Dreaming of the sunshine and flavors of the Mediterranean? These Easy Chicken Gyros & Tzatziki Sauce bring all the comfort and vibrant taste of your favorite Greek takeout right to your own kitchen, in under an hour! They’re fresh, juicy, and impossibly easy—an instant getaway for your taste buds.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Bursting with Mediterranean Flavor: Each bite delivers a zesty blend of tender chicken, tangy tzatziki, and fresh veggies—like a little edible vacation.
- Quick Weeknight Hero: Marinate, grill, and assemble…dinner is on the table in under an hour, making these gyros perfect for busy nights.
- Ultra-Customizable: Build your own gyro masterpiece with your favorite toppings or pita style—picky eaters are welcome!
- Healthy and Fresh: Packed with lean protein and crisp veggies, this meal feels nourishing but totally satisfying, too.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The secret to truly craveable Easy Chicken Gyros & Tzatziki Sauce starts with a handful of honest, straightforward ingredients. Each one shines in every bite, bringing texture, flavor, and irresistible color to your homemade Greek feast!
- Chicken tenderloins: The star of the show! Tenderloins cook quickly and stay juicy—just be sure to halve any thick pieces for even grilling.
- Pita bread (white or whole wheat): Your soft, toasty vehicle for all those delicious fillings. Choose whatever type you love or have on hand.
- Crumbled feta cheese: Adds a creamy, salty bite that ties everything together—don’t skip it!
- 5-Minute Tzatziki Sauce: This cool, garlicky yogurt sauce is the definition of gyro magic—super fast to make and so refreshing.
- Green-leaf lettuce: For crunch and a touch of garden-fresh flavor; it also soaks up the juicy marinade beautifully.
- Marinade (olive oil, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, minced garlic, garlic powder, Herbs de Provence or Italian seasoning): This mix infuses the chicken with citrusy, garlicky flavor that’s mouthwateringly good.
- Cucumber Salad (cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, lemon juice, salt, pepper, dill): The crisp cucumber, sweet tomatoes, and tangy onions are a perfect balance to the savory chicken.
Variations
One of the many joys of Easy Chicken Gyros & Tzatziki Sauce is their flexibility—you can play with proteins, breads, and toppings to suit your mood, diet, or whatever’s hanging out in your fridge. Let your twisted pita dreams run wild!
- Try a different protein: Swap the chicken for grilled shrimp, steak, or even crispy falafel for a fantastic twist on the classic.
- Go extra-vegetable: Toss in sautéed bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant for a vibrant, satisfying meatless option.
- Make it gluten-free: Serve the fillings over fluffy rice or gluten-free flatbread—so simple and just as delicious.
- Spice it up: Add extra chili flakes to your marinade or tuck spicy pickled peppers inside for a fiery kick.
How to Make Easy Chicken Gyros & Tzatziki Sauce
Step 1: Whip Up the Flavorful Marinade
Start by stirring together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, red pepper, and all the herbs and seasonings in a large bowl. You’ll notice the lemons and herbs create an instant aroma—think Greek café! Add the chicken, toss to coat, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to two hours for extra punch).
Step 2: Prepare the Cool Cucumber Salad
While the chicken marinates, quickly chop your cucumber, tomatoes, and onion. Drizzle with lemon juice, sprinkle with dill (if using), and toss with salt and pepper. This zippy little salad is so fresh—it transforms every gyro bite!
Step 3: Grill the Chicken to Golden Perfection
Heat your grill or skillet to medium heat. Using tongs, place the marinated chicken pieces down and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until juicy and slightly charred. Let them rest briefly—those flavors need time to snuggle in.
Step 4: Assemble Your Gyros!
Arrange warm pitas on a surface and layer with crisp lettuce, a generous heap of chicken, a scoop of cucumber salad, a sprinkling of feta, and a big dollop of homemade tzatziki sauce. Fold or roll up each pita and get ready to devour!
Pro Tips for Making Easy Chicken Gyros & Tzatziki Sauce
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: The longer you let the chicken soak in those citrusy herbs, the juicier and more flavorful it gets—two hours is magic, but even 30 minutes does wonders.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Grill: Give each piece a little space, so they cook evenly and get those glorious golden edges.
- Use Fresh Herbs if You Can: A sprinkle of fresh oregano or dill in the salad or marinade will really send the flavors over the top.
- Warm Your Pitas Right: Lightly toasting your pita either on the grill or in a dry pan gives it just the right softness and a hint of smokiness.
