Authentic Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe (Better Than Takeout!)

Greek Chicken Gyros are a delicious and healthy twist on a beloved Mediterranean dish. Tender, flavorful chicken is paired with a creamy yogurt sauce and fresh vegetables, all wrapped in a warm pita. This recipe is lightened-up for a healthier version that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavors of Greece: Enjoy the savory taste of Greek cuisine with tender chicken and refreshing toppings.
Healthier Ingredients: Uses lean chicken, a yogurt-based sauce, and whole wheat pita for a lighter meal.
Quick & Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it a perfect weeknight dinner.
Customizable: Easy to adapt with different toppings and sauces to suit your tastes.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp ground cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (non-fat or low-fat)
• 1/2 cucumber, finely chopped
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Gyros:

• 4 whole wheat pita breads
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup shredded lettuce

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:

• In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper.
• Add the chicken breasts and toss to coat.
• Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours) to marinate.

Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce:

• In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, chopped cucumber, lemon juice, fresh dill, garlic, salt, and pepper.
• Stir well until smooth and set aside in the fridge to chill.

Cook the Chicken:

• Preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
• Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for 5–7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).

Assemble the Gyros:

• Warm the whole wheat pita breads in a dry skillet or microwave for a few seconds.
• Slice the cooked chicken into strips.
• Place the chicken, tzatziki sauce, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and shredded lettuce onto each pita.

Serve & Enjoy:

• Fold the pita and serve immediately. Optionally, you can wrap the gyros in foil or parchment paper for easy serving.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Approximate)

• Calories: 280
• Carbs: 28g
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 10g
• Fiber: 5g
• Sugar: 6g

Tips for Success

• Marinate Longer for Extra Flavor: Marinating the chicken for longer will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat more deeply.
• Use Low-Fat Greek Yogurt: For a lighter tzatziki, opt for non-fat or low-fat Greek yogurt.
• Grill the Chicken: If you prefer, you can grill the chicken on an outdoor grill for an extra smoky flavor.
• Add More Veggies: Feel free to add extra veggies like cucumbers or bell peppers for more crunch and flavor.

Why This Recipe Works

• Healthy & Flavorful: Lean chicken paired with a creamy, yogurt-based sauce makes for a satisfying, healthy meal.
• Customizable: You can adjust the toppings and sauce to fit your personal preferences.
• Quick & Easy: A simple recipe that comes together quickly, perfect for busy weeknights.

These Greek Chicken Gyros are a healthy and flavorful alternative to traditional gyros. With tender chicken, a creamy tzatziki sauce, and fresh toppings, this recipe brings the flavors of Greece to your kitchen in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re serving it for dinner or a casual lunch, it’s sure to be a hit!