Name: Greek Chicken Gyros with Lemon-Herb Marinade and Tzatziki Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 4 pita breads; 1 cup tzatziki sauce; 1 cup chopped lettuce; 1/2 cup diced tomatoes; 1/4 cup sliced red onion

Jump to Recipe

If you’re ready to bring a little Mediterranean sunshine into your kitchen, Greek Chicken Gyros with Lemon-Herb Marinade and Tzatziki are the perfect ticket. Imagine juicy chicken, marinated in lively lemon and fragrant herbs, tucked inside warm pita and topped with creamy, garlicky tzatziki. Every bite bursts with fresh, bold flavors and the delightful crunch of crisp veggies—a handheld meal that’s as crowd-pleasing as it is easy to make. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or just shake up your weeknight dinner routine, this dish is sure to make everyone at the table swoon.

Greek Chicken Gyros with Lemon-Herb Marinade and Tzatziki Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Great news: the ingredients for this dish are incredibly straightforward, yet each one plays a starring role in flavor, texture, or color. Gather these pantry-friendly staples and let them work their delicious magic in our Greek Chicken Gyros with Lemon-Herb Marinade and Tzatziki.

Chicken breast: Boneless, skinless breast keeps things lean and soaks up every bit of the zesty marinade.
Olive oil: Adds depth and helps lock in the chicken’s juiciness during cooking.
Lemon juice: The star citrus ingredient that brightens and tenderizes the meat.
Garlic: Brings irresistible flavor and a touch of heat—don’t skimp on fresh cloves!
Dried oregano: This classic Greek herb imparts an earthy, aromatic base.
Salt: Essential for seasoning every layer, letting the bold Mediterranean flavors shine.
Black pepper: Adds subtle heat and balance.
Pita breads: Soft and pillowy, perfect for wrapping that glorious filling; try to use thick Greek-style pitas.
Tzatziki sauce: Cool, creamy, and packed with cucumber and dill, this classic condiment is the gyro’s signature touch.
Chopped lettuce: Adds crunch and freshness, balancing the richness of the chicken and sauce.
Diced tomatoes: Their juiciness brings a burst of color and juicy flavor to every bite.
Sliced red onion: Provides a zesty bite and beautiful pop of color.

How to Make Greek Chicken Gyros with Lemon-Herb Marinade and Tzatziki

Step 1: Whip Up the Zesty Marinade

The foundation of unforgettable Greek Chicken Gyros with Lemon-Herb Marinade and Tzatziki starts here. In a mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper. The oil and citrus work together to make the chicken irresistibly tender, while the aromatic herbs and garlic shower every piece with big, Greek flavor. Stir well so everything blends into a fragrant, golden elixir.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Slice your chicken breast into strips to ensure quick, even cooking. Toss those pieces right into the bowl of marinade and give everything a good mix—hands are highly recommended for maximum coverage! For best results, let the chicken soak for at least 30 minutes (or up to two hours, if you can swing it), so all those punchy notes can truly penetrate every bite.

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill or Skillet

Bring the Greek Chicken Gyros with Lemon-Herb Marinade and Tzatziki alive by heating a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, lay in the marinated chicken strips and cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side. You’ll know they’re perfect when they’re golden on the edges, charred in spots, and cooked through—juicy, never dry.

Step 4: Warm the Pita Breads

As the chicken rests, toss your pita breads on the grill or right into your skillet for about a minute per side. This quick toast wakes up their flavor, making them soft, warm, and perfectly pliable for wrapping around all those lush fillings.

Step 5: Assemble the Gyros

Now comes the fun part: pile slices of that juicy chicken onto each warm pita, then lavish on tzatziki sauce for that unmistakable tang. Sprinkle on the lettuce, scatter over diced tomatoes, and finish with sweet, sharp red onion. You’ve just created a Greek Chicken Gyros with Lemon-Herb Marinade and Tzatziki worth bragging about!

How to Serve Greek Chicken Gyros with Lemon-Herb Marinade and Tzatziki

Garnishes

Give each gyro an extra flourish with classic Mediterranean touches: a dusting of fresh parsley, a squeeze of lemon, or a pinch of crumbled feta. These little touches amplify each flavor, making the dish pop both visually and on your palate.

Side Dishes

Greek Chicken Gyros with Lemon-Herb Marinade and Tzatziki play especially well with simple sides like oven-roasted potatoes, tangy Greek salad, or a heap of crunchy dill pickles. For something extra, try a handful of Kalamata olives or homemade hummus to really round out your Greek feast.

Creative Ways to Present

For a twist, try serving the gyro fillings DIY-style on a large platter. Let everyone build their own pita, perfect for gatherings! Or, for a lighter spin, serve the chicken and toppings over greens bowl-style as a vibrant salad.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, store the chicken and veggies separately from the pita and tzatziki in airtight containers in the fridge. The marinated chicken holds beautifully for up to 3 days, remaining tender and flavorful.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Simply cool completely, seal tightly, and when you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the fridge. Keep your pita and fresh veggies out of the freezer for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave for a quick lunch. Give pita breads a flash in the toaster or warm skillet to restore softness, and always add fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and tzatziki right before serving.

FAQs

Can I use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a bit juicier and very forgiving—they soak up the lemon-herb marinade beautifully and grill up tender and flavorful in Greek Chicken Gyros with Lemon-Herb Marinade and Tzatziki.

What’s the best way to make homemade tzatziki sauce?

Start with thick Greek yogurt, then stir in grated cucumber, minced garlic, a squeeze of lemon, fresh dill, and a pinch of salt. Chill for at least 30 minutes to marry the flavors—it’s a game-changer and the soul of authentic Greek Chicken Gyros with Lemon-Herb Marinade and Tzatziki.

Can I prepare the marinade ahead of time?

Yes! You can mix the marinade up to 2 days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator, then pour over your chicken when ready to marinate. The flavors get even brighter with a little time.

Are there gluten-free options for the pita?

Definitely—many stores now offer gluten-free pita or flatbread. You can also make your own, or simply serve the gyro fillings over lettuce or rice for a savory Greek Chicken Gyros with Lemon-Herb Marinade and Tzatziki bowl.

How do I keep the pita from getting soggy?

Always assemble gyros just before serving. Warming the pita slightly helps create a barrier, and layering lettuce or protein before the wet ingredients also keeps everything fresh and delicious.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving a meal that’s both comforting and excitingly fresh, don’t hesitate to try Greek Chicken Gyros with Lemon-Herb Marinade and Tzatziki. I guarantee they’ll become a fast favorite—simple to make, fun to eat, and absolutely bursting with the sunny flavors of Greece!

Greek Chicken Gyros with Lemon-Herb Marinade and Tzatziki Recipe

★★★★★

5.1 from 12 reviews

Author: Lily
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These Greek Chicken Gyros are a delicious and flavorful meal featuring marinated chicken, fresh veggies, and creamy tzatziki sauce, all wrapped in warm pita bread. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner!

Instructions

Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Marinate the Chicken: Cut the chicken into strips and marinate for at least 30 minutes.
Cook the Chicken: Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until fully cooked.
Warm the Pita: Warm the pita breads on the grill for a minute.
Assemble the Gyros: Place chicken, tzatziki, lettuce, tomatoes, and onions in the pita.
Serve: Serve immediately and enjoy!

Notes

Feel free to customize your gyros with additional toppings like feta cheese or olives.
For a vegetarian option, you can substitute the chicken with grilled vegetables or falafel.

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Greek