Name: Chicken Pita Gyros with Tzatziki
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 4 pita breads; 1 cup tzatziki sauce; 1 cup chopped lettuce; ½ cup diced tomatoes; ¼ cup sliced red onion

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If you’re looking for a quick and tasty meal that’s sure to impress, you’ve come to the right place! My Chicken Pita Gyros with Tzatziki are a delightful way to bring the vibrant flavors of Greek street food right into your kitchen. This recipe has stolen my heart because it’s not only bursting with flavor but also comes together in no time. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a casual lunch gathering with friends, these gyros are perfect for any occasion.

The best part? You can customize them however you like! Juicy marinated chicken, fresh veggies, and creamy tzatziki wrapped in warm pita make this dish a family favorite. Trust me; once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: With just 10 minutes of prep time (plus marinating), you can have dinner on the table fast!
Family-Friendly: Everyone loves a good gyro, making this dish a hit with both kids and adults.
Make-Ahead Convenience: Marinate the chicken ahead of time for an even more flavorful meal when you’re ready to cook.
Fresh and Flavorful: The combination of lemon, garlic, and oregano creates an irresistible taste that feels like summer on a plate.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients is key to making these Chicken Pita Gyros with Tzatziki delicious and satisfying. Luckily, these are simple, wholesome ingredients that you might already have in your pantry!

For the Chicken Marinade

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

Variations

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Feel free to mix things up according to your tastes or what you have on hand.

Swap the protein: Try using grilled shrimp or marinated tofu for a different twist.
Add more veggies: Load up your gyros with cucumbers, bell peppers, or even roasted eggplant for extra crunch and nutrition.
Change the sauce: If you’re feeling adventurous, swap out tzatziki for hummus or a spicy yogurt sauce.
Experiment with spices: Add some smoked paprika or cumin to the marinade for an extra layer of flavor.

How to Make Chicken Pita Gyros with Tzatziki

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mixing these ingredients well is important as it creates a flavorful marinade that will infuse the chicken with taste. Letting it sit for at least 30 minutes allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together beautifully.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Slice the chicken into strips and add them to your marinade. Allowing it to marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) is crucial for achieving juicy and flavorful chicken. The longer it marinates, the more intense the flavor will be!

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Preheat your grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cooking the marinated chicken for about 5–7 minutes per side ensures it’s fully cooked while also getting those lovely grill marks. This step brings out the best flavors in your chicken!

Step 4: Warm the Pitas

Warm your pita breads briefly on the grill or in a dry pan until they’re soft and pliable. This makes them easier to wrap around all that delicious filling and adds a lovely warmth that complements the fresh ingredients.

Step 5: Assemble Your Gyros

Now comes the fun part! Layer each warm pita with grilled chicken, tzatziki sauce, crisp lettuce, diced tomatoes, and sliced red onion. Don’t be shy—load them up! Serving immediately ensures everything stays fresh and vibrant.

Enjoy every bite of your homemade Chicken Pita Gyros with Tzatziki—they’re sure to become a new favorite in your home!

Pro Tips for Making Chicken Pita Gyros with Tzatziki

Ready to take your Chicken Pita Gyros to the next level? Here are some pro tips to ensure your gyros are bursting with flavor!

Marinate Longer for More Flavor: The longer you let the chicken marinate, the more flavorful it becomes. Aim for at least 1 hour if you can, as this allows the spices and lemon to really penetrate the meat.
Use a Meat Thermometer: To ensure your chicken is perfectly cooked and juicy, use a meat thermometer. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) for safety and optimal tenderness.
Mix Up Your Veggies: While lettuce, tomatoes, and red onion are classic choices, feel free to get creative! Add sliced cucumbers or bell peppers for extra crunch and color.
Warm Your Pitas Properly: Warming pita breads makes them pliable and enhances their flavor. Just a minute on a hot grill or skillet will do wonders!
Prepare Extra Tzatziki: Tzatziki is deliciously versatile. Make a bit more than you need—it’s fantastic as a dip for veggies or chips!

