Quick Mediterranean Chicken Gyros

$- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 2 teaspoons dried oregano - 1 teaspoon garlic powder - Salt and pepper to taste - 4 whole wheat pita breads - 1 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade) - 1 cup cucumber, diced - 1 cup tomatoes, diced - 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced - Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish The chicken is the star of this dish. Choose fresh chicken for the best taste. Olive oil adds richness while oregano brings the Mediterranean vibe. Garlic powder gives a lovely depth of flavor. Salt and pepper balance all the ingredients. Whole wheat pita is a healthy choice. Tzatziki adds creaminess and cools the spices. Fresh veggies like cucumber, tomatoes, and red onion add crunch and freshness. Don’t forget the parsley for a pop of color! - Feta cheese, crumbled - Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced - Bell peppers, sliced - Avocado, sliced Adding feta cheese gives a salty kick. Kalamata olives add a briny touch that works well. Bell peppers add sweetness and color. Avocado can give a creamy texture that many enjoy. - Chicken: Use turkey or tofu for a different protein. - Olive oil: Can be replaced with avocado oil for a similar taste. - Whole wheat pita: Try regular pita or gluten-free wraps. - Tzatziki: Use Greek yogurt mixed with lemon juice and herbs as a quick swap. These substitutes keep the dish delicious while catering to different diets. You can easily adjust the recipe to fit what you have at home. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by slicing the chicken breasts into strips. In a bowl, mix the chicken with olive oil, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. This blend gives the chicken great flavor. Toss the chicken well to coat it evenly. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes. If you have more time, marinate it for up to an hour in the fridge. This step makes the chicken juicy and tasty. Next, heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken strips to the pan. Cook the chicken for about 7 to 10 minutes. Stir occasionally to cook it evenly. Look for a golden brown color. Make sure the chicken is cooked through before removing it from heat. This step gives you tender, flavorful chicken. While the chicken cooks, it's time to warm the pitas. Use a toaster or skillet to heat them. Warm each pita for about 1 minute on each side. This softens the bread and makes it easy to fold. Warm pitas are key for great gyros. Now, take a warm pita and spread a generous amount of tzatziki sauce on it. Next, layer the cooked chicken strips on top. Add diced cucumbers, tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion. These fresh veggies add crunch and flavor. This is where the magic happens, and your gyros start to come together. Finally, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top of your filled pita. This adds a refreshing touch. Roll up the pita tightly to secure the filling inside. Repeat this process with the remaining pitas. Serve them warm with extra tzatziki on the side for dipping. Enjoy the deliciousness of your quick Mediterranean chicken gyros! To get juicy chicken, marinate it well. Let the chicken sit in the marinade for at least 15 minutes. If you have more time, marinate it for an hour in the fridge. This helps the chicken soak up all the flavor. When cooking, use medium-high heat. This gives a nice golden color without drying it out. Stir the chicken occasionally while cooking. This ensures even cooking and avoids burning. Making tzatziki at home is simple. You need just a few ingredients. Combine 1 cup of plain yogurt with 1 cup of diced cucumber. Add 1 clove of minced garlic and a squeeze of lemon juice. Mix well and season with salt and pepper. Let it chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend and taste fresh. You can also add some chopped fresh dill for extra flavor. Serve your gyros right after assembling. They taste best warm. You can add a side of extra tzatziki for dipping. Consider adding a fresh salad on the side. A simple salad with lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers pairs well. For a twist, add some feta cheese or olives. You can also wrap the gyros in parchment paper. This makes them easy to hold and eat on the go. Pro Tips Marination Time: Allowing the chicken to marinate for an hour will enhance the flavor significantly. The longer it sits, the more the spices will infuse into the meat. Perfectly Cooked Chicken: To ensure the chicken is juicy, avoid overcrowding the skillet. Cook in batches if necessary, and use a meat thermometer to check for doneness (165°F/75°C). Warm Pitas: Warming the pita bread helps prevent tearing. Consider lightly brushing them with olive oil and toasting for added flavor and texture. Customizable Toppings: