Easy Chicken Gyros & Tzatziki Sauce Recipe

There’s something absolutely magical about sinking your teeth into a warm, flavorful pita stuffed with juicy chicken, zesty veggies, and a cloud of creamy tzatziki. This Easy Chicken Gyros & Tzatziki Sauce recipe brings classic Greek street food straight to your kitchen—no plane ticket required and no complicated steps in sight!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Everything you’ll need for these Easy Chicken Gyros & Tzatziki Sauce is delightfully simple and totally essential. Each ingredient brings a pop of flavor or texture to build the dreamy layers of your homemade gyro—let’s break it down so you get the tastiest results.

• Chicken tenderloins: These are perfect for quick marinating and cook up juicy every time—just slice any thick ones for more even cooking.
• Pita bread (white or whole wheat): Soft and sturdy enough to hold your fillings; whole wheat adds a nutty flavor and extra fiber.
• Crumbled feta cheese: Salty, creamy feta is non-negotiable for that true Greek flair—sprinkle generously!
• 5-Minute Tzatziki Sauce: Creamy Greek yogurt meets cucumber and dill for the most refreshing, tangy topping possible.
• Green-leaf lettuce: Fresh lettuce adds crunch, color, and a pop of freshness that really takes each bite over the top.
• Olive oil: Works as the backbone of your marinade—opt for extra-virgin for the best Mediterranean touch.
• Lemon juice: A squeeze of lemon brightens the marinade and the cucumber salad, waking up every flavor.
• Salt & cracked black pepper: Simple seasoning to enhance every single ingredient—don’t forget these basics!
• Crushed red pepper flakes: Adds a subtle kick, but totally adjustable if you prefer less (or more!) heat.
• Minced garlic & garlic powder: You get double the garlicky goodness by using both fresh and powdered in the marinade.
• Herbs de Provence or Italian seasoning: These dried herb blends transport the chicken with layers of earthy, floral notes—swap for fresh if you’ve got them!
• Cucumber, cherry tomatoes, & red onion: For that signature gyro salad—crunchy, cooling, and sweet.
• Fresh dill (optional): This little pinch adds an extra herby spark to both salad and sauce—especially if you love that classic Greek taste.

Variations

One of the reasons I adore Easy Chicken Gyros & Tzatziki Sauce is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you’re swapping based on what’s in your fridge or adjusting for dietary needs, the possibilities are deliciously endless!

• Add bell peppers: Sauté sliced bell peppers and toss them in for a pop of color and sweet flavor—kids love it and it’s a great way to sneak in extra veggies.
• Try fresh herbs: Swap in finely chopped fresh thyme, oregano, and parsley in place of dried seasoning for a just-picked garden vibe.
• Make it vegetarian: Substitute grilled halloumi or roasted chickpeas for the chicken—just as hearty and satisfying!
• Go low-carb: Ditch the pita and transform everything into an epic gyro salad bowl—crisp, cool, and gluten-free friendly.

How to Make Easy Chicken Gyros & Tzatziki Sauce

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, seasonings, and herbs to create a bold marinade. Toss in the chicken tenderloins, making sure each one is coated, then cover and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (but if you have two hours, the flavor only gets better!).

Step 2: Make the Cucumber Salad

While the chicken is soaking up all that deliciousness, stir together the sliced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, lemon juice, a sprinkle of salt and pepper, and a pinch of fresh dill if you have it. Let this salad chill and marinate—a little downtime just lets those flavors mingle more.

Step 3: Grill or Sear the Chicken

Heat your grill or a skillet over medium heat. Use tongs to lay on your marinated chicken and cook 5-6 minutes per side, or until the pieces are perfectly golden and cooked through. The marinade will caramelize a bit, which means even more flavor!

Step 4: Assemble the Gyros

Lay out your pitas and start layering: soft lettuce leaves, slices of grilled chicken, a scoop of cucumber salad, and a generous sprinkle of feta cheese. Don’t be shy with the tzatziki—add a good dollop to seal the deal!

Step 5: Fold, Roll, and Enjoy!

Fold the pita sandwich-style or roll it burrito-style (wrap in parchment for a true street-food effect). Grab a napkin—these Easy Chicken Gyros & Tzatziki Sauce are delightfully messy in the very best way.

How to Serve Easy Chicken Gyros & Tzatziki Sauce

Garnishes

Dust your finished gyros with an extra sprinkle of feta and a pinch of fresh dill or chopped parsley for a gorgeous finish. Add thin slices of red onion or a few Kalamata olives for an elegant, vibrant touch!

Side Dishes

Round out your Easy Chicken Gyros & Tzatziki Sauce with a side of crispy baked fries, lemony roasted potatoes, or a classic Greek salad. Even a handful of pita chips with a side of hummus makes for a craveable, feast-worthy meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a crowd, lay out a build-your-own gyro bar with all the fixings and let everyone assemble their own masterpiece. Or, cut mini pitas in half and make adorable party-sized gyros—perfect for game day or a family movie night!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any remaining cooked chicken, cucumber salad, and tzatziki sauce in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the pitas wrapped in plastic or foil so they stay nice and soft for your next meal.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to two months—just let it cool first. Tzatziki and cucumber salad are best fresh, but you can always freeze extra marinade for your next gyro night!

Reheating

Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Give pita bread a few seconds in the microwave or wrap in foil and warm in the oven so it stays pillowy and delicious.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving take-out flavor with homemade heart, Easy Chicken Gyros & Tzatziki Sauce is about to become your new go-to. Give this recipe a try and watch smiles (and requests for seconds!) appear at your table—you might never look at gyros the same way again. Happy cooking!

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