1 Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki
You can bring the vibrant flavors of the Greek islands directly to your kitchen with this refreshing meal. These gyros combine tender, marinated chicken with a rich, tangy sauce that elevates the entire experience. You will love how the warm pita wraps around the savory meat and crunchy vegetables. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering with friends. I have made this dozens of times for my family and it always disappears in minutes because the balance of lemon, garlic, and feta is simply irresistible.
Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki Ingredients
I always make sure my counter is loaded with these fresh goodies before I start. Here is what you need to grab from the store.
- 2 lbs chicken thighs or breasts cut into bite-sized strips
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup Greek yogurt for the sauce
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta
- 1 grated cucumber that has been squeezed dry
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill
- Warm pita bread
- Sliced red onions
- Cherry tomatoes
- Sliced cucumbers for assembly
How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki
Preparation time: 20 minutes. Cooking time: 15 minutes. Total time: 35 minutes plus your marinating time.
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
First things first, let’s get that flavor locked in. Mix your Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a big bowl. Toss your chicken strips in and make sure they are totally covered. I usually cover the bowl and let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you have two hours, that is even better for the flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Feta Tzatziki
While that chicken is getting happy in the fridge, let’s make the sauce. Grate your cucumber and use a clean kitchen towel to squeeze out every single drop of water. This is super important. Then whisk together the yogurt, crumbled feta, that dry cucumber, and the dill in a medium bowl. Keep it in the fridge until you are ready to eat.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Get a large skillet or a grill pan nice and hot over medium-high heat. Add a little olive oil. Cook your chicken in batches so you do not crowd the pan. Sauté the strips for about 5 to 7 minutes. You want them golden brown and cooked all the way through.
Step 4: Assemble the Gyros
Warm your pita bread in a dry skillet for a few seconds. Spread a big dollop of that feta sauce right in the middle. Pile on the cooked chicken and top it with your onions, tomatoes, and extra cucumbers. Fold it up and dig in immediately.
Pro Tips for Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki
Seriously, do not skip squeezing the cucumber. If it is too wet, your sauce will be a runny mess and soak right through your bread. I personally love using chicken thighs because they stay so juicy even when you cook them fast. If you want a little extra char, you can even cook the chicken on an outdoor grill. Also, always toast your pita bread just a little bit. It makes it way easier to fold without it tearing apart while you are eating.
Customizing Your Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki
You can change this up however you like. If you are not in the mood for chicken, we can make this recipe using beef strips instead. It works just as well. For my friends who do not eat meat, roasted chickpeas are a fantastic substitute. If you like things a little spicy, just throw a pinch of red pepper flakes into the marinade.
Frequently Asked Questions About Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki
How long does the sauce stay fresh?
The feta tzatziki stays good in an airtight container in the fridge for about three days. It might get a little watery after a day, so just give it a quick stir before you use it.
Can I prepare this meal in advance?
You can definitely marinate the chicken and whip up the sauce a day ahead of time. It actually makes the flavors stronger. I would just wait to cook the chicken and warm the pita until you are actually ready to sit down and eat.
What if I do not have Greek yogurt?
You can use plain regular yogurt if that is all you have. Just make sure to strain it through a cheesecloth for about an hour first to get it thick. You really need that thickness for the sauce to be creamy.
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 850mg
1 Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki
- Total Time: 65 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
You prepare seasoned chicken served in pita with feta tzatziki.
Ingredients
- 1 pound chicken breast
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon juiced
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 4 pita breads
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup feta cheese
- 1 cucumber
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill
Instructions
- Combine oil, lemon, garlic, and oregano in a bowl.
- Place chicken in the mixture.
- Wait 30 minutes.
- Grill chicken until it reaches 165 degrees.
- Cut chicken into thin pieces.
- Mix yogurt, feta, cucumber, and dill.
- Spread sauce on pita and add chicken.
Notes
- Squeeze water from cucumber before mixing.
- Heat pita on the grill for one minute.
- Use chicken thighs for more juice.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Calories: 420 kcal
Keywords: chicken, gyro, tzatziki, mediterranean, feta, pita, wrap, grill, greek, dinner
