Introduction

Few dishes capture the heart of Mediterranean cuisine quite like the gyro. Traditionally made with slow-roasted meat shaved off a vertical spit, gyros are a street food staple in Greece that has gained worldwide love. This recipe for Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki and Pita Bread brings all the fresh, tangy, and savory flavors of Greece straight to your kitchen.

Marinated chicken is grilled to perfection, then wrapped in warm, fluffy pita bread and topped with refreshing cucumber-yogurt tzatziki sauce, fresh vegetables, and a sprinkle of herbs. The balance of smoky chicken, creamy sauce, and pillowy bread makes every bite irresistible.

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❤️ Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it is the perfect balance of health and indulgence. The chicken is juicy, flavorful, and seasoned with classic Mediterranean spices like garlic, lemon, and oregano. The homemade tzatziki adds a creamy, cooling contrast, and the fresh veggies make it light yet satisfying.

It’s also an interactive meal—you can set out the pita, chicken, toppings, and sauce for everyone to build their own gyros. It’s fun for family dinners, casual gatherings, or even meal prep for the week.

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🌟 Why This is a Must-Try Dish

• Brings authentic Greek flavors to your kitchen.
• A balanced meal—protein, carbs, and veggies in one wrap.
• Customizable with toppings and sauces to suit your taste.
• Perfect for meal prep, parties, or weeknight dinners.
• Healthier than takeout gyros yet just as delicious!

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🕒 Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes (plus 1–2 hours marinating)
• Cooking Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes (active) / up to 2 hours 40 minutes (including marination)

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🍽 Servings & Nutrition

• Servings: 4 gyros
• Calories: ~520 calories per serving (with chicken, pita, and tzatziki)

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📌 Course & Cuisine

• Course: Main Dish
• Cuisine: Greek / Mediterranean

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🛒 Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain, full-fat preferred)
• 1 small cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp fresh dill (or 1 tsp dried dill)
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Serving:

• 4 pita breads (warm, soft, or lightly toasted)
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 large tomato, sliced or diced
• 1 cup lettuce or mixed greens
• Feta cheese crumbles (optional)
• Fresh parsley or dill for garnish

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👩‍🍳 Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Add chicken and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to overnight).

Step 2: Make the Tzatziki Sauce

1. Grate cucumber, squeeze out excess water using a cheesecloth or paper towel.
2. In a bowl, mix yogurt, cucumber, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper.
3. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to use.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat a grill pan, skillet, or outdoor grill over medium-high heat.
2. Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).
3. Let rest 5 minutes, then slice into strips.

Step 4: Warm the Pita

1. Heat pita bread on a dry skillet for 1–2 minutes per side, or wrap in foil and warm in oven.

Step 5: Assemble the Gyros

1. Place warm pita on a plate.
2. Add lettuce, chicken strips, tomato, onion, and feta (if using).
3. Spoon over tzatziki sauce generously.
4. Fold or wrap, then garnish with fresh parsley or dill.

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🍴 How to Serve

Serve immediately while warm. Wrap each gyro in parchment or foil for easy eating, just like Greek street food. Pair with a side of Greek salad, lemon potatoes, or olives for a complete Mediterranean feast.

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💡 Recipe Tips

• Marinate chicken longer for deeper flavor.
• Use chicken thighs for juicier results, breasts for leaner meat.
• For extra authenticity, char the pita slightly on open flame.
• Chill tzatziki for at least 30 minutes to let flavors blend.

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🔄 Variations

• Spicy Gyros: Add chili flakes or cayenne to the marinade.
• Vegetarian Gyros: Swap chicken for grilled halloumi, falafel, or roasted veggies.
• Low-Carb: Serve over salad instead of pita.
• Different Protein: Try lamb, beef, or pork with the same marinade.
• Extra Creamy: Add a drizzle of tahini or hummus along with tzatziki.

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❄️ Freezing & Storage

• Chicken: Store cooked chicken in airtight container in fridge for up to 4 days or freeze up to 2 months.
• Tzatziki: Best eaten fresh, lasts 2–3 days in fridge. (Do not freeze—yogurt will separate.)
• Pita Bread: Freeze for up to 2 months, thaw and reheat before serving.

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🛠 Special Equipment Needed

• Grill pan or outdoor grill (for authentic charred chicken)
• Mixing bowls
• Sharp knife
• Cheesecloth or towel (for cucumber in tzatziki)

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❓ FAQ

Q1: Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, then slice.

Q2: Can I use store-bought tzatziki?
Absolutely, but homemade always tastes fresher.

Q3: Can I prep this in advance?
Yes, marinate chicken and prepare tzatziki a day ahead. Assemble fresh before serving.

Q4: How do I make this gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pita or wrap in lettuce leaves.

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📝 Conclusion

Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki and Pita Bread is a dish that combines the smoky flavors of marinated grilled chicken with the refreshing coolness of tzatziki, all wrapped up in warm pita. It’s a recipe that’s not only delicious but also versatile, healthy, and family-friendly.

Whether you’re craving authentic Greek street food or looking for a fun, interactive dinner idea, this dish is a must-try. Every bite brings you closer to the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean.