Sometimes, the best dinners come together when you least expect them to. One evening, after a long day, I found myself craving something both comforting and light. The aroma of grilled chicken mixed with fresh herbs filled the kitchen, while the cool tzatziki sauce added a refreshing touch that made each bite feel like a mini escape to the Mediterranean. The whole wheat pita wrapped everything up perfectly, soft and warm, inviting me to fold it and dive in. It was a moment of simple joy—flavors that were vibrant but not overwhelming, and a meal that didn’t leave me feeling weighed down. That’s the kind of dinner that turns a regular evening into something special without any fuss.
Why You’ll Love It:
– Quick to prepare, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
– A balanced combination of lean protein and fresh vegetables.
– Homemade tzatziki sauce adds a creamy, tangy layer without heaviness.
– Whole wheat pita keeps it wholesome and filling.
– Flexible enough to customize with your favorite fresh toppings.
If you’re worried about spending too much time in the kitchen, this recipe comes together in about 30 minutes total. Plus, it’s light enough to enjoy any night without feeling sluggish afterward. The marinade infuses the chicken with herbs and spices that make every bite interesting, while the tzatziki cools and complements the grilled flavors.
PrintHealthy Chicken Gyros
A delicious and healthy take on classic Greek chicken gyros featuring marinated grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and a light homemade tzatziki sauce wrapped in whole wheat pita bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4
Ingredients
1 pound boneless skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
4 whole wheat pita breads
1 cup cucumber, diced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1 cup plain Greek yogurt (for tzatziki sauce)
1/2 cup cucumber, finely grated and drained
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice (for tzatziki sauce)
1 clove garlic, minced (for tzatziki sauce)
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (for tzatziki sauce)
1/4 teaspoon salt (for tzatziki sauce)
1/8 teaspoon black pepper (for tzatziki sauce)
Instructions
In a medium bowl, combine 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and olive oil to create the marinade.
Add the thinly sliced chicken breast to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 10 minutes.
While the chicken marinates, prepare the tzatziki sauce by mixing 1 cup Greek yogurt, grated and drained cucumber, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped dill, salt, and black pepper in a small bowl. Refrigerate until ready to use.
Preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook the marinated chicken slices in the hot pan for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until fully cooked and slightly charred.
Warm the whole wheat pita breads in the oven or on a dry skillet for 1-2 minutes until soft and pliable.
To assemble each gyro, spread 2 tablespoons of tzatziki sauce on a warm pita bread.
Top with cooked chicken slices, diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and chopped parsley.
Fold the pita around the fillings and serve immediately.
FAQ
Q: Can I make the chicken gyro ahead of time?
A: You can marinate the chicken a few hours in advance and prepare the tzatziki early too. However, it’s best to assemble the gyros right before eating to keep the pita soft.
Q: Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
A: Absolutely. Cooked chicken stores well in the fridge for up to three days, and the tzatziki sauce keeps for a couple of days. Just warm the pita and add fresh veggies before serving.
Q: Can I use a different type of bread?
A: Whole wheat pita works best here for its texture and nutrition, but you could try a naan or flatbread if you prefer.
Q: How spicy is the marinade?
A: The smoked paprika and cumin add warmth but no intense heat, making it approachable for most palates.
Ready to bring this fresh taste to your dinner table? Grab your ingredients, and let’s get cooking!