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Warm pita bread filled with grilled Greek chicken, fresh vegetables, creamy tzatziki sauce, and garnished with lemon wedges and herbs.

Greek Chicken Gyros with Lemon-Herb Marinade and Tzatziki – Healthy Mediterranean Recipe

Juicy, flavorful, and refreshing—these Greek chicken gyros are marinated in lemon and herbs, grilled to perfection, and served with creamy tzatziki in warm pita bread. A healthy Mediterranean recipe that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or entertaining guests.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour
Course Main Dish, Street Food
Cuisine Greek, Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

  • Mixing bowls
  • Knife and cutting board
  • Grill pan or skillet
  • Tongs
  • Grater (for cucumber)

Ingredients
  

Chicken & Marinade:

  • 1 ½ lbs chicken thighs or breasts
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 3 tbsp olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp thyme
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Tzatziki Sauce:

  • 1 cup full-fat Greek yogurt
  • ½ cucumber, grated and drained
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Assembly:

  • 4 pita breads
  • 1 tomato, sliced
  • ½ red onion, thinly sliced
  • Lettuce leaves

Instructions
 

  • Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, mix lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  • Marinate Chicken: Coat chicken thoroughly, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (overnight for best flavor).
  • Make Tzatziki: Combine yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper. Chill for 30 minutes.
  • Cook Chicken: Grill or pan-cook chicken over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
  • Rest & Slice: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
  • Warm Pita: Heat pita briefly in a skillet or oven for softness.
  • Assemble Gyros: Layer chicken, tomato, onion, lettuce, and tzatziki inside pita.
  • Serve: Wrap or fold and enjoy immediately.

Notes

  • Juiciness: Use chicken thighs for the best texture.
  • Marinating: Overnight marination enhances flavor and tenderness.
  • Cooking: Medium-high heat ensures a good sear without drying.
  • Assembly: Slice chicken thinly for easy wrapping.
  • Variations: Add jalapeños for spice, swap pita for lettuce wraps for low-carb, or add feta for extra Mediterranean flair.
  • Storage: Store cooked chicken and tzatziki separately in the fridge for 2–3 days; reheat chicken gently before serving.
 
Keyword Greek chicken gyros, lemon herb marinade, Mediterranean street food, tzatziki sauce