Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Feta Tzatziki (Print Version)

Charred spiced chicken meets creamy feta tzatziki in these fresh Greek-inspired wraps loaded with crisp vegetables and tangy flavors.

# What You’ll 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 - 1.5 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

→ Serving and Assembly

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 Steps:

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

# Expert Hints:

01 -
  • The feta folded into tzatziki adds a creamy tang that makes store bought versions taste flat.
  • Marinated chicken thighs stay juicy even when you crank the heat for those crispy, caramelized edges.
  • Everything can be prepped ahead, then assembled in minutes when youre ready to eat.
  • It feels indulgent but comes together faster than ordering takeout.
02 -
  • If you skip squeezing the cucumber, your tzatziki will turn watery and slide right off the pita, I learned this the messy way.
  • Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours if you have the time, the flavor difference is dramatic.
  • Dont move the chicken around too much in the pan, let it sit and char to get those crispy, caramelized edges.
  • Warm your pita just before serving, cold or stale flatbread ruins the whole experience.
03 -
  • Slice your chicken thighs as thin as you can before marinating, they cook faster and absorb more flavor.
  • Let the pan get smoking hot before you add the chicken, thats how you get those dark, caramelized edges.
  • Taste your tzatziki before serving and adjust with more lemon, salt, or dill, it should be bold and tangy.
  • If your pita breads are stiff, wrap them in a damp towel and microwave for 20 seconds to soften them up.
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