Ever crave bold, fresh Mediterranean flavors without leaving your kitchen? These Chicken Gyros with Feta Tzatziki bring Greek street food home in the tastiest way possible. With juicy, oven-roasted chicken marinated in yogurt, lemon, garlic, and herbs, plus a rich and tangy feta tzatziki sauce, every bite wraps you in comfort and spice. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend cookout, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into something unforgettable. If you’re new to cooking gyros, don’t worry—it’s easier than it looks and wildly rewarding.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Chicken Gyros with Feta Tzatziki are a flavor lover’s dream and perfect for beginners. Here’s why:
- Bold and Tangy Flavors: Smoky paprika, zesty lemon, and creamy feta in every bite.
- Easy Oven Method: Skip the grill—just bake and broil for tender, charred perfection.
- Customizable and Fresh: Add your favorite toppings like pickled onion, herbs, or harissa.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Marinate ahead and bake when ready—great for busy nights.
The Story Behind Chicken Gyros with Feta Tzatziki
The beauty of Chicken Gyros with Feta Tzatziki is rooted in tradition and simplicity. Here’s a quick look at their delicious history:
- “Gyros” means “turn” in Greek—traditionally cooked on a vertical rotisserie.
- Tzatziki dates back centuries and was popularized in both Greek and Middle Eastern cuisines.
- Feta cheese, a key ingredient in the tzatziki twist here, is one of the world’s oldest cheeses.
- These gyros blend old-world tradition with modern, oven-roasted convenience.
Key Ingredients in Chicken Gyros with Feta Tzatziki
- Greek Yogurt: Used in both the marinade and sauce for tender chicken and creamy texture.
- Olive Oil: Adds richness and helps lock in moisture while roasting.
- Boneless Chicken: Breast or thigh, cubed for quick, even cooking.
- Lemon Juice & Garlic: Brightens the marinade and adds depth to both chicken and sauce.
- Smoked Paprika & Oregano: Bring warmth, color, and authentic Mediterranean flavor.
- Feta Cheese: The salty, tangy backbone of the creamy tzatziki.
- Persian Cucumber: Fresh and crunchy—perfect contrast to the spiced meat.
- Fresh Pita or Naan: Your soft, warm base to hold all the gyro goodness.
How to Make Chicken Gyros with Feta Tzatziki
Step-by-Step Guide for Chicken Gyros with Feta Tzatziki
- Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, mix yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, shallots, paprika, oregano, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Toss the cubed chicken to coat. Marinate at room temperature for 15 minutes or refrigerate overnight for deeper flavor. - Bake the Chicken
Preheat the oven to 425°F. Spread the marinated chicken on a baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, then toss and bake another 5–10 minutes. Switch to broil for 1–2 minutes to char the edges lightly—keep an eye on it! - Make the Feta Tzatziki
Blend feta, 1/4 cup yogurt, garlic, and lemon juice until smooth. Stir in 1/3 cup more yogurt, shredded cucumber, and a pinch of salt and red pepper flakes for extra kick. - Warm the Pitas
Heat pitas or naan in a skillet or wrapped in foil in the oven until soft and pliable. - Assemble the Gyros
Spread a generous layer of tzatziki on each pita. Top with lettuce, roasted chicken, pickled red onion, and fresh herbs like dill and parsley. - Optional Final Touches
Drizzle more tzatziki on top and, if you like heat, add a spoonful of harissa for a spicy finish.
Chicken Gyros with Feta Tzatziki Tips and Twists
Keep your gyros delicious and exciting with these tips and variations:
Top 5 Tips
- Cube the chicken evenly to ensure even roasting.
- Use full-fat yogurt for richer flavor.
- Don’t skip the broil—it gives irresistible charred edges.
- Squeeze excess moisture from cucumber before adding to tzatziki.
- Add fresh herbs last to keep their flavor bright.
Tasty Variations
- Spicy Harissa Gyros: Add a drizzle of harissa sauce for heat.
