🥙 Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Homemade Tzatziki Sauce
These Mediterranean Chicken Gyros are juicy, flavorful, and wrapped in warm pita with crisp veggies and creamy tzatziki sauce. This classic street-style dish comes from Greece and is a staple of the Mediterranean cuisine. It’s healthy, protein-rich, and perfect for lunch or dinner.
🧾 Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
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1 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts, sliced
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3 tablespoons olive oil
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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2 tablespoons lemon juice
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1 teaspoon paprika
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½ teaspoon ground cumin
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½ teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
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 tablespoon olive oil
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1 tablespoon fresh dill (or mint)
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Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembling Gyros
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4 pita breads
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1 cup lettuce, shredded
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1 tomato, sliced
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½ red onion, thinly sliced
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Optional: crumbled feta cheese
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl combine olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Add chicken and mix well. Cover and marinate for 30 minutes to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Cook the marinated chicken for 6–8 minutes, stirring occasionally until golden and fully cooked.
3. Make the Tzatziki Sauce
In a bowl mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper.
Refrigerate for 15–30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend.
4. Warm the Pita
Lightly toast the pita bread in a pan or oven until warm and soft.
5. Assemble the Gyros
Fill each pita with:
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Cooked chicken
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Lettuce
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Tomato
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Red onion
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A generous spoon of tzatziki sauce
Sprinkle with feta cheese if desired and fold the pita around the filling.
🌿 Mediterranean Serving Tips
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Serve with roasted potatoes, Greek salad, or lemon rice.
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Add olives and feta for a more authentic Greek-style plate.
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Drizzle extra olive oil and fresh herbs for a restaurant-style finish.
❓ Q & A
Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, but thighs stay juicier and more flavorful.
Q: Can I cook the chicken in the oven?
Yes. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, then slice.
Q: How long does tzatziki sauce last?
Stored in the fridge, it lasts 3–4 days in an airtight container.
Q: Can I make this low-carb?
Yes. Skip the pita and serve the chicken and toppings in a gyro bowl with lettuce.
Q: What makes gyros taste authentic?
The key flavors are garlic, lemon, oregano, and creamy tzatziki sauce.
✅ Approximate Nutrition (per gyro)
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Calories: ~350–400
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Protein: 30 g
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Carbs: 30 g
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Healthy fats: 12 g
