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Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce: The Ultimate Greek Street Food at Home

Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce

Chicken gyros with tzatziki sauce bring the vibrant flavors of Greece straight to your dinner table. Tender, marinated chicken is perfectly seasoned with oregano, garlic, and lemon, then cooked until golden and juicy. Wrapped in warm pita bread with cool, creamy homemade tzatziki sauce, crisp vegetables, and tangy feta cheese, this recipe delivers authentic Mediterranean taste without needing any special equipment. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight meal or planning a crowd-pleasing dinner party, these gyros satisfy every time.

 

Ingredients

Chicken Marinade:

  • 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 6 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1/2 tsp ground coriander
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

Tzatziki Sauce:

  • 1 1/2 cups Greek yogurt (full-fat)
  • 1 large cucumber, grated and squeezed
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh mint, chopped (optional)
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt
  • 1/4 tsp white pepper

Assembly:

  • 6-8 pita breads
  • 2 large tomatoes, diced
  • 1 red onion, sliced
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • Kalamata olives (optional)
  • Fresh parsley
  • Lemon wedges

Instructions

  • Marinate the Chicken: Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, garlic, and spices. Add chicken, coat thoroughly, and refrigerate for 4-6 hours or overnight.
  • Make Tzatziki: Grate cucumber and squeeze out excess water. Mix with Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
  • Cook Chicken: Heat skillet over medium-high heat. Cook marinated chicken 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (165°F internal temperature). Rest 5 minutes, then slice.
  • Warm Pita: Heat pita bread over flame, in oven, or in a dry skillet until warm and pliable.
  • Assemble Gyros: Spread tzatziki on warm pita, add sliced chicken, tomatoes, onions, lettuce, and feta. Drizzle with more tzatziki and fold.
  • Serve: Enjoy immediately with extra tzatziki sauce and lemon wedges.

Notes

  • Chicken thighs stay juicier than breasts but either works
  • Squeeze cucumber thoroughly to prevent watery tzatziki
  • Tzatziki can be made 2 days in advance
  • Cooked chicken stores well for 4 days refrigerated
  • For meal prep, store components separately and assemble fresh
  • Customize heat level with more or less cayenne pepper
  • Set up a gyro bar for parties and let guests build their own
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