Description

So you know that moment when you’re walking down the street and catch a whiff of something absolutely incredible coming from a Greek restaurant? That’s exactly what we’re recreating here, except in your own kitchen without the $15 price tag. We’re talking about tender, marinated chicken that’s been kissed with Mediterranean herbs and spices, wrapped in warm pita bread with cool, creamy tzatziki and all the fresh fixings that make your taste buds do a happy dance.

This isn’t just any chicken wrap — this is a full-on flavor vacation to the Greek islands. The chicken gets this amazing char and stays juicy as heck, while the tzatziki brings that cooling, garlicky goodness that makes everything better. Plus, you get to eat it with your hands, which automatically makes any meal about 50% more fun. It’s like a Greek street food party in your mouth, and everyone’s invited.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken Marinade:

2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (trust me on the thighs)
1/4 cup olive oil
3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried thyme
1/2 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp cinnamon (secret weapon!)
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Tzatziki (the good stuff):

1 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat for the win)
1 cucumber, peeled and grated
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
Salt to taste

For the Gyro Assembly:

6 pita breads (warmed)
1 red onion, thinly sliced
2 tomatoes, sliced
1 cucumber, sliced
1/2 cup kalamata olives (optional but recommended)
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Fresh lettuce or arugula
Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

Step 1: Marinate That Chicken In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and massage the marinade all over them. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but overnight is even better.

Step 2: Make the Tzatziki Grate the cucumber and squeeze out as much water as possible using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels (seriously, get it DRY). In a bowl, mix the squeezed cucumber with Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, dill, and salt. Taste and adjust — more lemon? More garlic? You’re the boss. Refrigerate until ready to use.

Step 3: Prep Your Veggies Slice everything up and arrange on a platter. This is where you can get creative — add whatever fresh veggies make you happy.

Step 4: Grill Like a Greek God Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 6-8 minutes per side until cooked through and nicely charred. Let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.

Step 5: Warm Those Pitas Quickly warm the pita breads on the grill for about 30 seconds per side, or wrap in damp paper towels and microwave for 30 seconds.

Step 6: Build Your Masterpiece Spread tzatziki on the warm pita. Add the sliced chicken, then pile on the fresh veggies, olives, and feta. Don’t be shy — this is not the time for restraint.

Step 7: Wrap and Enjoy Fold the pita around the filling and wrap in foil or parchment paper to keep everything together. Serve with lemon wedges and extra tzatziki on the side.

Notes

Serve with Greek lemon potatoes or a simple Greek salad
A cold Greek beer or glass of white wine pairs perfectly
Make it a mezze platter with hummus, dolmades, and pita chips
Serve over rice or orzo for a gyro bowl situation

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes

Nutrition

Calories: ~450 kcal
Fat: ~18g
Carbohydrates: ~35g
Protein: ~35g