🥙 Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki

Serves: 4
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinating Time: 30 min–4 hrs
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes

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📝 Ingredients

For the Greek Chicken

• 500–600 g chicken breast or thighs, cut into strips

• 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tsp lemon zest

• 1½ tsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp dried thyme

• 1 tsp paprika

• ½ tsp cumin

• ½ tsp chili flakes (optional)

• Salt & black pepper

• 2 tbsp Greek yogurt (tenderizes chicken—optional but recommended)

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For the Tzatziki Sauce

• 1 cup Greek yogurt

• ½ cucumber, grated & squeezed dry

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1–2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or mint)

• Salt & pepper to taste

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For the Gyro Wraps

• 4–6 pita breads (Greek-style, soft & thick)

• 1 cup tomatoes, diced

• 1 cup cucumbers, diced

• ½ small red onion, thinly sliced

• ½ cup lettuce, shredded

• Optional:

  • Feta cheese

  • Olives

  • Pickled turnips

  • Oregano to sprinkle

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🍳 Instructions

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1. Marinate the Chicken

1. In a bowl, add: olive oil, garlic, yogurt, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, thyme, paprika, cumin, salt & pepper.

2. Add chicken strips and coat well.

3. Marinate at least 30 minutes, ideally 2–4 hours for maximum flavor.

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2. Make the Tzatziki

1. Grate the cucumber and squeeze out excess water.

2. Mix Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, dill/mint, salt, and pepper.

3. Chill in the fridge to let flavors develop.

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3. Cook the Chicken

Cook using any method below:

🔥 Skillet

• Heat a pan to medium-high.

• Add chicken and cook 5–7 minutes until golden and cooked through.

🔥 Grill

• Thread onto skewers (optional).

• Grill 2–3 minutes per side.

🔥 Oven

• Bake at 220°C (425°F) for 18–20 minutes.

Let chicken rest for a minute, then slice into bite-sized pieces.

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4. Warm the Pita

• Heat pitas on a dry pan or grill until soft and warm.

• Brush with a touch of olive oil for extra Mediterranean flavor.

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5. Assemble the Gyros

Layer on each pita:

1. Tzatziki (generous spoonful!)

2. Chicken

3. Tomatoes & cucumbers

4. Red onion

5. Lettuce

6. Sprinkle feta and oregano

7. Wrap tightly and serve warm

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🌿 Serve With

• Extra tzatziki

• Greek salad

• Lemon potatoes

• Olives

• Pickled vegetables

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💡 Mediterranean Tips

• Add sun-dried tomatoes for extra flavor.

• Substitute chicken with lamb, beef, turkey, or halloumi.

• Use whole-wheat pitas for a healthier option.