Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Feta Tzatziki (Printable Version)

Charred lemon-herb chicken with creamy feta tzatziki, fresh vegetables and olives wrapped in warm pita bread.

# Needed Ingredients:

→ 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 - ½ teaspoon ground cumin
08 - ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
09 - 1 teaspoon kosher salt
10 - ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
11 - 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, thinly sliced

→ Creamy Feta Tzatziki

12 - 1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt
13 - ½ 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 - ½ red onion, thinly sliced
24 - ¼ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
25 - Fresh parsley or mint leaves for garnish
26 - Lemon wedges for serving

# Steps:

01 - In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper if using, salt, and pepper until well combined.
02 - Add sliced chicken to the marinade and toss thoroughly to coat all pieces evenly. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight for deeper flavor development.
03 - While chicken marinates, place grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze firmly to remove as much liquid as possible, ensuring a thick consistency for the sauce.
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, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
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 to prevent sticking.
06 - Remove chicken from marinade, shaking off excess liquid. Cook in a single layer for 5 to 7 minutes per side until fully cooked through with lightly charred edges. Avoid overcrowding the pan.
07 - Transfer cooked chicken to a cutting board and allow to rest for 5 minutes. Slice into thin, uniform strips for optimal texture.
08 - While chicken rests, warm pita breads in a dry skillet or wrapped in foil in a low oven at 300°F for 2 to 3 minutes until softened and pliable.
09 - Lay each warmed pita on a serving 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, and garnish with fresh parsley or mint leaves. Serve immediately with lemon wedges for fresh citrus flavor.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The feta tzatziki is an absolute revelation that you'll want to put on literally everything
  • Assembly becomes this wonderfully communal experience where everyone builds their perfect gyro
02 -
  • Removing excess water from the cucumber is absolutely crucial for thick, creamy tzatziki that won't turn watery
  • Letting the chicken rest before slicing gives you juicier meat that holds together better in the gyro
03 -
  • Slice your chicken against the grain for the most tender texture that doesn't require much chewing
  • Don't overcrowd your pan when cooking chicken or you'll steam instead of sear
Go Back