Grilled Gyro-Spiced Chicken with Tzatziki and Pita
Juicy chicken marinated in classic Greek gyro spices, grilled to perfection and served with cool, tangy tzatziki sauce and warm pita bread. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (mediterranean) ready in about 30 minutes pairs pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs, Greek yogurt, tablespoons olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 cup cucumber, grated and drained
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt for tzatziki
- 1 clove garlic clove for tzatziki, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice for tzatziki
- 1/4 teaspoon salt for tzatziki
- 4 pieces warm pita bread
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 teaspoons dried oregano, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon ground coriander, 1 teaspoon paprika, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper. Add 1.5 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs and coat well. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour or up to 4 hours.
- Step 2: Meanwhile, prepare the tzatziki by mixing 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt with 1/2 cup grated and drained cucumber, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir well and refrigerate until serving.
- Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 5-6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear, with nice grill marks.
- Step 4: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips. Serve on 4 warm pita breads topped with generous spoonfuls of the prepared tzatziki sauce.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Gyro-Spiced Chicken with Tzatziki and Pita take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Grilled Gyro-Spiced Chicken with Tzatziki and 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 greek yogurt from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Gyro-Spiced Chicken with Tzatziki and 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 Grilled Gyro-Spiced Chicken with Tzatziki and 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 Grilled Gyro-Spiced Chicken with Tzatziki and Pita?
Mediterranean 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.