Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki

Ever found yourself craving a trip to the Mediterranean but stuck in your kitchen? These Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki will teleport your taste buds straight to sun-kissed coastal towns, all without leaving home. The tender, marinated chicken bursts with bright lemon and earthy oregano, harmonized by smoky paprika and cumin. Every bite delivers a perfect contrast between the warm, slightly charred pita and the crisp freshness of sliced tomatoes, cool cucumber, and crunchy lettuce. And let’s not forget that dreamy Feta Tzatziki—its creamy texture studded with tangy feta and speckled with fragrant dill and mint will have you daydreaming about Mediterranean breezes.

Growing up, I used to race home after school, eager to unwrap a gyro from my favorite local spot. Recreating that magic at home wasn’t just gratifying—it felt like a rite of passage. This recipe is a personal favorite for both quick weeknight dinners and leisurely weekend lunches. You’ll love how simple it is to prep: marinate the chicken for an hour (or overnight, if you’re planning ahead), whip up the tzatziki in minutes, and then grill everything to perfection. In about an hour total, you’ll have four hearty gyros that serve as an easy lunch or flavorful dinner, each sandwich clocking in around 450 calories. Intermediate cooks will appreciate the boost in confidence they get from mastering these skins and cheeses, while novices will find the step-by-step guide utterly foolproof. Let’s dive in!

KEY INGREDIENTS IN MEDITERRANEAN CHICKEN GYROS WITH CREAMY FETA TZATZIKI

Every memorable dish starts with standout ingredients, and this recipe is no exception. From the heart of the marinated chicken to the fresh herbs in the tzatziki, each component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor and texture.

• Boneless, skinless chicken breast: Lean and tender, it soaks up the zesty marinade for juicy, flavorful gyros.
• Olive oil: A cornerstone of Mediterranean cooking, it carries all the seasonings and helps create a crispy exterior.
• Garlic: Adds depth and a savory kick that infuses both the chicken and tzatziki with aromatic richness.
• Lemon: Its bright juice cuts through the richness, balancing flavors in both the marinade and sauce.
• Dried oregano: Earthy and herbaceous, it evokes sun-drenched Greek hillside allure.
• Ground cumin: Brings a gentle warmth and subtle smokiness to the chicken.
• Paprika: Offers vibrant color and mild, sweet heat for visual appeal and flavor lift.
• Salt: Essential for seasoning and enhancing each ingredient’s natural taste.
• Freshly ground black pepper: Adds a sharp, slightly spicy undertone.
• Pita breads or flatbreads: The perfect vessel—soft, pliable, and ready to cradle the gyro fillings.
• Greek yogurt: Silky and tangy, forming the creamy base of the tzatziki.
• Crumbled feta cheese: Delivers salty, crumbly richness that elevates the dip.
• Cucumber: Refreshingly cool and crunchy, it lightens the sauce and adds texture.
• Fresh dill: Herbal and slightly citrusy, it brightens the creamy feta tzatziki.
• Fresh mint: Offers a sweet, cooling contrast within the dip.
• Lemon juice: A final splash in the tzatziki, it keeps flavors vibrant.
• Salt and pepper: Fine-tune the tzatziki seasoning to perfection.
• Sliced red onion: Adds sharpness and a pop of color to each gyro.
• Sliced tomatoes: Juicy and sweet, they contribute freshness.
• Chopped cucumber: Reinforces the cool crunch in the assembled gyros.
• Lettuce leaves: Provide a crisp, green layer for balance and presentation.

HOW TO MAKE MEDITERRANEAN CHICKEN GYROS WITH CREAMY FETA TZATZIKI

Time to roll up your sleeves and get cooking! Follow these steps to bring together all those delicious ingredients into one memorable meal.

1. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to create a cohesive marinade that will coat every inch of the chicken.

2. Add the chicken breasts to the bowl, ensuring each piece is evenly coated in the marinade. Cover tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight to deepen the flavors.

3. While the chicken marinates, prepare the Creamy Feta Tzatziki. In a separate bowl, combine Greek yogurt, crumbled feta cheese, grated cucumber, garlic, dill, mint, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and creamy, then cover and chill until you’re ready to assemble.

4. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place on the hot surface. Grill for 6–7 minutes per side, allowing a nice char to develop. Confirm doneness with a meat thermometer or by slicing into the thickest part to ensure no pink remains.

5. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices, then slice thinly against the grain for tender, succulent strips.

6. Warm the pita or flatbreads on the grill for about 1 minute per side, until they’re soft and pliable.

7. To assemble, lay each pita flat, top with slices of chicken, add a generous dollop of Creamy Feta Tzatziki, then layer on red onion, tomatoes, cucumber, and lettuce. Roll tightly and serve immediately.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR MEDITERRANEAN CHICKEN GYROS WITH CREAMY FETA TZATZIKI

Serving these gyros is all about presentation and pairing flavors to highlight their Mediterranean charm. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner or enjoying a solo feast, these tips will make your gyros shine.

