Transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean with this Herb-Infused Mediterranean Chicken Gyro! Juicy chicken marinated in a blend of zesty lemon, garlic, and fragrant herbs gets tucked into warm pita with crisp veggies and a cool, creamy tzatziki sauce. It’s a burst of fresh, bold flavors that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. I love how it’s perfect for a quick lunch, a light dinner, or even a casual gathering—plus, that homemade tzatziki takes it over the top. Ready to wrap up some sunshine? Let’s get started!
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to create this Mediterranean masterpiece:
For the Chicken Marinade:
2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs) – Tender and perfect for slicing.
3 tablespoons olive oil – The base of the flavorful marinade.
Juice of 1 lemon – Bright, zesty goodness.
3 cloves garlic, minced – Bold and aromatic.
1 teaspoon dried oregano – Classic Mediterranean herb flavor.
1 teaspoon dried thyme – Earthy and warm.
1 teaspoon ground cumin – A subtle, smoky depth.
½ teaspoon paprika – Adds color and a mild kick.
½ teaspoon salt – Brings out all the flavors.
¼ teaspoon black pepper – A gentle spice boost.
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
1 cup Greek yogurt – Thick and creamy base.
½ cucumber, grated and squeezed to remove excess water – Cool and refreshing.
2 cloves garlic, minced – A garlicky punch.
1 tablespoon olive oil – Smooths it out.
1 tablespoon fresh dill or mint, chopped – Bright, herby freshness.
1 tablespoon lemon juice – A tangy lift.
Salt and pepper, to taste – Season to your liking.
For the Gyro Assembly:
4 pita or flatbreads – The perfect wrap for all that goodness.
½ red onion, thinly sliced – Sharp and crunchy.
½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved – Juicy pops of sweetness.
½ cup shredded lettuce – Fresh and crisp.
¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional) – Salty, tangy perfection.
Gather these ingredients, and you’re ready for a gyro feast!
Prep Time & Cook Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes marinating, or overnight) – Quick prep with a flavor boost from marinating.
Cook Time: 10-12 minutes – Fast cooking time.
Total Time: 25-27 minutes (plus marinating) – Fresh and fast!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Let’s make this Herb-Infused Mediterranean Chicken Gyro step by step:
Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken, coating it well in the marinade. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes—or refrigerate overnight for maximum flavor.
Cook the Chicken: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp of 165°F/74°C). Let it rest for a few minutes, then slice into thin strips.
Make the Tzatziki Sauce: In a bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, grated and squeezed cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, chopped dill or mint, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Pop it in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble.
Assemble the Gyro: Warm the pita or flatbreads (a quick toast in the skillet works great). Layer each with shredded lettuce, sliced red onion, halved cherry tomatoes, and the sliced chicken. Drizzle generously with tzatziki sauce and sprinkle with crumbled feta, if using.
Serve & Enjoy: Fold the pita around the fillings and wrap in parchment paper for easy eating. Serve immediately with extra tzatziki on the side!
Tips & Tricks
Make your gyro even better with these pointers:
Marinate Longer: Overnight marinating makes the chicken extra juicy and flavorful—worth the wait!
Cucumber Trick: Squeeze the grated cucumber in a clean towel to avoid a watery tzatziki.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes to the marinade for a little heat.
Chicken Swap: Thighs work great if you prefer darker, juicier meat.
Feta Boost: Mix some feta into the tzatziki for an extra tangy twist.
Serving Suggestions
This gyro is a meal in itself, but these sides make it a Mediterranean feast:
Greek Salad: Tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta with a lemon-oregano dressing.
Crispy Fries: Golden fries with a sprinkle of sea salt—classic gyro vibes.
Hummus & Pita: A side of hummus with extra pita for dipping.
Iced Mint Tea: A refreshing drink to cool the palate.
Storage & Reheating
Here’s how to enjoy leftovers (if you’ve got any!):
Storage: Store chicken, tzatziki, and toppings separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Pita is best fresh but can be stored for a day.
Reheating: Warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes or microwave in 30-second bursts. Reheat pita briefly in a skillet or oven. Assemble fresh.
Freezing: Freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months—thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat. Tzatziki doesn’t freeze well, so make it fresh.
Nutrition Info
This gyro is fresh and satisfying! Here’s an approximate breakdown per serving (based on 4 servings):
Calories: 450 kcal
Protein: 32g – From the chicken and yogurt.
Fat: 22g (Saturated Fat: 5g) – Mostly from the oil and feta (if used).
Carbohydrates: 32g – From the pita and veggies.
Fiber: 3g – A bit from the veggies and pita.
Sugar: 4g – Naturally occurring in the tomatoes and yogurt.
Sodium: 900mg – Varies with salt and feta; adjust to taste.
Note: Values are estimates and depend on specific brands or portion sizes.
Final Thoughts
This Herb-Infused Mediterranean Chicken Gyro is a fresh, flavorful wrap that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. The juicy, herb-marinated chicken paired with creamy tzatziki and crisp veggies is a combo that never gets old—it’s like a little taste of the Mediterranean sun. Perfect for a quick meal or a casual get-together, it’s a recipe you’ll want to keep in your rotation. Give it a try, and let me know how it turns out—or if you add your own spin! Happy cooking!
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