How to Serve Chicken Pita Gyros with Tzatziki

Serving your Chicken Pita Gyros can be just as exciting as making them! Here are some creative ideas to present this delightful dish that will impress your family and friends.

Garnishes

Fresh herbs: A sprinkle of chopped parsley or dill adds a burst of freshness and enhances the presentation.
Zest of lemon: Grating some lemon zest over the top gives an aromatic lift that pairs beautifully with the tzatziki.

Side Dishes

Greek Salad: A refreshing blend of cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese dressed in olive oil complements the flavors of the gyros perfectly.
Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant make for a hearty side that balances out the meal.
Hummus with Pita Chips: Creamy hummus served with crunchy pita chips makes an excellent accompaniment, adding another layer of Mediterranean flair.
Lentil Soup: A warm bowl of lentil soup offers comfort and nutrition, rounding out your meal beautifully without overpowering the gyros.

With these serving suggestions and expert tips in mind, you’re all set to enjoy delicious Chicken Pita Gyros with Tzatziki that will make any meal feel special! Enjoy every bite!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Chicken Pita Gyros with Tzatziki recipe is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to enjoy delicious, Greek-inspired flavors throughout the week. With easy storage options, you can make the components ahead of time for quick lunches or dinners.

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover chicken gyros in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Use within 3 days for best quality.
Keep tzatziki sauce separate to prevent the pita from getting soggy.

Freezing

You can freeze marinated chicken strips before cooking. Place them in a freezer-safe bag with the marinade.
For cooked chicken, let it cool completely before transferring to an airtight container or freezer bag.
Consume frozen chicken within 2-3 months for optimal taste.

Reheating

To reheat cooked chicken, warm it in a skillet over medium heat until heated through.
If using a microwave, heat on medium power in short intervals to avoid drying out.
Pita bread can be warmed briefly in a pan or wrapped in foil and heated in the oven.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Chicken Pita Gyros with Tzatziki.

Can I use something other than chicken for these gyros?

Absolutely! While this recipe features chicken, you can substitute it with grilled vegetables, tofu, or chickpeas for a vegetarian option.

How do I make Chicken Pita Gyros with Tzatziki gluten-free?

To make this dish gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pita bread or rice wraps instead. The tzatziki sauce is naturally gluten-free!

How long does the tzatziki last in the fridge?

Homemade tzatziki can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for about 3-5 days.

What can I serve with Chicken Pita Gyros with Tzatziki?

These gyros pair wonderfully with a side of Greek salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Can I prepare Chicken Pita Gyros with Tzatziki ahead of time?

Yes! You can marinate the chicken and prepare tzatziki sauce a day ahead. Just assemble your gyros when ready to enjoy!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making these Chicken Pita Gyros with Tzatziki at home! This recipe is not only simple and quick but also brings that delightful Mediterranean vibe right to your kitchen. Whether it’s for family gatherings or just a busy weeknight dinner, these gyros are sure to please everyone. Enjoy every bite and feel free to customize them as per your taste. Happy cooking!

Chicken Pita Gyros with Tzatziki

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Author: Autumn
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
Category: Main
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Greek

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Description

If you’re craving a delicious, quick meal that captures the vibrant flavors of Greek cuisine, look no further than these Chicken Pita Gyros with Tzatziki. This recipe brings the essence of Mediterranean street food right to your kitchen, featuring juicy marinated chicken wrapped in warm pita bread alongside fresh veggies and creamy tzatziki sauce. Perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings, these gyros are highly customizable—load them up with your favorite ingredients for a meal the whole family will love. With just a few simple steps, you can create a satisfying dish that’s bursting with flavor and ideal for any occasion.

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb chicken breast
2 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
4 pita breads
1 cup tzatziki sauce
1 cup chopped lettuce
½ cup diced tomatoes
¼ cup sliced red onion

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Instructions

In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
Slice chicken into strips and marinate for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor.
Cook marinated chicken in a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat for 5–7 minutes per side until fully cooked.
Warm pita breads on the grill or in a dry pan until soft.
Assemble each gyro by layering grilled chicken, tzatziki sauce, lettuce, tomatoes, and red onion in the pita.