Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Homemade Tzatziki Sauce

⭐ Serves: 4–6

⭐ Prep Time: 20 minutes

⭐ Marinate: 30 minutes–4 hours

⭐ Cook Time: 12–15 minutes

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INGREDIENTS

1. Chicken Gyro Marinade

• 2 lbs (900 g) boneless chicken thighs (best for gyro texture)
  or chicken breasts, sliced into strips

• 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil

• 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice

• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar

• 3–4 garlic cloves, minced

• 2 tsp dried oregano (Greek oregano preferred)

• 1 tsp paprika

• 1 tsp cumin

• ½ tsp coriander (optional, adds Mediterranean depth)

• 1 tsp sea salt

• ½ tsp black pepper

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2. Homemade Tzatziki Sauce

• 1 cup thick Greek yogurt (whole milk works best)

• 1 small cucumber, grated and well-drained

• 1–2 garlic cloves, minced

• 1–2 tbsp olive oil

• 1 tbsp lemon juice

• 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill

• Salt & pepper to taste

Traditional tip: Squeeze the cucumber very dry to prevent watery tzatziki.

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3. Gyro Assembly

• 4–6 warm pita breads or flatbreads

• Sliced tomatoes

• Sliced red onion

• Shredded lettuce or chopped romaine

• Fresh parsley, dill, or mint

• Lemon wedges

Optional extras: Kalamata olives, feta crumbles

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INSTRUCTIONS

1. Marinate the Chicken

1. In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, garlic, oregano, paprika, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper.

2. Add chicken and toss until well coated.

3. Cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes, ideally 2–4 hours for full flavor.

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2. Cook the Chicken

Skillet/Grill Pan Method (most common for gyros):

• Heat skillet on medium-high with a little olive oil.

• Cook chicken 4–6 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.

• Slice into thin strips.

Grill Method:

• Grill chicken over medium-high heat for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway.

• Slice after resting 5 minutes.

Oven Method:

• Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20–22 minutes, broil 2 minutes at the end.

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3. Make the Tzatziki

1. Grate cucumber and squeeze out all excess water using a towel.

2. Combine yogurt, cucumber, garlic, olive oil, lemon, dill, salt, and pepper.

3. Chill until ready to serve.

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4. Warm the Pita

• Heat pita in a dry pan or wrap in foil and warm in the oven for 3–4 minutes.

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5. Assemble the Gyros

1. Spread a generous layer of tzatziki on the warm pita.

2. Add sliced chicken gyro meat.

3. Top with tomatoes, onion, lettuce, herbs, and optional olives/feta.

4. Drizzle with a little olive oil and a squeeze of lemon.

Roll up and serve!

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Mediterranean Add-On Ideas

• Add fresh mint to the tzatziki for brightness

• Add sumac to the onions for a tangy Middle Eastern twist

• Add harissa yogurt or roasted red peppers for a spicy version

• Serve with a side of Greek village salad, roasted potatoes, or grilled halloumi

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Make It Meal-Prep Friendly

• Keep chicken, pita, veggies, and tzatziki separate

• Chicken lasts 3–4 days refrigerated

• Tzatziki lasts 2–3 days