🥙 Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Homemade Tzatziki Sauce
📖 Description
Mediterranean Chicken Gyros are a classic Greek street-food favorite made with juicy marinated chicken, warm pita bread, crisp vegetables, and creamy tzatziki sauce. The chicken is seasoned with lemon, garlic, and herbs, then grilled or pan-seared until tender and flavorful. Wrapped in soft pita with fresh toppings, these gyros are fresh, satisfying, and perfect for lunch or dinner.
🧾 Ingredients
For the chicken marinade
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500 g (1 lb) boneless chicken thighs or breasts, sliced
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3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
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2 tbsp lemon juice
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp dried oregano
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½ tsp paprika
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½ tsp ground cumin
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½ tsp black pepper
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¾ tsp salt
For the tzatziki sauce
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1 cup Greek yogurt
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½ cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
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1 clove garlic, minced
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar
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1 tbsp fresh dill or mint, chopped
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Salt and pepper to taste
For assembling the gyros
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4 pita breads
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1 cup shredded lettuce
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1 tomato, sliced
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¼ red onion, thinly sliced
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¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Marinate the chicken
In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
2. Prepare the tzatziki sauce
In a bowl combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (well squeezed), garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
3. Cook the chicken
Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for 5–7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through.
4. Warm the pita
Heat pita bread in a dry skillet or oven for 1–2 minutes until warm and soft.
5. Assemble the gyros
Place chicken in the center of each pita. Add lettuce, tomatoes, onion, and feta cheese.
6. Add the sauce
Drizzle generously with homemade tzatziki sauce.
7. Serve
Fold or wrap the pita and serve immediately.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
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Serve with Mediterranean roasted potatoes.
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Pair with a Greek salad for a complete meal.
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Add olives and hummus on the side.
❓ Q & A
Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breast works well, though thighs tend to stay juicier.
Q: Can I bake the chicken instead of pan-cooking?
Yes. Bake at 200°C (400°F) for about 20 minutes until cooked through.
Q: How long does tzatziki sauce last?
Stored in the refrigerator, it stays fresh for 2–3 days.
Q: Can I make this low-carb?
Yes. Serve the chicken and toppings in lettuce wraps or bowls instead of pita.
Q: Can I make the chicken ahead of time?
Absolutely. Marinate it overnight for even deeper flavor.
