Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Feta Tzatziki | Authentic & Easy Recipe

Few dishes capture the heart of Mediterranean cuisine like Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki. Wrapped in warm pita bread, stuffed with juicy marinated chicken, crisp vegetables, and topped with a rich tzatziki sauce blended with feta, this recipe delivers freshness, bold flavors, and comfort in every bite.

What makes gyros so appealing is their perfect balance: the smoky char of grilled chicken, the cool creaminess of yogurt and feta, and the crunch of lettuce, cucumbers, and tomatoes. It’s a handheld meal that’s as fun to eat as it is satisfying. Plus, it’s versatile—you can prepare it for a quick weeknight dinner, pack it for lunch, or serve it as a crowd-pleasing party option.

The marinade, made with olive oil, garlic, lemon, and herbs like oregano, infuses the chicken with authentic Mediterranean character. Meanwhile, the creamy feta tzatziki elevates the classic sauce with a tangy twist, making it richer and more indulgent. Whether you’re craving street food nostalgia or a wholesome homemade meal, these gyros are sure to impress.

In the next sections, we’ll look at the general benefits of this recipe, explore the nutritional advantages of its ingredients, and provide you with a clean, easy-to-follow ingredients table to make preparation simple.


General Benefits of Chicken Gyros with Feta Tzatziki

  1. Balanced and Complete Meal
    Each gyro includes protein from chicken, carbs from pita, healthy fats from olive oil and yogurt, and fiber from vegetables.

  2. Burst of Fresh Flavors
    Lemon, garlic, and herbs create bold Mediterranean notes, balanced by the creamy, cooling tzatziki.

  3. Versatility
    You can swap pita for wraps, lettuce leaves for a low-carb option, or add extra toppings like olives and roasted peppers.

  4. Family-Friendly
    Kids love handheld meals, while adults appreciate the authentic taste and customizable fillings.

  5. Meal Prep Friendly
    Marinate and cook the chicken in advance, then assemble the gyros when ready to eat.

  6. Authentic Mediterranean Touch
    Uses traditional flavors like olive oil, oregano, and yogurt, bringing the taste of Greek street food to your kitchen.

  7. Crowd Pleaser
    Perfect for gatherings, allowing guests to assemble their own wraps with their favorite toppings.


Nutritional Benefits

  • Chicken Breast: High-quality lean protein to support muscle repair and energy.

  • Greek Yogurt: Rich in protein and probiotics that aid digestion and gut health.

  • Feta Cheese: Adds calcium and tang while being lower in fat than many cheeses.

  • Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fats and antioxidants that reduce inflammation.

  • Garlic & Lemon: Boost immunity and digestion while adding bright flavor.

  • Fresh Vegetables (tomato, cucumber, lettuce): Packed with vitamins, minerals, hydration, and fiber.

  • Whole Pita Bread (optional): Provides complex carbs and can be chosen whole grain for extra fiber.

Together, these ingredients create a gyro that’s filling, energizing, and aligned with the health benefits of the Mediterranean diet.


Ingredients Table

Ingredient Quantity Notes
Boneless chicken breasts 1 lb (450 g) Cut into strips for grilling
Olive oil 3 tbsp Used for marinade and cooking
Garlic, minced 3 cloves Fresh for stronger flavor
Lemon juice 3 tbsp For marinade and dressing
Dried oregano 1 tsp Classic Mediterranean flavor
Salt & black pepper To taste For seasoning
Greek yogurt 1 cup Base for tzatziki sauce
Feta cheese, crumbled ½ cup Blended into tzatziki for creaminess
Cucumber, grated 1 medium Squeezed to remove excess water
Pita bread 4 rounds Warm and soft for wrapping
Fresh vegetables (tomato, lettuce, onion) 2 cups For gyro filling

Step-by-Step Preparation

  1. Marinate the Chicken

    • In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.

    • Add chicken strips, coat well, and marinate for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours in the fridge).

  2. Prepare the Feta Tzatziki

    • Grate cucumber, squeeze out excess water with a clean towel.

    • In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, crumbled feta, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and a drizzle of olive oil.

    • Mix until creamy, adjust seasoning to taste, and refrigerate until ready to serve.

  3. Cook the Chicken

    • Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.

    • Cook marinated chicken strips for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).

  4. Warm the Pita Bread

    • Heat pita rounds on a dry skillet or directly over a gas flame for 30 seconds until soft and pliable.

  5. Assemble the Gyros

    • Lay warm pita on a plate.

    • Add lettuce, tomato, onion, and chicken strips.

    • Top generously with creamy feta tzatziki.

    • Wrap tightly and serve immediately.


Variations and Creative Twists

  1. Protein Swaps

    • Try turkey or lamb strips for a traditional gyro variation.

    • Use grilled shrimp or salmon for a seafood twist.

    • For a vegetarian option, replace chicken with grilled halloumi or falafel.

  2. Different Breads

    • Use naan bread for a softer wrap.

    • Swap pita for whole wheat wraps or lettuce leaves for a low-carb option.

  3. Tzatziki Variations

    • Add dill or mint for extra freshness.

    • Make it spicy by mixing in chili flakes or a touch of hot sauce.

    • Blend in roasted red peppers for a smoky, colorful sauce.

  4. Extra Toppings

    • Add Kalamata olives, roasted peppers, or sun-dried tomatoes for more Mediterranean character.

    • Sprinkle with crumbled feta on top of the wrap for extra creaminess.

    • Include pickled onions for tang and crunch.

  5. Meal Prep Friendly

    • Cook and store chicken separately, keep vegetables chopped, and tzatziki in a jar.

    • Assemble gyros just before serving for maximum freshness.


Serving Suggestions

  • Serve with crispy oven fries or Greek lemon potatoes for a hearty meal.

  • Pair with a light Greek salad of cucumber, tomato, red onion, olives, and feta.

  • Add a side of hummus and pita chips for a mezze-style spread.

  • For drinks, serve with iced tea or a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc.

  • For parties, set up a gyro bar with toppings and sauces so everyone can build their own wrap.


Conclusion

Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki bring authentic Greek street food flavors right into your kitchen. Juicy marinated chicken, fresh veggies, and a rich feta tzatziki sauce all come together in a soft pita for a meal that’s as fun to eat as it is satisfying.

The recipe is quick, adaptable, and guaranteed to please a crowd. Whether you stick to the classic version or add your own creative touches, these gyros deliver a wholesome and flavorful experience that celebrates the best of Mediterranean cuisine. One bite, and you’ll understand why gyros are a timeless favorite.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Scroll to Top