Greek Chicken Gyros with Lemon-Herb Marinade and Tzatziki

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• You get vibrant, zesty flavors from fresh lemon and aromatic oregano.
• The marinated chicken remains succulently moist and packed with flavor.
• Assembling gyros is quick and fun perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1. 1 lb chicken breast
2. 2 tablespoons olive oil
3. 2 tablespoons lemon juice
4. 2 cloves garlic, minced
5. 1 teaspoon dried oregano
6. 1 teaspoon salt
7. ½ teaspoon black pepper
8. 4 pita breads
9. 1 cup tzatziki sauce
10. 1 cup chopped lettuce
11. ½ cup diced tomatoes
12. ¼ cup sliced red onion

Directions

1. Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
2. Marinate the chicken: Slice the chicken breasts into thin strips or bite-sized pieces. Add them to the marinade, ensuring each piece is coated. Let marinate for at least 30 minutes in the fridge. (For deeper flavor, marinate up to 2 hours.)
3. Cook the chicken: Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken until golden and fully cooked through, about 5–6 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165 °F (74 °C).
4. Warm the pita: Briefly warm pitas in a dry pan or oven until soft and pliable.
5. Assemble the gyros: Fill each warm pita with a portion of cooked chicken, then top with tzatziki, chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, and sliced red onion.
6. Serve immediately while warm and flavorful.

Servings and timing

• Servings: Makes about 4 gyros (4 servings).
• Prep time: Around 10 minutes (plus 30 minutes marination).
• Cook time: Approximately 10–12 minutes.
• Total time: Around 50–55 minutes (including marination).

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Keep cooked chicken, pita, and toppings separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days.
• Reheating: Gently warm the chicken in a skillet or microwave, and heat pita briefly to soften. Then assemble fresh gyros just before serving.

FAQs

What cut of chicken works best for gyros?

Chicken breast is lean and easy to slice evenly, but chicken thighs work too if you’d prefer juicier meat.

Can I substitute fresh herbs for dried oregano?

Absolutely use about 1 tablespoon of fresh oregano instead of 1 teaspoon dried for brighter flavor.

Can I marinate the chicken longer than 2 hours?

Yes, you can safely marinate in the fridge for up to 8 hours for more pronounced flavor.

Is there a way to make it spicy?

Sprinkle some crushed red pepper or drizzle spicy feta sauce for heat.

What can I use instead of-store-bought tzatziki?

Make your own by mixing Greek yogurt with grated cucumber, garlic, lemon, olive oil, and dill or mint.

Any vegetarian alternatives?

Replace chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or marinated tofu for a tasty meat-free gyro.

Can I toast the pita?

Yes! Toasting the pita adds lovely texture just ensure it’s still pliable enough to wrap.

How should I slice the chicken for even cooking?

Slice to uniform thickness (about ½ inch) so all pieces cook at the same rate.

What side dishes pair well with these gyros?

Try Greek salad, golden fries, or a simple cucumber and tomato salad for a complete meal.

Can I prep toppings ahead?

Yes lettuce, tomatoes, and onions can be washed and cut in advance and stored in separate sealed containers in the fridge for up to a day.

Conclusion

These Greek chicken gyros are a balance of fresh, tangy, and savory flavors all rolled into one easy, satisfying wrap. With simple ingredients and quick prep, they’re ideal for flavorful weeknight dinners or casual gatherings. Customize them with your favorite greens, sauces, or even a touch of heat for a gyro experience that’s truly yours. Enjoy!

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