Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta (Printable Version)

Charred chicken meets cool feta tzatziki with crisp vegetables in soft pita bread for a satisfying Mediterranean meal.

# 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

→ 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

# Step-by-Step Directions:

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 with plastic wrap, 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 extract as much liquid as possible, then transfer 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, 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 the pan is not nonstick.
06 - Remove chicken from marinade, shaking off excess liquid. Cook in a single layer for 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until cooked through with lightly charred edges.
07 - Transfer cooked chicken to a cutting board and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice into thin strips.
08 - While chicken rests, warm pita breads in a dry skillet over medium heat or wrapped in foil in a low oven for 2 to 3 minutes until pliable.
09 - Lay each 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 of the vegetables, drizzle with additional tzatziki, and garnish with fresh parsley or mint leaves. Serve immediately with lemon wedges.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • The marinade seeps into every fiber of the chicken, so even a short rest time pays off in flavor.
  • Feta tzatziki is thicker and tangier than the traditional version, clinging to every bite instead of sliding off.
  • Everything can be prepped ahead, then assembled in minutes when you're ready to eat.
  • It feels like restaurant food but costs a fraction and uses no special equipment.
02 -
  • Skipping the cucumber squeeze will ruin your tzatziki, turning it into a watery mess that slides right off the gyro.
  • Don't crowd the pan when cooking the chicken or it will steam instead of char, and you'll lose those crispy, flavorful edges.
  • Marinating for at least two hours makes a noticeable difference; the garlic and lemon need time to work their way in.
03 -
  • Use a cast iron skillet if you have one; it holds heat better and gives you the deepest char on the chicken.
  • Taste your tzatziki before serving and adjust the lemon or salt, since cucumbers and yogurt vary in intensity.
  • If you're grilling outdoors, thread marinated chicken onto skewers for even easier cooking and that smoky, open-flame flavor.
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