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Flavorful Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe with Easy Creamy Tzatziki Sauce

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A quick and easy Greek chicken gyro recipe featuring juicy marinated chicken thighs wrapped in warm pita bread with a creamy homemade tzatziki sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 ½ lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tbsp)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp ground cumin (optional)
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup (240ml) full-fat Greek yogurt
  • ½ English cucumber, grated and drained
  • 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 4–6 pita breads or flatbreads
  • 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
  • Fresh tomatoes, sliced or diced
  • Optional: crumbled feta cheese for topping

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken Marinade (10 minutes): In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined. Add the chicken thighs, turning them to coat evenly. Cover and let marinate in the fridge for at least 20 minutes, up to 2 hours if possible.
  2. Make the Tzatziki Sauce (15 minutes): Grate the cucumber using the large holes of a box grater. Place grated cucumber in a fine mesh sieve or wrap in a kitchen towel and press to remove excess water. In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, dill, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  3. Cook the Chicken (15 minutes): Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat until hot. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Cook chicken thighs for 5-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and chicken is charred and fragrant. Cook in batches if needed.
  4. Rest and Slice the Chicken (5 minutes): Transfer cooked chicken to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes. Slice into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
  5. Warm the Pita Bread: Warm pita breads in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 1 minute per side or wrap in foil and heat in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5 minutes.
  6. Assemble the Gyros: Lay warm pita bread flat, spread a generous spoonful of tzatziki sauce, add sliced chicken, then top with red onion slices, fresh tomatoes, and feta if using. Fold or roll up and serve immediately.

Notes

Marinate chicken for at least 20 minutes for best flavor; draining cucumber is key to avoid watery tzatziki; use chicken thighs for juiciness; warm pita before assembling; if chicken browns too fast, lower heat and cover pan briefly.

Nutrition

Keywords: Greek chicken gyros, tzatziki sauce, grilled chicken, Mediterranean recipe, easy dinner, weeknight meal, healthy chicken recipe

Find it online: https://tempotaste.com/flavorful-greek-chicken-gyros-recipe-with-easy-creamy-tzatziki-sauce/