Name: Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 2 teaspoons dried oregano; 1 teaspoon garlic powder; Salt and pepper to taste; 4 pita breads; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cucumber, diced; 1 red onion, thinly sliced; 1 cup plain Greek yogurt; 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 clove garlic, minced; Fresh parsley for garnish

Jump to Recipe· 4.7 from 30 reviews

If you’re craving a dinner that feels both vibrant and comforting, let Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki sweep you off your feet. These gyros are sheer joy wrapped in warm pita: succulent marinated chicken, fresh veggies, and a dreamy, tangy tzatziki made even more irresistible with crumbled feta. They’re quick enough for a weeknight, dazzling enough for company, and every bite will have you dreaming of azure seas and sun-soaked terraces.

Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki is how straightforward the ingredients are, yet each one truly shines. Gather these staples and you’ll be amazed at how their flavors blend, delivering a dish that’s beautifully colorful and brimming with personality.

Chicken Thighs: Thighs stay juicy and flavorful after marinating, ensuring the heart of your gyro is always tender.
Olive Oil: Adds Mediterranean richness and helps bind the herb and spice flavors to the chicken.
Dried Oregano: The classic Greek herb, it infuses the chicken with earthy, citrusy notes.
Garlic Powder: Deepens the savory profile without overpowering the other spices.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for elevating every flavor in both the marinade and sauce.
Pita Breads: Soft, chewy pockets perfect for holding all that goodness (gluten free versions work beautifully too!).
Cherry Tomatoes: Their pop of sweetness and juiciness adds sunshine to the fillings.
Cucumber: Bright, cool crunch for contrast to the warm, savory chicken.
Red Onion: Thinly sliced for a mild bite and a gorgeous purple hue.
Greek Yogurt: Thick and tangy, it forms the base of the luscious feta tzatziki.
Feta Cheese: Bold, creamy, and just salty enough—adding depth to the tzatziki and tying everything together.
Lemon Juice: Brings brightness and freshens the entire dish, especially the sauce.
Minced Garlic: A kiss of sharpness for the creamy sauce, essential in real tzatziki.
Fresh Parsley: Finishes the gyros with a burst of green and herby aroma.

How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

The backbone of Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki is that boldly seasoned chicken. In a bowl, whisk olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs, tossing to coat every piece evenly. Let them soak up the flavors for at least 30 minutes (longer is even better!). This simple step guarantees juicy, perfectly seasoned bites in every gyro.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Heat a skillet over medium-high and add the marinated chicken. Sear each side for 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F. The edges should develop just a hint of crispiness, while the inside stays juicy and tender. Let it rest briefly before slicing to catch all those savory spa juices!

Step 3: Make the Creamy Feta Tzatziki

While the chicken cooks, focus on that all-important sauce: combine Greek yogurt, feta, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir (or mash) until smooth and creamy. The feta transforms ordinary tzatziki into something tangy, rich, and ultra-satisfying. A taste-test is highly recommended at this point—just try not to eat it all by the spoonful.

Step 4: Prepare Veggies and Pita

While everything comes together, dice up your cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onion. Warm up your pita breads, either on a dry skillet or briefly in the oven, until soft and pliable. The warmth makes them perfect for rolling and piling high with fillings.

Step 5: Assemble

Slice the chicken into strips. Slather each pita generously with creamy feta tzatziki, add chicken, scatter over tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion, then tuck everything into a delicious handheld parcel. A sprinkle of parsley is the finishing touch. All that’s left is to roll, grab a napkin, and dig in!

How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki

Garnishes

For the finishing touch that elevates Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki, don’t skip fresh parsley, a twist of lemon, and an extra crumble of feta. You can also dust everything with just a bit more oregano to really capture those Greek vibes.

Side Dishes

Round out your meal with a classic Greek salad, roasted potatoes, or even some oven-crisped sweet potato fries. A light cucumber salad or a handful of olives pulls everything together and keeps those Mediterranean flavors front and center.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve each gyro open-faced on a platter for a DIY build-your-own experience, or cut them in halves and arrange on a long board for easy sharing. You can also set the fillings and sauces out for a festive family-style assembly, letting everyone customize their ideal Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you miraculously have leftovers, refrigerate the chicken, veggies, and feta tzatziki separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days. This keeps everything as fresh as possible when you crave a second round (or midnight snack).

Freezing

The marinated, uncooked chicken freezes like a dream for up to 3 months—just thaw in the fridge before cooking as directed. While fresh is best for veggies and tzatziki, you can prep the chicken in advance for faster meals down the line.

Reheating

Warm the cooked chicken gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave, covered, to retain moisture. Pitas get their best texture with a quick toast or wrap in foil and gentle reheat in the oven. Bring the tzatziki to room temperature for optimal flavor and creaminess.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breast works well, though keep a close eye on cooking time, as leaner cuts can dry out faster. Thighs just add a little extra juiciness, but both deliver wonderful results for Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki.

Is there a dairy-free option for the tzatziki?

Yes, you can use a dairy-free yogurt and skip the feta, or try a plant-based feta substitute. The taste will change, but you’ll still capture that cool, creamy element for your Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki.

How do I make this gluten-free?

Simply use gluten-free pita or wraps—these are available in many supermarkets. All the other ingredients in Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki are naturally gluten-free!

Can the sauce be made in advance?

Definitely! The sauce actually tastes better if you make it a day ahead; just keep it chilled and give it a good stir before serving with your gyros.

What can I add to make it spicier?

If you love heat, add a dash of cayenne in the chicken marinade or tuck a few thin slices of fresh chili into your gyro. A drizzle of hot sauce also pairs beautifully with the creamy feta tzatziki and juicy chicken.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to treat yourself (and your loved ones) to a meal that’s downright fun and bursting with bold, fresh flavors, Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki is your ticket. Whether you’re serving them for a party or the highlight of a weeknight, let this dish bring a little Mediterranean sunshine right to your table!