Grilled Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce & Veggies

Are you craving a dish that combines vibrant flavors, fresh ingredients, and the perfect balance of textures? Grilled Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce is your answer! This classic Mediterranean dish is a delightful blend of smoky grilled chicken, creamy tzatziki, and crisp vegetables wrapped in soft pita bread. It’s perfect for a casual dinner, a summer barbecue, or even meal prep for busy weekdays. Let’s dive into everything you need to know to recreate this recipe at home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Grilled Chicken Gyros are more than just a meal; they’re an experience. Here’s why you’ll fall in love with this recipe:

• Bursting with Flavor: The combination of garlic, lemon juice, and Mediterranean spices in the chicken marinade ensures every bite is a flavor explosion.
• Healthy and Fresh: Packed with lean protein, fresh vegetables, and creamy tzatziki made from Greek yogurt, this dish is both nutritious and satisfying.
• Customizable: Whether you prefer extra veggies, a touch of spice, or a vegetarian twist, this recipe is endlessly adaptable.
• Simple to Make: With just a little prep and a grill, you can enjoy restaurant-quality gyros at home.

The Inspiration Behind Grilled Chicken Gyros

Gyros (pronounced “yee-ros”) are a beloved Greek street food, traditionally made with rotisserie-style meat shaved thin and served in pita bread with vegetables and tzatziki sauce. While lamb or pork is often used in Greece, this recipe uses chicken for a lighter, more accessible option. Inspired by the Mediterranean’s emphasis on fresh, wholesome ingredients, this recipe captures the essence of traditional gyros while being easy enough for home cooks to master.

Whether you’ve experienced gyros while traveling or are discovering them for the first time, this recipe brings the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean to your table.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 2 large chicken breasts (sliced into thin strips)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For the Tzatziki Sauce

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cucumber (grated and squeezed to remove excess water)
• 1 garlic clove (minced)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill or mint (chopped)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Gyros

• 4 pita breads
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
• 1 small red onion (thinly sliced)
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1/2 cup feta cheese (crumbled)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

Start by preparing the marinade, which infuses the chicken with bold Mediterranean flavors. In a large bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken strips and toss to coat evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. For even deeper flavor, let it marinate for up to 4 hours.

Pro Tip: Don’t skip the marinating step! The lemon juice tenderizes the chicken, while the spices ensure every bite is flavorful.

2. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce

While the chicken marinates, it’s time to whip up the creamy tzatziki sauce. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and chopped dill or mint. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve.

Pro Tip: Make sure to squeeze out as much water as possible from the grated cucumber to prevent the tzatziki from becoming watery.

3. Grill the Chicken

When the chicken is ready, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken strips for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and slightly charred. Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes.

Pro Tip: If you don’t have a grill, you can cook the chicken in a skillet or bake it in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes.

4. Assemble the Gyros

Warm the pita breads on the grill or in a dry skillet for a few seconds until soft and pliable. To assemble, start by layering shredded lettuce on the pita, followed by the grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Add a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce on top and sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese.

Pro Tip: For a truly authentic experience, wrap the gyros in parchment paper or foil to keep all the ingredients neatly packed.

5. Serve and Enjoy

Fold the pita in half, serve immediately, and enjoy! These gyros are best eaten fresh, but you can also prepare the components ahead of time for quick assembly later.

Tips and Variations

Vegetarian Option

Swap the chicken with grilled halloumi cheese or falafel for a delicious vegetarian alternative. The same tzatziki sauce and vegetable toppings work perfectly with these options.

Spice It Up

If you love a bit of heat, add a drizzle of hot sauce, sprinkle some red pepper flakes, or mix a pinch of cayenne pepper into the chicken marinade.

Make It a Bowl

Skip the pita and turn this recipe into a gyro bowl! Layer all the components over a bed of rice, quinoa, or couscous for a filling, gluten-free option.

Add More Veggies

Feel free to add your favorite vegetables. Grilled zucchini, bell peppers, or roasted eggplant are fantastic additions that complement the Mediterranean flavors.

Meal Prep-Friendly

This recipe is ideal for meal prep. Store the grilled chicken, tzatziki sauce, and vegetables in separate containers in the refrigerator. When ready to eat, warm the chicken and pita, then assemble.

What to Serve with Gyros

Grilled Chicken Gyros are a complete meal on their own, but pairing them with a few sides can elevate your dining experience. Here are some ideas:

• Greek Salad: A classic mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta with a lemon-olive oil dressing.
• Roasted Potatoes: Seasoned with olive oil, lemon juice, and oregano, they’re the perfect complement.
• Hummus and Pita Chips: Serve as an appetizer or alongside the gyros for dipping.
• Tabbouleh Salad: A refreshing mix of parsley, bulgur, and lemon juice adds a bright contrast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use store-bought tzatziki sauce?

Absolutely! While homemade tzatziki is fresher and allows you to control the ingredients, store-bought tzatziki is a convenient alternative.

How do I store leftovers?

Store the grilled chicken, tzatziki sauce, and vegetables separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken will stay fresh for up to 3 days, while the tzatziki sauce is best consumed within 2 days. Warm the chicken and pita before assembling.

Can I freeze the chicken?

Yes! Marinated raw chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before grilling. Cooked chicken can also be frozen, but it’s best to freeze it in portions to make reheating easier.

Health Benefits of Grilled Chicken Gyros

This recipe is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients:

• High in Protein: The chicken and Greek yogurt provide a generous amount of protein, keeping you full and energized.
• Rich in Vitamins: Fresh vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers are loaded with vitamins and antioxidants.
• Low in Calories: At around 450 calories per serving, this recipe is a great option for a balanced meal.
• Gut-Healthy Probiotics: The Greek yogurt in the tzatziki sauce contains probiotics that support digestive health.
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  Grilled Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce & Veggies

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  • Author: Fadi Alaydi
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x

  Print Recipe

  Pin Recipe

  Description

  This Mediterranean-inspired dish is a delightful combination of grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy tzatziki sauce wrapped in warm pita bread. Perfect for a casual dinner or a summer barbecue, this recipe is both healthy and satisfying.

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  Ingredients

  Scale 1x2x3x

  For the Chicken:

  • 2 large chicken breasts (sliced into thin strips)
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 3 garlic cloves (minced)
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

  For the Tzatziki Sauce:

  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cucumber (grated and squeezed to remove excess water)
  • 1 garlic clove (minced)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Juice of 1/2 lemon
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill or mint (chopped)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

  For the Gyros:

  • 4 pita breads
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
  • 1 small red onion (thinly sliced)
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese (crumbled)

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  Instructions

  1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add chicken strips and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
  2. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, dill or mint, salt, and pepper. Mix well and refrigerate until serving.
  3. Cook the Chicken: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill chicken strips for 4-5 minutes per side until fully cooked and slightly charred. Let rest for a few minutes.
  4. Assemble the Gyros: Warm pita breads on the grill or in a skillet. Layer with lettuce, grilled chicken, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and tzatziki sauce. Sprinkle with feta cheese.
  5. Serve: Fold the pita in half and serve immediately. Enjoy!

  Notes

  • For a vegetarian option, replace the chicken with grilled halloumi or falafel.
  • Add a spicy twist by incorporating red pepper flakes or hot sauce.
  • Turn this into a gyro bowl by serving ingredients over rice or quinoa instead of pita bread.
  • Leftovers can be stored separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes