Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Feta Tzatziki (Printable Version)

Marinated chicken with creamy feta tzatziki, fresh veggies, and olives wrapped in warm pita for bold Mediterranean flavor.

# What You Need:

→ Chicken Marinade

01 - 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
02 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
05 - 1 teaspoon dried thyme
06 - 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
07 - 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
08 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
09 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
10 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
11 - 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, thinly sliced

→ Creamy Feta Tzatziki

12 - 1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt
13 - 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
14 - 1 medium cucumber, peeled, seeded, grated, and excess water squeezed out
15 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
16 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
17 - 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
18 - 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh dill
19 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Assembly and Serving

20 - 4 to 6 pita breads or flatbreads
21 - 1 cup shredded romaine lettuce
22 - 1 cup diced ripe tomatoes
23 - 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
24 - 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
25 - Fresh parsley or mint leaves for garnish
26 - Lemon wedges for serving

# How To Make It:

01 - In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, cumin, cayenne if using, salt, and pepper until well combined.
02 - Add the sliced chicken to the marinade and toss thoroughly to coat all pieces. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight for enhanced flavor development.
03 - Place the grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze firmly to remove as much excess liquid as possible, ensuring a thick consistency.
04 - In a medium bowl, combine the drained cucumber, Greek yogurt, crumbled feta, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and chopped dill. Stir until smooth and creamy, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate.
05 - Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil if using a non-nonstick surface.
06 - Remove chicken from marinade, shaking off excess liquid. Cook in a single layer for 5 to 7 minutes per side until cooked through with light charring at the edges.
07 - Transfer cooked chicken to a cutting board and allow to rest for 5 minutes. Slice into thin strips.
08 - Warm pita breads in a dry skillet for 2 to 3 minutes per side, or wrap in foil and warm in a 300°F oven for 2 to 3 minutes.
09 - Lay a warmed pita on a plate and spread a generous spoonful of creamy feta tzatziki in the center. Top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, red onion slices, and Kalamata olives.
10 - Arrange sliced chicken on top of vegetables, drizzle with additional tzatziki sauce, and garnish with fresh parsley or mint leaves. Serve immediately with lemon wedges for squeezing.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The charred edges of chicken against cool tzatziki creates a temperature contrast that hits different
  • Once you taste feta folded into your tzatziki, plain yogurt sauce will feel incomplete forever
02 -
  • Skip squeezing the cucumber and your tzatziki turns into a watery mess within an hour.
  • Dont overcrowd the pan or the chicken will steam instead of developing that crucial char.
03 -
  • Double the tzatziki and keep it in the refrigerator for up to a week, it only gets better as flavors meld.
  • Chicken thighs with some fat render down and baste themselves in their own juices.
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