Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki: A Fresh Greek-Inspired Feast at Home
If you love bold flavors, vibrant colors, and meals that feel both comforting and refreshing, Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki will quickly become one of your go-to recipes. Inspired by the street food traditions of Greece, this homemade chicken gyros recipe captures the essence of classic Mediterranean cuisine while remaining approachable for everyday home cooking.
Juicy marinated chicken, warm pillowy pita bread, crisp vegetables, and a luscious feta-enhanced tzatziki sauce come together in one irresistible wrap. Whether you’re preparing a casual weeknight dinner, a summer gathering, or a meal-prep favorite, this easy Mediterranean dinner checks every box: flavorful, wholesome, and deeply satisfying.
Let’s dive into everything you need to know to make the best Mediterranean chicken gyros with creamy feta tzatziki right in your own kitchen.
What Are Gyros? A Quick Cultural Snapshot
Gyros (pronounced YEE-ros) are a beloved staple of Greek street food. Traditionally, seasoned meat is cooked on a vertical rotisserie and shaved into thin slices before being tucked into pita with tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki sauce. While pork and lamb are common in Athens, chicken gyros have become a popular lighter alternative both in Greece and worldwide.
This homemade version recreates those iconic flavors without a rotisserie. Instead, we marinate the chicken in classic Mediterranean ingredients—olive oil, lemon, garlic, and oregano—then grill or pan-sear it to juicy perfection.
Why You’ll Love This Mediterranean Chicken Gyros Recipe
- Packed with bright, fresh Mediterranean flavors
- High-protein and balanced with fresh vegetables
- Easy to prepare ahead for meal prep
- Customizable with your favorite toppings
- Perfect for lunch, dinner, or entertaining
The real star? The creamy feta tzatziki. Traditional tzatziki is made with yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill. In this version, we blend in tangy feta for an extra layer of richness and flavor that makes these Greek-inspired chicken wraps unforgettable.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Creamy Feta Tzatziki
- 1 ½ cups plain Greek yogurt (full-fat preferred)
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 small cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembling the Gyros
- 6–8 pita breads
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded lettuce (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped
- Extra feta for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken and toss until fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2–4 hours for deeper flavor.
2. Prepare the Creamy Feta Tzatziki
While the chicken marinates, make the sauce. In a mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, crumbled feta, grated cucumber (well-drained), garlic, lemon juice, and chopped dill. Stir until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate until ready to serve to allow flavors to meld.
3. Cook the Chicken
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F / 74°C).
Let the chicken rest for 5–10 minutes before slicing into thin strips.
4. Warm the Pita
Heat pita bread briefly on a dry skillet or directly over a gas flame for 20–30 seconds per side until soft and pliable.
5. Assemble the Gyros
Lay a warm pita flat. Add sliced chicken down the center. Top with tomatoes, red onion, lettuce (if using), and a generous spoonful of creamy feta tzatziki. Sprinkle with parsley and extra feta if desired.
6. Wrap and Serve
Fold the pita around the filling or wrap in parchment paper for easy handling. Serve immediately while warm.
Tips for Perfect Mediterranean Chicken Gyros
Marinate Longer for Maximum Flavor
Even 30 minutes makes a difference, but 2–4 hours creates deeply infused chicken with authentic Mediterranean character.
Use Chicken Thighs for Extra Juiciness
Chicken breasts are lean and delicious, but thighs provide additional richness and moisture.
Drain the Cucumber Well
This step is essential. Excess moisture can thin out your tzatziki. Squeeze grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel before mixing.
Slice Against the Grain
Cutting the chicken against the grain ensures tender, restaurant-quality texture.
Variations to Try
Spicy Mediterranean Gyros
Add red pepper flakes or a spoonful of harissa to the marinade for heat.
Low-Carb Option
Serve the chicken and toppings in lettuce wraps instead of pita for a lighter, gluten-free version.
Vegetarian Swap
Replace chicken with grilled halloumi or roasted chickpeas for a plant-based twist inspired by Mediterranean flavors.
Bowl Style
Turn this recipe into a Mediterranean gyro bowl with rice or quinoa as the base, topped with all the same delicious components.
Serving Suggestions
Mediterranean Chicken Gyros pair beautifully with:
- Lemon roasted potatoes
- Greek salad with olives and feta
- Hummus and warm flatbread
- Couscous with herbs and olive oil
- Grilled vegetables
For drinks, try sparkling water with lemon, iced mint tea, or a crisp white wine.
Make-Ahead & Storage
Make Ahead
- Marinate chicken up to 24 hours in advance.
- Prepare tzatziki up to 2 days ahead (store in airtight container).
- Chop vegetables a day before serving.
Storage
Store cooked chicken in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Tzatziki should be used within 3 days for best flavor and freshness.
Nutritional Benefits of This Easy Mediterranean Dinner
This Mediterranean chicken gyros recipe reflects the core principles of Mediterranean eating:
- Healthy fats from olive oil
- Lean protein from chicken
- Probiotics and calcium from yogurt
- Fresh vegetables rich in fiber and antioxidants
The balance of protein, healthy fats, and fresh produce makes this meal both nourishing and satisfying.
Fun Food Fact
Did you know that the word “gyro” comes from the Greek word meaning “turn,” referencing the rotating spit used to cook the meat? Similar vertical spit traditions exist throughout the Mediterranean and Middle East, influencing dishes like shawarma and doner kebab.
Final Thoughts
Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki bring together everything we love about Mediterranean cuisine—fresh herbs, citrus brightness, savory grilled meat, and creamy, tangy sauces. Inspired by the vibrant food culture of Greece, this dish transforms simple ingredients into a restaurant-worthy experience at home.
Whether you’re feeding your family, hosting friends, or meal-prepping for the week, these Greek-inspired chicken wraps deliver bold flavor with minimal fuss. Once you taste that juicy marinated chicken paired with rich feta tzatziki, you’ll understand why this easy Mediterranean dinner deserves a permanent spot in your recipe rotation.
Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Creamy Feta Tzatziki
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Whisk marinade ingredients and coat chicken. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes.
- Mix yogurt, feta, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and dill for tzatziki. Chill.
- Cook chicken in grill pan 5-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Rest chicken, then slice thinly.
- Warm pita and assemble with chicken, vegetables, and tzatziki.