Feel free to add other toppings like olives, feta cheese, or roasted peppers to make your gyros even more flavorful and colorful! {{image_2}} You can make a tasty vegetarian version of gyros. Use grilled veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms. You can also try falafel for a protein kick. Just replace the chicken with these ingredients. Marinate them in olive oil, oregano, and garlic for great flavor. This way, you can enjoy all the yummy tastes without meat. Tzatziki is classic, but there are other sauces too. Try hummus for a creamy texture. You can also use a spicy tahini sauce for a kick. This adds a new layer of flavor to your gyros. Experiment with different sauces to find what you love most. You can even mix sauces for a fun twist! Add more flavor by including tasty extras. Crumbled feta cheese gives a salty bite. Black olives add a briny touch. You can also toss in some roasted red peppers for sweetness. These add-ins make your gyros more exciting and colorful. Feel free to mix and match to create your perfect meal. To keep your leftover gyros fresh, place them in an airtight container. Make sure to separate the chicken from the pita and veggies. This way, the pita stays soft and the chicken stays juicy. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you have extra tzatziki sauce, keep it in a separate container. When you're ready to enjoy your leftover gyros, heat the chicken in a pan over medium heat. Cook it for about five minutes, stirring often, until it's warm. You can also microwave the chicken for about one minute. If you like, warm the pita in a toaster or skillet for a minute. This makes it soft again. You can freeze the chicken and pita for later. Place the cooked chicken in a freezer bag, squeezing out as much air as you can. It will last for up to three months. For the pita, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and put it in a freezer bag. When you're ready, thaw them in the fridge overnight. Reheat the chicken and warm the pita again before serving. Yes, you can use many meats for gyros. Chicken, pork, beef, and lamb work well. Each meat adds its own taste. Try marinating and cooking them the same way as chicken. You will enjoy different flavors and textures. To make gyros gluten-free, use gluten-free pita bread. Many brands offer this option. You can also serve the filling in a bowl. Just skip the pita and use fresh vegetables. Enjoy the same flavors without the gluten. Tzatziki sauce is made of yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and herbs. You mix these ingredients for a cool and creamy sauce. It pairs well with gyros. You can buy it or make it at home. Yes, you can prepare gyros in advance. Marinate the chicken the night before. Cook it when you are ready to eat. You can also chop veggies ahead of time. Just warm the pitas before serving for the best taste. This article covered how to make tasty gyros from scratch. We talked about key ingredients, marinades, and cooking steps. I shared tips for perfect chicken and how to create a yummy tzatziki. You also learned about vegetarian options and storage tips for leftovers. Now, you can enjoy delicious gyros any time. Try your own twists to make it your own! All the flavor and fun are in your hands. Enjoy cooking and sharing these easy meals!$

Quick Mediterranean Chicken Gyros

A quick and delicious recipe for Mediterranean chicken gyros, perfect for a healthy meal.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

2 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon garlic powder
to taste salt and pepper
4 pieces whole wheat pita breads
1 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
1 cup cucumber, diced
1 cup tomatoes, diced
0.5 pieces red onion, thinly sliced
for garnish fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

In a bowl, combine the sliced chicken, olive oil, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat the chicken evenly. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (up to an hour in the refrigerator for more flavor).
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken strips and cook for about 7-10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and golden brown. Remove from heat.
While the chicken is cooking, warm the whole wheat pita breads in a toaster or on a skillet for about 1 minute on each side until they are soft and pliable.
Take a warm pita and spread a generous amount of tzatziki sauce on it. Layer with cooked chicken, diced cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onion.
Sprinkle chopped parsley on top for added freshness. Roll up the pita to secure the filling inside. Repeat with the remaining pitas.
Serve immediately while warm, with extra tzatziki on the side for dipping if desired.

Notes

Serve with extra tzatziki on the side for dipping.

Keyword chicken, gyros, Mediterranean, quick meal