• Offer a colorful platter: Arrange rolled gyros on a large board alongside small bowls of extra feta tzatziki, olives, and lemon wedges for a bright, inviting spread.
• Pair with refreshing sides: Serve with a crisp Greek salad featuring Kalamata olives and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil to complement the gyros’ savory notes.
• Include a warm beverage: A carafe of chilled white wine or an iced herbal tea with mint amplifies the fresh herb flavors in the tzatziki.
• Create a DIY gyro bar: Let guests customize their own gyros with options like pickled peppers, marinated olives, or crumbled halloumi for an interactive meal experience.

HOW TO STORE MEDITERRANEAN CHICKEN GYROS WITH CREAMY FETA TZATZIKI

Preserving the freshness and vibrant taste of these gyros requires a bit of foresight. Proper storage ensures every component retains its ideal texture and flavor when you’re ready to enjoy leftovers or prep ahead.

• Refrigerate components separately: Store sliced chicken, tzatziki, and fresh veggies in individual, airtight containers to prevent sogginess and maintain crispness.
• Keep the pita soft: Wrap flatbreads in foil or plastic wrap and place them in a resealable bag. Reheat briefly in the oven or on a skillet to restore pliability.
• Make-ahead marinade: If you plan to grill later, marinate the chicken overnight in a sealed container, then grill fresh on the day you serve for maximum flavor.
• Freeze for convenience: Place leftover chicken strips in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat in a skillet or grill for a quick gyro fix.

CONCLUSION

Bringing these Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki into your kitchen is like gifting yourself a piece of coastal living. You’ve mastered an intermediate-level recipe that’s perfect for both lunch and dinner, serving four hearty gyros in under an hour (excluding marination time). With a balance of zesty, smoky, and creamy elements, every bite is a dance of flavors—juicy grilled chicken enveloped by a warm, soft pita and brightened by fresh veggies and luscious tzatziki. You’ve learned how to marinate effectively, grill to perfection, and assemble a meal that’s both visually stunning and deeply satisfying. Don’t forget that this recipe clocks in at around 450 calories per serving, making it a guilt-free pleasure you can savor any day of the week.

Feel free to print this article and save it for later reference—your future self will thank you next time cravings strike. Below, you’ll find a handy FAQ to troubleshoot any questions, whether you need tips on adjusting seasonings, swapping out ingredients, or perfecting the tzatziki’s consistency. If you try this recipe or have any feedback, please leave a comment or question. I’d love to hear how your kitchen adventure went, whether you added your own twist or stuck to the classic gyro build. Happy cooking and enjoy every flavorful bite!

Print Recipe

Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki

Author: Annie Delgado Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 1 hr Cook Time 15 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 1 hr 20 mins

Calories: 450

Description

These Mediterranean Chicken Gyros bring together marinated grilled chicken, fresh veggies, and a creamy feta tzatziki, creating a mouthwatering meal that delights with every bite!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• For the Chicken Gyros:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast

• 3 tbsp olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 lemon, juiced

• 2 tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp paprika

• ¹⁄₂ tsp salt

• ¹⁄₄ tsp freshly ground black pepper

• 4 pita breads or flatbreads

• For the Creamy Feta Tzatziki:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt

• ¹⁄₂ cup crumbled feta cheese

• ¹⁄₂ cucumber, grated and squeezed to remove excess moisture

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped

• 1 tbsp fresh mint, chopped

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• Salt and pepper to taste

• For Serving:

• Sliced red onion

• Sliced tomatoes

• Chopped cucumber

• Lettuce leaves

Instructions

1. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
2. Add the chicken breasts to the marinade and ensure they are evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, up to overnight.
3. While the chicken marinates, prepare the Creamy Feta Tzatziki by combining the Greek yogurt, crumbled feta cheese, grated cucumber, garlic, dill, mint, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix until smooth and creamy. Cover and chill until ready to use.
4. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for 6-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked and nicely charred. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
5. Warm the pita or flatbreads on the grill for a minute or until soft and pliable.
6. To assemble the gyros, place a few slices of chicken onto the center of each pita. Add a generous dollop of Creamy Feta Tzatziki, then top with red onion, tomatoes, cucumber, and lettuce.
7. Roll the pita to enclose the filling and serve immediately.

Note

• For an extra burst of flavor, add some marinated olives or sun-dried tomatoes to the gyros.
• If you don't have a grill, you can cook the chicken in a large skillet over medium heat.
• The feta tzatziki can be made a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
• Substitute whole wheat pita for a healthier option.
• You can use chicken thighs for a juicier variation.

Keywords: chicken gyros, feta tzatziki, Mediterranean recipe, grilled chicken, quick dinner, easy lunch