Chicken Pita Gyros with Tzatziki

This Chicken Pita Gyros with Tzatziki recipe is your ticket to bringing the vibrant flavors of Greek street food right into your home. With juicy, marinated chicken grilled to perfection, fresh veggies, and a creamy tzatziki sauce, this dish is an instant crowd-pleaser. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep lunches, or casual gatherings with friends and family. The combination of flavors and textures will make this a new favorite in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: This recipe can be ready in under 30 minutes (excluding marinating time), making it perfect for busy nights.
• Flavorful Marination: The marinade infuses the chicken with incredible taste, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or substitute ingredients based on what you have at home.
• Healthy Option: With lean chicken and fresh veggies, these gyros are a nutritious choice for any meal.
• Great for Meal Prep: Prepare ingredients in advance for quick assembly during the week.

Tools and Preparation

To create these delicious Chicken Pita Gyros with Tzatziki, you’ll need some essential tools that make the cooking process easier and more effective.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Grill pan or skillet
• Mixing bowl
• Knife
• Cutting board
• Serving plate

Importance of Each Tool

• Grill pan or skillet: Provides even cooking and helps achieve a nice sear on the chicken.
• Mixing bowl: Essential for combining ingredients effectively to create the marinade.

Ingredients

For the Chicken

• 1 lb chicken breast
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For Assembly

• 4 pita breads
• 1 cup tzatziki sauce
• 1 cup chopped lettuce
• ½ cup diced tomatoes
• ¼ cup sliced red onion

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

this recipe

How to Make Chicken Pita Gyros with Tzatziki

Step 1: Prepare Marinade

In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are fully combined.

Step 2: Marinate Chicken

Slice the chicken into strips. Add the sliced chicken to the marinade. Let it sit for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) in the refrigerator for better flavor absorption.

Step 3: Cook Chicken

Preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook the marinated chicken for about 5–7 minutes per side or until fully cooked and nicely seared. Ensure the internal temperature reaches at least 165°F (75°C).

Step 4: Warm Pita Bread

Warm the pita breads briefly on the grill or in a dry pan until soft and pliable. This makes them easier to wrap around the filling.

Step 5: Assemble Your Gyros

Assemble each gyro by layering cooked chicken strips, tzatziki sauce, chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, and sliced red onion inside each warm pita bread.

Step 6: Serve Immediately

Serve your delicious Chicken Pita Gyros with Tzatziki immediately while warm. Enjoy this Mediterranean delight!

How to Serve Chicken Pita Gyros with Tzatziki

Serving Chicken Pita Gyros with Tzatziki is a delightful experience that combines fresh flavors and textures. These gyros make for a perfect meal any time of day, whether for lunch or dinner. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your dish.

With Extra Tzatziki

• Drizzle More Sauce: Serve additional tzatziki on the side for dipping or drizzling over your gyros.
• Tzatziki Bar: Set up a tzatziki bar with different herbs (like dill or mint) for guests to customize their own sauces.

Add Colorful Veggies

• Mixed Greens: Include a variety of greens like arugula or spinach for added nutrition and crunch.
• Pickled Vegetables: Offer pickled cucumbers or red cabbage as tangy options to complement the flavors.

Pair with Grains

• Quinoa Salad: Serve alongside a refreshing quinoa salad tossed with lemon, herbs, and chopped veggies.
• Rice Pilaf: A warm rice pilaf can enhance the meal, adding heartiness to the gyros.

Garnish Creatively

• Fresh Herbs: Top your gyros with fresh parsley or cilantro for an aromatic finish.
• Feta Crumbles: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top for a salty, creamy contrast.

How to Perfect Chicken Pita Gyros with Tzatziki

Perfecting your Chicken Pita Gyros with Tzatziki takes just a few simple steps. Follow these tips to ensure your dish is delicious every time.

• Marinate Longer: Letting the chicken marinate for up to 2 hours enhances its flavor and tenderness.
• Use High Heat: Cooking on medium-high heat gives the chicken a nice sear while keeping it juicy inside.
• Warm Pitas Properly: Briefly warming pitas prevents them from tearing when you fill them, ensuring easy wrapping.
• Customize Fillings: Feel free to add or substitute veggies based on what you have on hand, like cucumbers or bell peppers.
• Serve Fresh: Enjoy your gyros immediately after assembling to maintain the crispness of the vegetables and warmth of the pita.
• Experiment with Spices: Try adding spices like paprika or cumin to the marinade for an extra flavor boost.

