Mediterranean Delight: Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki

📜 Description:

This Mediterranean classic features marinated grilled chicken wrapped in warm pita bread and topped with a cool, creamy cucumber tzatziki sauce. Packed with bright herbs, garlic, and lemon, these gyros offer a perfect harmony of savory and refreshing flavors. Ideal for a weeknight dinner or a festive summer lunch!

🍗 Ingredients for Mediterranean Delight: Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 500g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 3 garlic cloves, minced

• 1 tsp dried oregano

• ½ tsp cumin

• ½ tsp smoked paprika

• Salt & pepper to taste

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt

• ½ cucumber, grated and drained

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill or mint

• Salt to taste

For the Gyros Assembly:

• 4–6 pita breads (preferably warm)

• Sliced red onions

• Diced tomatoes

• Shredded lettuce

• Feta cheese (optional)

• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

🔪 Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:

• In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.

• Add chicken and coat well. Marinate for at least 1 hour (preferably 3–4 hours or overnight for deeper flavor).

2. Prepare the Tzatziki:

• Grate the cucumber, squeeze out excess moisture using a cheesecloth or paper towel.

• In a bowl, mix yogurt, cucumber, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, dill or mint, and salt. Chill until ready to serve.

3. Cook the Chicken:

• Grill or pan-fry the marinated chicken over medium-high heat for 5–6 minutes per side or until fully cooked.

• Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.

4. Assemble the Gyros:

• Warm the pita breads.

• Add sliced chicken, a generous spoon of tzatziki, red onion, tomatoes, lettuce, and feta if using.

• Garnish with parsley and serve wrapped or open-faced.

📝 Notes:

• Greek yogurt gives the best texture and tang for tzatziki.

• Use chicken thighs for more juiciness, but breasts work for a leaner option.

• You can add olives or pickled onions for a flavor kick.

• Pitas can be wrapped in foil for easy handling and less mess.

💡 Tips:

• Marinating overnight enhances flavor and tenderness.

• For a low-carb version, serve over a salad instead of pita.

• Tzatziki keeps in the fridge for up to 3 days—great for meal prep!

• To make this vegetarian: substitute chicken with grilled halloumi or falafel.

🍽️ Servings:

4 to 6 gyros (depending on size and filling)

🧾 Nutritional Info (Approx. per gyro):

• Calories: 420

• Protein: 32g

• Carbs: 30g

• Fat: 20g

• Fiber: 3g

• Sugar: 4g

• Sodium: 500mg

🌿 Benefits:

• High in protein and moderate in healthy fats.

• Fresh herbs and lemon provide antioxidants.

• Greek yogurt is rich in probiotics and calcium.

• Balanced meal: protein + healthy fats + veggies + carbs.

❓ Q&A:

Q: Can I use store-bought tzatziki?
A: Yes, but homemade has more vibrant flavor and lets you control the ingredients.

Q: What’s the best pita to use?
A: Look for soft, thick pitas or Greek flatbreads that can hold the filling without tearing.

Q: Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?
A: Absolutely. Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Q: Can I freeze the cooked chicken?
A: Yes! Freeze sliced chicken in airtight containers for up to 2 months.