Mediterranean Chicken Gyros Feta Tzatziki (Print Version)

Charred marinated chicken meets cool feta tzatziki with fresh veggies in soft pita for a Mediterranean twist.

# 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 - 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

→ Serving and Assembly

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

# How to Make It:

01 - In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, cumin, cayenne if using, salt, and pepper until well combined.
02 - Add sliced chicken to the marinade, toss to coat thoroughly, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight for deeper flavor development.
03 - Place grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze firmly to remove as much liquid as possible, then transfer drained cucumber to a medium bowl.
04 - Combine drained cucumber, Greek yogurt, crumbled feta, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and chopped dill in the bowl. Stir until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste, cover, and chill in the refrigerator.
05 - Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil if the pan is not nonstick.
06 - Remove chicken from marinade, shaking off excess, and cook in a single layer for 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and lightly charred at the edges.
07 - Transfer cooked chicken to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips.
08 - While chicken rests, warm pita breads in a dry skillet or wrapped in foil in a low oven for 2 to 3 minutes.
09 - Lay a warmed pita on a plate, spread a generous spoonful of creamy feta tzatziki in the center, and top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, red onion slices, and Kalamata olives.
10 - Arrange sliced chicken on top, drizzle with extra tzatziki, and garnish with fresh parsley or mint leaves. Serve immediately with lemon wedges for squeezing.

# Additional Tips::

01 -
  • The marinade is ridiculously simple but delivers restaurant level flavor with pantry spices.
  • Feta tzatziki is thicker and more luxurious than plain yogurt sauce, and it clings to every bite.
  • Everything cooks fast once the chicken is marinated, making it perfect for weeknight dinners that feel special.
  • Leftovers are just as good the next day, tucked into wraps or piled over rice.
02 -
  • If you skip squeezing the cucumber, your tzatziki will turn into soup within an hour.
  • Don't marinate the chicken in a metal bowl, the acid can react and give it a metallic taste.
  • Let the pan get really hot before adding the chicken, or it will stick and steam instead of char.
  • Resting the chicken after cooking is crucial for keeping it juicy and tender.
03 -
  • Marinate the chicken for at least two hours if you have the time, the flavor difference is worth it.
  • Use a cast iron skillet if you have one, it holds heat better and gives the chicken those beautiful charred edges.
  • Make a double batch of tzatziki, it's incredible as a dip for vegetables or spread on sandwiches.
  • If you're feeding a crowd, set up a gyro bar and let everyone build their own.
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