Best Side Dishes for Chicken Pita Gyros with Tzatziki

To complement your Chicken Pita Gyros with Tzatziki, consider these delicious side dishes that enhance the overall dining experience. Each option brings something unique and tasty to the table.

1. Greek Salad: A refreshing mix of cucumber, tomatoes, olives, and feta dressed in olive oil and oregano.
2. Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with garlic and herbs make for a hearty side.
3. Hummus Platter: Creamy hummus served with pita chips and veggie sticks adds more Mediterranean flair.
4. Tabbouleh Salad: This parsley-based salad mixed with bulgur wheat is light and zesty, perfect alongside gyros.
5. Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolmas): Flavorful grape leaves stuffed with rice and herbs offer a traditional touch.
6. Lemon Orzo Pasta: Lightly seasoned orzo pasta garnished with lemon zest pairs well without overpowering the main dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Chicken Pita Gyros with Tzatziki, it’s easy to run into a few common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Skipping the Marinade: Not allowing the chicken to marinate can lead to bland flavors. Marinate for at least 30 minutes to enhance the taste.
• Overcooking the Chicken: Cooking the chicken too long can make it dry. Aim for 5–7 minutes per side on medium-high heat for juicy results.
• Using Cold Pita Bread: Serving cold pita can make your gyros less enjoyable. Warm them briefly before assembling for a better texture.
• Ignoring Fresh Ingredients: Using wilted or old veggies can ruin the freshness of your gyros. Always choose crisp, fresh vegetables for optimal flavor and crunch.
• Not Tasting Your Tzatziki: Forgetting to taste and adjust your tzatziki can lead to an unbalanced sauce. Add more garlic, salt, or herbs as needed to suit your preference.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store cooked chicken gyros in an airtight container.
• They will last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.
• Keep tzatziki sauce separate to maintain its freshness.

Freezing Chicken Pita Gyros with Tzatziki

• You can freeze the marinated chicken before cooking for up to 3 months.
• Cooked chicken can be frozen in portions; it’s best used within 2 months.
• Wrap gyros tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before freezing.

Reheating Chicken Pita Gyros with Tzatziki

• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap gyros in foil and heat for about 10–15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place gyros on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in 30-second intervals until warm, but avoid overheating which may make them soggy.
• Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the gyro and cook for about 2–3 minutes per side until heated through without drying out.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Chicken Pita Gyros with Tzatziki?

Chicken Pita Gyros with Tzatziki are Greek-inspired wraps that feature marinated grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy tzatziki sauce all wrapped in warm pita bread.

Can I customize my Chicken Pita Gyros with Tzatziki?

Absolutely! You can add different vegetables like cucumbers or bell peppers, or even switch up the protein using lamb or beef instead of chicken.

How do I make tzatziki sauce from scratch?

To make tzatziki sauce, mix Greek yogurt with minced garlic, diced cucumber, lemon juice, dill, and salt. Adjust ingredients based on your taste preferences.

How long do Chicken Pita Gyros with Tzatziki last in the fridge?

They can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best taste, keep the tzatziki separate until you’re ready to eat.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Pita Gyros with Tzatziki is a delightful recipe that brings vibrant flavors and textures right to your table. This dish is not only quick and easy but also highly customizable based on your preferences. Try adding different toppings or spices—make it your own! Enjoy this fresh meal any night of the week or at casual gatherings with family and friends.

Print

Chicken Pita Gyros with Tzatziki

---

• Author: Sofia
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Chicken Pita Gyros with Tzatziki is a mouthwatering recipe that brings the authentic taste of Greek street food to your kitchen. Featuring juicy, marinated chicken grilled to perfection and paired with fresh vegetables and creamy tzatziki sauce, this dish is sure to impress family and friends. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or casual gatherings, these gyros are both delicious and customizable. Whip them up in under 30 minutes (excluding marinating time) for a quick yet flavorful meal that everyone will love.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb chicken breast
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 4 pita breads
• 1 cup tzatziki sauce
• Chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, sliced red onion for assembly
• Fresh parsley for garnish

---

Instructions

1. In a mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Slice chicken into strips and marinate in the mixture for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
3. Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat and cook the chicken for about 5–7 minutes per side until cooked through.
4. Warm pita breads briefly on the grill or in a dry pan.
5. Assemble gyros by layering chicken strips, tzatziki sauce, lettuce, tomatoes, and onions inside the pita.
6. Serve immediately while warm.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 gyro (240g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: For extra flavor, let the chicken marinate longer (up to 2 hours). Customize your gyros by adding favorite toppings such as cucumbers or bell peppers. Serve with additional tzatziki on the side for dipping.