Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Feta Tzatziki (Print view)

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

# List of 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 - 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

# 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 combined.
02 - Add sliced chicken to marinade, toss to coat thoroughly, cover with plastic wrap, 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 excess liquid as possible.
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.
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 until cooked through and lightly charred at the 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 350°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 top with shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, red onion slices, and Kalamata olives.
10 - Arrange sliced chicken on top, drizzle with additional tzatziki, and garnish with fresh parsley or mint leaves. Serve immediately with lemon wedges for squeezing.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • The feta tzatziki is so creamy and tangy, you'll want to eat it with a spoon before it even hits the pita.
  • Thinly sliced chicken thighs cook fast and stay juicy, with crispy charred edges that add serious flavor.
  • Everything comes together in about an hour, including marinating time, so it feels special without taking over your whole evening.
  • It's endlessly customizable with whatever fresh vegetables or herbs you have on hand.
02 -
  • Don't skip squeezing the cucumber, I learned this the hard way when my first batch of tzatziki turned into soup.
  • Let the chicken rest after cooking or all the juices will run out the second you slice it, leaving it dry.
  • If your pan isn't hot enough, the chicken will steam instead of char, and you'll miss out on all that caramelized flavor.
03 -
  • Marinate the chicken for at least two hours if you have the time, the flavor difference is huge.
  • Use a cast-iron skillet or grill pan for the best char, and don't move the chicken around too much while it cooks.
  • Make a double batch of tzatziki, it keeps well and you'll want it on everything.
  • If you're feeding a crowd, set up a gyro bar with all the toppings and let everyone build their own.
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