- Veggie Gyros: Replace chicken with roasted chickpeas or mushrooms.
- Gyro Bowls: Serve everything over rice or couscous for a deconstructed version.
Storage, Reheating, and Make-Ahead Tips
Plan ahead and enjoy leftovers with ease! Here’s how to manage your Chicken Gyros with Feta Tzatziki:
- Storage: Store chicken and tzatziki separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Reheat chicken in a skillet or microwave. Avoid reheating tzatziki—serve it cold.
- Make-Ahead: Marinate the chicken and make the tzatziki up to 24 hours ahead of time for fast assembly later.
Serving Suggestions for Chicken Gyros with Feta Tzatziki
Complete your gyro meal with these crowd-pleasing sides:
- Greek Salad with tomatoes, olives, and feta balances the spices beautifully.
- Roasted Broccoli and Carrots from this recipe add a healthy, colorful side.
- Lemon-Honey Iced Tea pairs wonderfully with the tangy flavors.
- Pita Chips & Hummus make a great starter or crunchy side.
- Oven-Fried Potatoes and Onions (try this version) for a heartier, comfort-food vibe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Thighs are juicier and hold up well in the oven.
How do I make it dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free yogurt and skip the feta or try a vegan alternative.
Can I grill the chicken instead of baking?
Yes! Grill over medium-high heat until charred and fully cooked.
What if I don’t have Persian cucumbers?
Use English cucumbers, but remove seeds and pat dry.
Can I double the recipe?
Definitely. It scales easily for meal prep or feeding a crowd.
Enjoy Your Chicken Gyros with Feta Tzatziki
When you serve up Chicken Gyros with Feta Tzatziki, you’re delivering more than just dinner—you’re offering comfort, flavor, and a little taste of the Mediterranean. With minimal effort and major reward, this recipe is sure to become a weeknight go-to or a weekend treat. You’ll love how the creamy, garlicky sauce melts into the smoky, juicy chicken—all wrapped up in warm, soft pita. Don’t be surprised when everyone asks for seconds.
Explore More Recipes You’ll Love
Loving the Mediterranean-inspired flavors? Here are a few more dishes to try:
- For an easy lunch idea, check out these Grilled Chicken Wraps.
- Craving pasta with bold flavor? Try Chicken Alfredo Lasagna—a creamy, satisfying dinner.
- Want a fresh and simple breakfast? This Simple Avocado Toast with Egg is perfect with leftover herbs and veggies from your gyros.
Chicken Gyros with Feta Tzatziki (Easy & Flavorful)
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1/3 cup full-fat plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs cubed
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 6 garlic cloves chopped
- 2 shallots chopped
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
For the Feta Tzatziki:
- 8 ounces feta cheese
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt additional
- 2 garlic cloves grated
Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 –2 Persian cucumbers shredded and drained
- Kosher salt to taste
- Red pepper flakes optional
For Serving:
- 6 fresh pitas or naan warmed
- Pickled red onions
- Chopped lettuce
- Fresh dill and parsley
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, shallots, paprika, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Toss cubed chicken in the mixture. Marinate for 15 minutes at room temp or up to 24 hours in the fridge.
- Preheat oven to 425°F. Spread chicken on a baking sheet. Bake for 15 minutes, toss, then bake an additional 5–10 minutes until cooked through. Broil for 1–2 minutes to lightly char.
- While chicken bakes, make the tzatziki. In a blender, blend feta, 1/4 cup yogurt, garlic, and lemon juice until smooth. Stir in remaining yogurt, shredded cucumber, salt, and red pepper flakes.
- Warm the pita bread in a dry skillet or oven.
- Assemble each gyro: spread tzatziki, layer with lettuce and roasted chicken. Top with pickled onions, herbs, and a drizzle of more tzatziki.
- Optional: Add harissa for a spicy twist.
- Serve warm and enjoy your homemade Chicken Gyros with Feta Tzatziki!