February 21st, 2026 2:03 PM Therese Categories: Nutrition

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Mediterranean Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki

Mediterranean Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki is a classic street food favorite turned into a healthy, homemade meal. Juicy, marinated chicken is grilled or pan-seared to perfection, and wrapped in warm pita bread along with crisp vegetables and creamy, garlicky tzatziki sauce. This recipe brings the flavors of Greece to your kitchen, featuring fresh herbs, olive oil, lemon, and the cool tang of cucumber-yogurt sauce. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or entertaining.

Prep & Cook Time:

• Prep: 20 minutes
• Marination: 30 min–2 hr
• Cook: 15 min
• Total: 50 min
  Servings: 4 gyros

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Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade

☐ 1 lb (450 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
☐ 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
☐ 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
☐ 3 cloves garlic, minced
☐ 1½ tsp dried oregano
☐ 1 tsp smoked paprika
☐ ½ tsp ground cumin
☐ ½ tsp salt
☐ ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Cucumber Tzatziki Sauce

☐ 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or low-fat)
☐ ½ large cucumber, grated and squeezed to remove excess water
☐ 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
☐ 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
☐ 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
☐ 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill or mint
☐ ¼ tsp salt
☐ Black pepper to taste

For the Gyro Wraps

☐ 4 Greek-style pita breads or flatbreads (warm or lightly toasted)
☐ 1 cup chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce
☐ 1 medium tomato, diced or sliced
☐ ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
☐ ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
☐ Optional: sliced kalamata olives or pickled onions

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Instructions

Marinate the Chicken

☐ In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
☐ Add the chicken and toss to coat.
☐ Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for the best flavor.

Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce

☐ In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and chopped dill or mint.
☐ Season with salt and black pepper.
☐ Mix well, cover, and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Cook the Chicken

☐ Heat a grill pan, outdoor grill, or large skillet over medium-high heat.
☐ Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for 5–7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and nicely browned (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).
☐ Transfer to a cutting board, let rest 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips.

Assemble the Gyros

☐ Warm the pita breads in a dry skillet or microwave.
☐ Spread a generous layer of tzatziki sauce onto each pita.
☐ Add sliced chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, and feta cheese.
☐ Top with extra tzatziki sauce and optional toppings like olives or pickled onions.

Serve

☐ Fold the pita over like a wrap or roll it up in parchment paper.
☐ Serve immediately with lemon wedges on the side.

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Tips

• Use chicken thighs for juiciness; breasts can dry out if overcooked.
• Marinate for 30 min–2 hr for maximum flavor and tenderness.
• Drain cucumber well to prevent watery tzatziki.
• Warm pita properly to keep it pliable.
• Slice chicken after resting to retain juices.

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Variations

Protein Options

• Lamb or beef gyros using the same seasoning blend.
• Vegetarian gyros with grilled halloumi, roasted chickpeas, falafel, or grilled vegetables.
• Seafood gyros with grilled shrimp or salmon.

Sauce & Spread Ideas

• Add hummus or baba ganoush beneath the tzatziki.
• For spice, drizzle harissa or sprinkle Aleppo pepper.

Pita & Bread Options

• Whole-wheat pita, naan, or gluten-free wraps.
• Low-carb version as a lettuce wrap or gyro bowl.

Topping Variations

• Pickled red onions, sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers.
• Fresh mint leaves or parsley as garnish.

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Q&A

• Can I make the chicken gyros ahead of time? Yes, marinate and cook up to 2 days in advance; store in an airtight container and reheat gently.
• Can I grill the chicken outdoors? Yes, an outdoor grill or grill pan works for smoky flavor.
• How to prevent tzatziki from becoming watery? Squeeze excess liquid from the grated cucumber.
• Can I use store-bought tzatziki? Homemade is fresher, but store-bought is acceptable.
• Are gyros gluten-free? Fillings and tzatziki are gluten-free; use gluten-free pita for a full gluten-free option.

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Nutrition Facts (Approx. per Gyro)

• Calories: 430 kcal
• Protein: 32 g
• Carbohydrates: 28 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Sugars: 3 g
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Vitamin A: 15% DV
• Vitamin C: 20% DV
• Calcium: 12% DV
• Iron: 15% DV

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Conclusion

These Mediterranean Greek Chicken Gyros deliver juicy, spiced chicken with creamy tzatziki and fresh vegetables wrapped in soft pita. Easy to customize, healthy, and restaurant-style at home. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or casual gatherings.

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Refernce:

Mediterranean Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki