Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki and Grilled Pita

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy marinated chicken strips grilled and served in warm pita bread with fresh tzatziki and crisp vegetables. This greek-inspired chicken ready in about 27 minutes pairs olive oil, lemon juice, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Greek cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1 lb sliced chicken thighs and toss to coat. Marinate for at least 1 hour in the refrigerator.
  2. Step 2: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken slices for 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through and slightly charred. Remove and let rest.
  3. Step 3: For the tzatziki, combine 1 cup Greek yogurt with 1/2 cup finely grated and drained cucumber, 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill, 1 minced garlic clove, and a pinch of salt. Stir well and refrigerate until serving.
  4. Step 4: Warm 4 pita breads on the grill for 1-2 minutes per side until lightly toasted and pliable.
  5. Step 5: To assemble, spread 2 tbsp tzatziki on each pita, add grilled chicken, 1/4 cup chopped romaine lettuce, 3-4 slices of tomato, and some red onion slices. Fold and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki and Grilled Pita take to make?

Total time is about 27 minutes (15 min prep + 12 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki and Grilled Pita?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki and Grilled Pita?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki and Grilled Pita for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki and Grilled Pita?

Greek chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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