Description
These Greek Chicken Gyros feature juicy yogurt-marinated chicken, fresh veggies, soft pita bread, and cool, creamy tzatziki sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, they’re bursting with Mediterranean flavor and perfect for quick dinners, make-ahead lunches, or casual entertaining.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 small cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Assembly:
- 4–6 pita breads or flatbreads
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber slices
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Fresh parsley or dill for garnish
Tools:
- Grill pan, skillet, or outdoor grill
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Cutting board and knife
- Grater (for cucumber)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice and zest, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Coat chicken, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes (up to 4 hours).
- Prepare tzatziki: Grate cucumber, squeeze out moisture, and mix with Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper. Chill until serving.
- Cook chicken: Heat grill pan or skillet over medium-high. Cook chicken 4–5 minutes per side until cooked through. Rest, then slice thinly.
- Warm pita: Heat pita in a dry skillet, oven, or on the grill until soft.
- Assemble gyros: Spread tzatziki on pita, add chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and feta. Garnish with herbs and serve.
Notes
- Why yogurt marinade works: Lactic acid tenderizes chicken while infusing flavor.
- Variations: Add cayenne for spice, use halloumi or roasted chickpeas for vegetarian.
- Prep tips: Make tzatziki and chop veggies ahead; assemble just before serving.
- Serving ideas: Pair with Greek salad, roasted lemon potatoes, or baked fries.
- Storage: Refrigerate cooked chicken up to 3 days; tzatziki up to 2–3 days. Reheat chicken gently.
- Common mistakes: Avoid over-marinating, overcooking, or overfilling pita.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 gyro
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Greek chicken gyros, Chicken gyros with tzatziki sauce, Yogurt marinated chicken gyros, 20 minute gyro recipe, Mediterranean chicken wrap