How to Serve Easy Chicken Gyros & Tzatziki Sauce
Garnishes
Bring your Easy Chicken Gyros & Tzatziki Sauce to life with an extra sprinkle of crumbled feta, a few sprigs of fresh dill or parsley, or even a scatter of thinly sliced red onions on top. A wedge of lemon alongside is perfect for squeezing just before you dig in.
Side Dishes
Pair your gyros with Greek lemon potatoes, a handful of crispy oven fries, or a tossed Greek salad for that complete taverna experience. Even a simple bowl of olives or warm hummus is a lovely complement to the flavors of this dish.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn your next get-together into a “Build Your Own Gyro” party by setting out all the fillings, salads, and sauces so everyone can mix and match as they please. Or, for an appetizer twist, slice the pitas into wedges, pile them high on a platter, and serve with a tzatziki dipper on the side.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chicken, tzatziki, and salad all keep beautifully if stored separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. This makes next-day lunches a total breeze—just grab, reheat, and roll!
Freezing
The cooked chicken freezes really well for up to 2 months. Portion it in freezer-safe bags for fast future meals, but skip freezing the tzatziki or cucumber salad, as the dairy and veggies won’t thaw quite right.
Reheating
To keep the chicken moist, reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or lemon juice, or microwave in short intervals. Toast your pita briefly for extra texture, then assemble with cold toppings as usual.
FAQs
-
Can I substitute chicken breasts or thighs for the tenderloins?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts or thighs work great—just slice them into similar-sized strips for even cooking, and note that thighs may take a minute or two longer on the grill.
-
What makes the tzatziki sauce so quick?
This version uses Greek yogurt, fresh cucumber, garlic, lemon, and dill, and comes together in just five minutes—no draining or fuss needed!
-
Can I make Easy Chicken Gyros & Tzatziki Sauce dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use a plant-based yogurt for the tzatziki and sprinkle vegan feta on top or skip it entirely—the result will still be fresh and full of zing.
-
What’s the best way to keep pita bread soft and pliable?
Lightly warm your pita breads just before assembling—either in a dry skillet, wrapped in foil in the oven, or with a few sprinkles of water in the microwave. This helps them fold easily and makes them taste fresh-baked.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a meal that’s casual, colorful, and bursting with flavor, give Easy Chicken Gyros & Tzatziki Sauce a try. You’ll fall in love with their bright flavors and effortless assembly—and maybe even start dreaming up your own gyro variations. Don’t be surprised if this becomes your go-to weeknight dinner or a staple at your next gathering—it’s just that good!
Print
Easy Chicken Gyros & Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make delicious and easy chicken gyros with a side of refreshing cucumber salad and homemade tzatziki sauce. These flavorful gyros are perfect for a quick and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
Marinade
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- juice of one lemon
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cracked black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Herbs de Provence or Italian seasoning
Cucumber Salad
- 1/2 cucumber, sliced or chopped
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
- salt and pepper, to taste
- pinch of fresh dill, optional
Other
- 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenderloins, cut thick ones in half lengthwise
- white or whole wheat pita bread
- crumbled feta cheese
- 5-Minute Tzatziki Sauce
- green-leaf lettuce
Instructions
- Marinade: Stir together all of the ingredients for the marinade.
- Cucumber Salad: While chicken is marinating, stir together all ingredients for the cucumber salad. Set aside.
- Cooking Chicken: Use tongs to transfer marinated chicken to a preheated cooking surface (grill or skillet) and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side over medium heat until cooked through.
- Assemble Gyros: Arrange the pitas on a plate or clean surface. Assemble the pitas by filling pita bread with lettuce, chicken, cucumber salad, feta cheese, and tzatziki sauce.
Add chicken to the marinade, toss to coat, cover tightly, and chill for at least 30 minutes (or up to two hours for more added flavor).
Fold the pita over like a sandwich or roll it up. Enjoy!
Notes
- Using fresh herbs: Instead of dried herbs, you can use fresh herbs. Replace the Herbs de Provence/Italian seasoning with 1 teaspoon each finely chopped fresh thyme, oregano, and parsley.
- Cucumber: You can use a regular cucumber, but as my homemade tzatziki sauce uses half of an English cucumber, I just use the second half of the English cucumber here in the cucumber salad!
- Add peppers: Sometimes I add sautéed bell pepper slices and it is DELISH, so if you’ve got some peppers on hand, I highly recommend giving this a try.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 gyro
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 105mg
