Homemade Greek Chicken Gyro with Tzatziki

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Mediterranean cuisine seems especially suited to the summertime months and this recipe celebrates the perfect summer condiment, Tzatziki sauce.

When made fresh, Tzatziki is so incredibly delicious and decadent. It takes full advantage of some of the best summer ingredients there are; zesty lemon, punchy garlic, fresh dill, cooling cucumber, mint, and yogurt.

It is also very versatile. You can easily combine it to create a plethora of dishes. Try using it as a dressing in a simple tomato chickpea salad, top your perfectly grilled steaks with it, or simply use it on its own as an appetizer with warm pita bread. Better yet, it is so easy to make! It’s a no brainer why it is beloved by many and a staple in every Greek recipe book.

Read on to see my recipe for the best Tzatziki sauce paired with a classic favourite, the Greek Chicken Gyro.

Tzatziki Sauce Ingredients

  • 2 mini cucumbers or 1/2 large cucumber grated, liquids squeezed and removed
  • juice of 1/2 a lemon
  • rind of 1/2 a lemon
  • 3 cloves of garlic crushed
  • palm full of fresh dill finely chopped
  • 5-6 fresh mint leaves finely chopped
  • 1 1/2 cups of plain greek yogurt
  • salt to taste
  • 1 tsp olive oil

Tzatziki Sauce Instructions

  • Wash and finely grate your cucumbers with skins on
  • Remove excess liquid by placing grated cucumber in a paper towel, squeeze liquids out
  • Discard excess liquid, place grated cucumber into a small mixing bowl
  • Add lemon juice and rind, garlic, dill, mint, yogurt, mix to combine
  • Add salt to your liking
  • To finish top with a drizzle of olive oil

Greek Chicken Pita Ingredients

  • recipe makes 6 pitas
  • 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into cubes
  • juice of 1/2 a lemon
  • zest of 1/2 a lemon
  • 1/8 cup olive oil
  • 1/2 tbsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp dried parsley
  • 1/4 tsp dried mint
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
  • 1 red onion, chopped
  • store-bought Greek pitas

Pita Toppings

  • shredded lettuce
  • olives
  • red onion
  • feta cheese
  • green peppers
  • pickled beets
  • hot banana peppers
  • tzatziki sauce

Instructions

  • Wash chicken breasts, cut into cubes and place in a mixing bowl
  • Add lemon juice, zest, olive oil, spices and chopped onion to the bowl
  • Mix ingredients together, cover and let marinate in the fridge for at least an hour
  • Preheat oven to 450 degrees F
  • Spread marinated chicken and onion onto a baking sheet lined in aluminum foil, discard excess marinade
  • Bake for 20-25 minutes until slightly browned and juices run clear
  • Place baked chicken on pita and top with toppings of your choice
  • ENJOY.