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Chicken Gyros Recipe – Easy 30-Minute Mediterranean Dinner

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This easy chicken gyros recipe features juicy, marinated chicken, crisp veggies, and creamy homemade tzatziki, all wrapped in soft pita for a fresh Mediterranean dinner in just 30 minutes. It’s healthy, customizable, and perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (for marinade)
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tsp dried oregano (or 1 tbsp fresh, chopped)
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (for tzatziki)
  • 1/2 cup cucumber, finely grated
  • 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil (for tzatziki)
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice (for tzatziki)
  • 12 garlic cloves, minced (for tzatziki)
  • 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
  • 1/4 tsp salt (for tzatziki)
  • Black pepper, to taste (for tzatziki)
  • 46 pita breads or flatbreads
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup shredded lettuce (romaine or iceberg)
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
  • Fresh parsley or mint, for garnish

Instructions

  1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1 cup Greek yogurt, 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp oregano, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Add chicken and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes (up to 2 hours).
  2. While chicken marinates, grate 1/2 cup cucumber and squeeze out excess water. In a bowl, combine 1 cup Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1-2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp dill, 1/4 tsp salt, and black pepper. Mix well and refrigerate.
  3. Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil. Remove chicken from marinade and cook 4-5 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F). Let rest 3-5 minutes, then slice thinly.
  4. Warm pita breads in a dry skillet or wrap in foil and heat in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes until soft.
  5. To assemble, lay out warm pita, top with sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, red onion, lettuce, feta, and a dollop of tzatziki. Garnish with parsley or mint. Serve immediately.

Notes

For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 15 minutes (up to 2 hours). Squeeze excess water from cucumber for thick tzatziki. Use gluten-free pita or lettuce wraps for a gluten-free version. Full-fat Greek yogurt yields richer flavor. Let chicken rest before slicing for juiciness. Set out toppings family-style for easy serving.

Nutrition

Keywords: chicken gyros, Mediterranean, Greek, easy dinner, healthy, tzatziki, pita, quick meal, family dinner, weeknight recipe