Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce – Quick, Flavor-Packed & So Easy!
These Chicken Gyros with creamy tzatziki sauce are about to become your new weeknight go-to!
With juicy, herb-marinated chicken, crisp cucumber salad, and a dollop of tangy tzatziki all wrapped in soft pita bread, this recipe packs big flavor with minimal effort.
Perfect for busy nights when you crave something fresh, satisfying, and super easy to make!
Let’s dive in!
For Chicken Gyros
- Chicken Tenderloins – I’ve used tenderloins for this recipe, but you can also use chicken breasts. Just slice them into thinner pieces if you prefer.
- Pita Bread – Soft pita bread is perfect for wrapping all the delicious fillings.
- Feta Cheese – Crumbled feta gives the gyro its signature salty, tangy flavor.
- 5-Minute Tzatziki Sauce – The creamy, tangy sauce is the star of the show!
- Green-Leaf Lettuce – For a fresh and crunchy layer inside the pita.
For Marinade
- Olive Oil – Helps marinate and tenderize the chicken while adding richness.
- Lemon Juice – Adds a fresh, tangy flavor to the marinade.
- Salt – Enhances all the flavors in the dish.
- Black Pepper – Adds a subtle warmth to the marinade.
- Red Pepper Flakes – For a touch of heat (adjust based on preference).
- Garlic (Minced) – This adds a punch of flavor to the marinade.
- Garlic Powder – Works with the minced garlic to boost the garlic flavor.
- Herbs de Provence – A wonderful blend of herbs that gives the chicken great flavor. You can also substitute with Italian seasoning.
For Cucumber Salad
- Cucumber – Fresh, crisp cucumber provides a refreshing crunch to balance the flavors.
- Cherry Tomatoes – Juicy and sweet, these tomatoes add freshness to the salad.
- Red Onion – Thinly sliced for a bit of sharpness and color.
- Lemon Juice – A squeeze of fresh lemon brightens the salad.
- Salt and Pepper – Season to taste.
- Fresh Dill (optional) – A fresh herby note, optional but recommended.
Easy Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ pounds chicken tenderloins (cut thick pieces in half lengthwise)
- White or whole wheat pita bread
- Crumbled feta cheese
- 5 -Minute Tzatziki Sauce
- Green-leaf lettuce
For the Marinade:
- ½ cup olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp cracked black pepper
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp Herbs de Provence (or Italian seasoning, see note)
For the Cucumber Salad:
- ½ cucumber (sliced or chopped, see note)
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- ¼ red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- A pinch of fresh dill (optional)
Instructions
Prepare the Marinade:
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, garlic, garlic powder, and Herbs de Provence.
- Add the chicken to the marinade, toss to coat evenly, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours for more flavor).
Make the Cucumber Salad:
- While the chicken marinates, combine cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Stir to combine and set aside.
Cook the Chicken:
- Preheat a grill or skillet over medium heat. Using tongs, transfer the marinated chicken to the cooking surface.
- Grill or sauté the chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side, until cooked through.
Assemble the Gyros:
- Place the pita bread on a clean surface or plate.
- Add lettuce, cooked chicken, cucumber salad, crumbled feta, and a generous amount of tzatziki sauce to the pita.
- Fold the pita over like a sandwich or roll it up for a wrap.
Serve and Enjoy!
- Enjoy your delicious homemade chicken gyros!
Notes
- Fresh Herbs Option: For a fresh flavor, replace dried Herbs de Provence or Italian seasoning with 1 teaspoon each of finely chopped fresh thyme, oregano, and parsley.
- Cucumber: An English cucumber is recommended for tzatziki, and you can use the second half here for the salad.
- Optional Additions: Consider adding sautéed bell peppers for extra flavor.
- Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?
Absolutely! You can easily swap chicken tenderloins for breasts. Just slice the chicken into thinner pieces so they cook evenly, and keep an eye on the cooking time—it might need a couple more minutes. You’ve got this!
- How can I speed up the marinating process?
If you’re in a pinch for time, marinate the chicken at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes. This helps the flavors soak in faster. For best results though, let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to really boost those flavors.
- Can I prep the tzatziki sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! The tzatziki sauce actually gets better the longer it sits. Make it up to 3 days in advance and let those flavors meld together in the fridge—easy peasy!
- What if I don’t have pita bread?
No worries—if pita isn’t in the cards, try soft tortillas or any flatbread you have. Warm them up just before assembly for a soft, pliable wrap.
- Can I make the cucumber salad ahead of time?
Sure! You can prepare the salad up to a few hours ahead of time, but try not to let it sit too long. If you need to make it early, just drain any excess liquid before serving so the pita doesn’t get soggy.
