Ingredients

2 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs

3 garlic cloves, minced

1 tbsp white wine vinegar

3 tbsp lemon juice

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

3 tbsp Greek yogurt (full fat)

1½ tbsp dried oregano

1 tsp salt

Black pepper, to taste

Tzatziki:

2 cucumbers, grated and drained

1¼ cups Greek yogurt

1 tbsp lemon juice

1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

1 garlic clove, minced

¼ tsp salt

Black pepper, to taste

Salad:

3 tomatoes, diced

3 cucumbers, diced

½ red onion, finely chopped

¼ cup parsley (optional)

Salt & pepper to taste

To Serve:

4–6 pita breads or flatbreads, warmed

Instructions

Step 1: Place all marinade ingredients (garlic, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, Greek yogurt, oregano, salt, and pepper) into a ziplock bag and mix well.

Step 2: Add the chicken thighs to the bag, massage the marinade into the meat, seal the bag, and refrigerate for 3 to 12 hours to let flavors develop.

Step 3: Grate the cucumbers for the tzatziki, drain excess moisture, then combine with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Set aside to chill.

Step 4: In a separate bowl, mix together diced tomatoes, diced cucumbers, chopped red onion, parsley if using, and season with salt and pepper to create the fresh salad.

Step 5: Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat and add a little olive oil to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Cook the marinated chicken thighs for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and fully cooked through.

Step 7: Remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.

Step 8: Warm the pita breads, then layer each with salad, sliced chicken, and a generous spoonful of tzatziki in the center.

Step 9: Wrap the filled pita with parchment paper, twisting the ends to secure, and serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight to allow the spices to penetrate deeply.

Try swapping chicken thighs for chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat, but be careful not to overcook.

Add a sprinkle of feta cheese inside the gyros for a creamy, tangy twist.

If fresh pita is unavailable, warm naan or flatbread can be delicious alternatives.

Make the tzatziki a day ahead to let the flavors meld and the garlic soften.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of yogurt for the tzatziki?

Full-fat Greek yogurt works best for a creamy texture and tangy flavor, but you can substitute with regular Greek yogurt or strained plain yogurt if needed. Avoid flavored or low-fat yogurts as they may alter the taste and consistency.

What if I don’t have a grill or skillet?

You can bake the marinated chicken thighs in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes or until cooked through. Broiling is another option to achieve a nice charred finish similar to grilling.