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Easy Chicken Gyros with Homemade Tzatziki Sauce

Yogurt-marinated chicken thighs seared golden and served in warm pita with thick homemade dill tzatziki, fresh tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, and optional feta for a vibrant Greek-inspired dinner.
Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 35 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Calories: 480

Ingredients
  

  • 1.5 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into strips about 1 to 1.5 inches wide
  • 0.5 cup plain Greek yogurt full-fat, for the marinade
  • 2 tbsp olive oil for the marinade
  • 2 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed, for the marinade
  • 3 cloves garlic minced, for the marinade
  • 1 tbsp dried oregano for the marinade
  • 1 tsp salt for the marinade
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper for the marinade
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt full-fat, for tzatziki
  • 0.5 large English cucumber grated on box grater and squeezed completely dry in a kitchen towel; squeezed twice
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill chopped; 1 tsp dried dill can substitute
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice for tzatziki
  • 1 clove garlic finely minced, for tzatziki
  • pinch of salt for tzatziki
  • 6 large pita breads or flatbreads warmed before assembling
  • sliced red onion, sliced tomatoes, chopped cucumbers for assembly
  • crumbled feta cheese and Kalamata olives optional toppings

Equipment

  • Large skillet or grill pan
  • Box grater
  • Clean kitchen towel for squeezing cucumber
  • Large mixing bowl for marinade
  • Small bowl for tzatziki
  • Instant read thermometer

Method
 

  1. Whisk together yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Add chicken strips and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 8 hours.
  2. Grate the cucumber on the large holes of a box grater. Place in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. Reposition cucumber to a dry section and squeeze again. Combine the squeezed cucumber with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, fresh dill, minced garlic, and salt. Stir, taste for seasoning, and refrigerate.
  3. Remove chicken from the refrigerator 10 minutes before cooking. Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat until very hot. Add a thin drizzle of olive oil. Cook chicken strips in a single layer in batches without crowding for 3 to 4 minutes per side until deeply golden and the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Transfer to a plate and tent loosely with foil.
  4. Warm pita breads in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side or microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel for 15 to 20 seconds until soft and pliable.
  5. Spread a generous dollop of tzatziki across the center of each warm pita. Add a portion of chicken strips, sliced red onion, sliced tomatoes, and chopped cucumber.
  6. Add crumbled feta and Kalamata olives if desired. Fold the pita over the filling and serve immediately.

Notes

Storage: Store cooked chicken and tzatziki in separate airtight containers for up to 3 days. Stir tzatziki before using as it may release liquid. Reheat chicken in a hot dry skillet for 2 to 3 minutes or microwave at medium power for 60 seconds. Marinated raw chicken can sit up to 24 hours before cooking. Substitutions: Chicken breast can replace thighs; reduce cook time to 2 to 3 minutes per side. Dried dill (1 tsp) replaces fresh dill. Couscous or rice base for a bowl version. Pro tips: Squeeze cucumber twice in a kitchen towel. Cook chicken in batches without crowding. Marinate overnight for best results. Tzatziki improves after 1 hour in the refrigerator.