Authentic Greek Chicken Gyros with Lemon-Herb Marinade and Creamy Tzatziki

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because the flavors are incredibly vibrant while still being easy to prepare. The lemon-herb marinade infuses the chicken with freshness, the tzatziki adds cool creaminess, and the combination of vegetables and feta creates amazing texture. Everything comes together quickly, and the gyros feel like a restaurant-quality meal I can make at home with minimal effort.

Ingredients

(Here’s a tip: Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Lemon-Herb Marinade & Chicken

1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon dried thyme
2 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
8 ounces boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1/2-inch pieces

Creamy Tzatziki

1/4 cup nonfat plain Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped

For Assembly

2 pita breads
2 cups romaine lettuce, chopped
1/2 cup cucumber, chopped
1/2 medium tomato, chopped
1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
2 ounces feta cheese (about 1/2 cup)
1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

Directions

Preparation

1. I whisk the lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, thyme, garlic, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl.

2. I add the chicken, toss to coat, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes.

3. I remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any excess liquid.

4. I spray a large nonstick skillet with cooking spray and cook the chicken for about 8 minutes, until fully done. I transfer it to a plate.

5. In a small bowl, I combine the yogurt and dill to make the simple tzatziki.

Assembly

1. I lay out the warm pita breads.

2. I spread a generous layer of tzatziki over each.

3. I top with cooked chicken, romaine, cucumber, tomato, sliced red onion, feta, and fresh parsley.

4. I fold the gyros and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 2 servings. Prep takes about 20 minutes, cooking about 8 minutes, and the total time is roughly 58 minutes including marinating.

Calories per serving: about 450.

Variations

I like adding a sprinkle of smoked paprika or lemon zest to the marinade for extra brightness. Sometimes I swap romaine for spinach or add kalamata olives for a more traditional feel. If I want a creamier tzatziki, I mix in grated cucumber and a small squeeze of lemon juice. Chicken thighs also work beautifully for richer flavor.

Storage/Reheating

I store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, I warm it gently in a skillet over low heat so it stays tender. I keep the vegetables and pita separate until assembling to prevent sogginess. The tzatziki stays fresh for up to 2 days when refrigerated.

FAQs

Can I grill the chicken instead of pan-cooking it?

Yes, grilling adds great smoky flavor. I cook the marinated chicken over medium-high heat until fully done.

Can I prepare the marinade ahead of time?

Absolutely. I often mix the marinade the night before so prepping the chicken is quick the next day.

Can I add cucumber to the tzatziki?

Yes, grated cucumber makes the sauce more traditional. I just squeeze out excess moisture before mixing it in.

What type of pita works best?

I use soft Greek-style pita that’s easy to fold. Whole wheat or low-carb pita also works well.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?

Yes, thighs stay juicy and flavorful and are a great option for this recipe.

Conclusion

These Authentic Greek Chicken Gyros are one of my favorite meals to make when I want something fresh, flavorful, and nourishing. The lemon-herb chicken, crisp vegetables, creamy tzatziki, and warm pita create an irresistible combination I return to again and again. Whether I’m cooking for myself or sharing with others, this recipe always brings a delicious taste of Greece to the table.