🥙 Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with Homemade Tzatziki Sauce
🌿 Description
Juicy, marinated chicken wrapped in soft pita bread, loaded with crisp vegetables, and drizzled with cool, creamy homemade tzatziki sauce — this Mediterranean Chicken Gyro is a fresh and wholesome meal that bursts with flavor in every bite!
Perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, this classic Greek-inspired dish combines bright herbs, zesty lemon, and creamy yogurt into a harmony of Mediterranean goodness.
👩🍳 Servings
4 people
🧂 Ingredients
🍗 For the Chicken Marinade:
- 500 g (1 lb) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
🌯 For the Gyros:
- 4 pita breads or flatbreads
- 1 cup lettuce, chopped
- 1 cup cucumber, thinly sliced
- 1 cup tomato, sliced or diced
- ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh parsley or dill (for garnish)
🥣 For the Homemade Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (plain, full-fat)
- ½ cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill or mint, chopped
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
🥘 Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken and coat well.
- Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours in the fridge).
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Grill Option: Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill chicken 5–6 minutes per side until fully cooked and slightly charred.
- Pan Option: Cook in a hot skillet with a little olive oil until golden and cooked through.
- Slice chicken into thin strips.
Step 3: Make the Tzatziki Sauce
- Mix yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Stir well and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before serving (for best flavor).
Step 4: Assemble the Gyros
- Warm pita bread on a dry pan or in the oven.
- Layer lettuce, cucumber, tomato, and red onion.
- Add sliced chicken on top.
- Drizzle with tzatziki sauce and garnish with parsley or dill.
- Fold and enjoy immediately!
💡 Chef’s Notes
- Thighs give juicier gyros, while breasts are leaner and lighter.
- Always rest the chicken for 5 minutes before slicing to keep it moist.
- Strain the cucumber well in the tzatziki to avoid watery sauce.
- You can add feta cheese, olives, or pickled onions for extra flavor.
🔪 Pro Tips
✅ Marinate the chicken overnight for maximum flavor.
✅ Grill on skewers for a traditional gyro-style presentation.
✅ Use whole wheat pita or lettuce wraps for a lighter, low-carb version.
✅ Tzatziki tastes even better the next day — make it ahead!
🍽️ Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
(Approximate values — may vary by ingredients used)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 430 kcal |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Saturated Fat | 4 g |
| Carbohydrates | 28 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sugars | 4 g |
| Sodium | 400 mg |
| Calcium | 120 mg |
🌿 Health Benefits
✨ High-Protein Meal: Chicken and Greek yogurt support muscle growth and energy.
💧 Hydrating Ingredients: Cucumber and yogurt keep your body cool and refreshed.
🍋 Rich in Vitamins: Tomatoes, lemon, and herbs are loaded with antioxidants and vitamin C.
💪 Heart-Healthy Fats: Olive oil and lean chicken contribute to a balanced Mediterranean diet.
🌱 Gut-Friendly: Yogurt provides probiotics that aid digestion.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the chicken with grilled halloumi, falafel, or marinated tofu.
Q2: Can I meal prep this?
Definitely. Cook and slice the chicken ahead, store separately from veggies and sauce. Assemble fresh when serving.
Q3: What’s the best bread to use?
Soft Greek-style pita or naan works best — it should be flexible enough to fold without tearing.
Q4: How long can tzatziki sauce last?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Q5: Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?
Yes! Bake marinated chicken at 200°C (400°F) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.