Summer evenings call for meals that feel light and bright. Too hot to spend hours in the kitchen? These quick chicken gyros are exactly what you need.
You get juicy chicken and cool cucumber sauce in every bite. It is a fresh, vibrant meal that feels like a treat. Your family will think you spent all day prepping.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is a total lifesaver for busy weeknights. You can have a healthy dinner on the table in under 30 minutes. It uses simple ingredients you likely already have at home.
The flavors are balanced, refreshing, and incredibly satisfying. It is a great way to get kids to eat fresh vegetables. This dish is budget-friendly and much better than takeout.
Simple Method
Making these gyros is a very straightforward process. You simply whisk a quick marinade and cook the chicken in a skillet. While the chicken browns, you stir together the creamy sauce.
Even if you are a beginner, you can master this. There are no complicated techniques or fancy tools required. It is simple, fast, and delicious every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Fresh produce and lean protein make this meal shine.
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, divided
- 3 cloves garlic, minced and divided
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 0.5 large cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 4 pieces pita bread
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 large tomato, sliced
- 0.5 red onion, thinly sliced
Step-by-Step
- In a medium bowl, whisk 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 2 minced garlic cloves, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken strips to the marinade and toss to coat evenly.
- Prepare the tzatziki sauce by combining Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, the remaining 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, the remaining minced garlic clove, and fresh dill in a small bowl.
- Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
- Briefly warm the pita breads in a dry pan or oven until pliable.
- Assemble the gyros by spreading tzatziki sauce on each pita and topping with the cooked chicken, lettuce, tomato slices, and red onion.
Best Ways to Enjoy It
Serve these gyros warm right after assembling. They pair beautifully with a side of crispy potato wedges. You can also serve them with a simple side salad.
Add a few lemon wedges on the side for extra brightness. Set everything out on a large platter for a fun family-style meal. Everyone can build their own gyro just the way they like.
Storage & Reheating
Store the cooked chicken and tzatziki sauce in separate airtight containers. They will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 3 days. Do not assemble the gyros until you are ready to eat.
Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet with a splash of water. This keeps the meat tender and prevents it from drying out. The sauce is best served cold directly from the refrigerator.
Recipe Tips
- Always squeeze the water out of your grated cucumber.
- Use full-fat Greek yogurt for the creamiest sauce texture.
- Don’t overcrowd the skillet so the chicken browns properly.
- Warm your pita bread to make it soft and foldable.
- Swap chicken breasts for thighs if you prefer darker meat.
- Add a sprinkle of feta cheese for an extra salty kick.
- Make the tzatziki an hour early to let flavors meld.
Ways to Switch It Up
- Serve the ingredients over a bed of rice for a bowl.
- Use gluten-free pita or large lettuce leaves for a wrap.
- Add sliced kalamata olives for more Mediterranean flavor.
- Swap the chicken for chickpeas for a vegetarian version.
Common Questions
Can I make the chicken ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken for up to 4 hours. You can also cook it ahead and reheat it quickly. This makes quick chicken gyros even faster for dinner.
What if I don’t have fresh dill?
You can use 1 teaspoon of dried dill instead. Fresh mint also works well in the tzatziki sauce. It provides a slightly different but delicious herbal note.
Is this recipe spicy?
Not at all, it is very mild and kid-friendly. If you want heat, add red pepper flakes to the marinade. You could also drizzle on some sriracha at the end.
I hope these fresh gyros become a new favorite for your family. They are so simple to make on a warm evening. Enjoy every bite of this bright, happy meal!
— Lidia
Quick and Easy Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, divided
- 3 cloves garlic , minced and divided
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 0.5 large cucumber , grated and squeezed dry
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 4 pieces pita bread
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 large tomato , sliced
- 0.5 red onion , thinly sliced
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, 2 minced garlic cloves, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken strips to the marinade and toss to coat evenly.
- Prepare the tzatziki sauce by combining Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, the remaining 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, the remaining minced garlic clove, and fresh dill in a small bowl.
- Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and cooked through.
- Briefly warm the pita breads in a dry pan or oven until pliable.
- Assemble the gyros by spreading tzatziki sauce on each pita and topping with the cooked chicken, lettuce, tomato slices, and red onion.
