning. Refrigerate for a chilled, creamy texture.
- → Can I make these gyros gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free pita bread as a substitute for traditional pita to make the dish gluten-free.
- → How should I cook the chicken for best results?
Grill the marinated chicken on medium-high heat for 6-7 minutes per side until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Let it rest before slicing.
- → What toppings can I add to my gyros?
Add fresh toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, and even a sprinkle of parsley for extra flavor and texture.
- → Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can marinate the chicken and prepare the tzatziki a day in advance. Assemble the gyros just before serving to maintain freshness and texture.