When I want something fast but not boring, I go straight for chicken gyros. The trick lives in the marinade: thick yogurt, a good squeeze of lemon, grated garlic, oregano, a pinch of salt. Sometimes I add a tiny shake of paprika if it’s around. Mix, taste, then smear it all over the chicken. Leave it alone for a few hours — overnight if you remember — and it turns unbelievably tender. Hot pan or grill, don’t fuss with it; let the edges pick up those little golden-char spots we’re all after. Honestly, that’s where the flavor hides.
Tzatziki is the cool bit that makes everything behave. I grate a cucumber on the big holes, squeeze it hard in my fist over the sink (water everywhere, sorry), then stir it into thick Greek yogurt with a small clove of garlic, chopped dill, a glug of olive oil, and a pinch of salt. If it tastes a little flat, a splash of lemon wakes it up. It should be creamy but not heavy — kind of fresh, kind of garlicky.
To build, warm pita or flatbread till it’s soft and floppy. Slice the chicken, pile it on, add lettuce, tomato, and a few slivers of red onion. Big spoon of tzatziki over the top, fold, and try not to drip on your shirt (you will). It’s messy, bright, and pretty much feels like grabbing a wrap from a tiny street stand on a hot afternoon. I’d say make two — someone will ask for a bite and not give it back.
For the chicken
For the tzatziki
For assembling
Author
Mario Kapustic
Hi! I’m Mario from Croatia. I love cooking and sharing recipes that combine tradition with creativity. I started Tasty Empire to share my family’s recipes — the ones from Mom and Grandma — and all the little tricks I’ve picked up along the way. I especially enjoy pasta, risottos, homemade breads, and desserts, always looking for little ways to enrich flavors.
Marinate the chicken
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Prepare marinade
In a bowl, mix yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper.
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Marinate
Add chicken thighs, coat well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Cook the chicken
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Grill
Heat a grill pan or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until fully cooked and nicely charred.
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Slice
Let chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips.
Prepare tzatziki
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Mix sauce
In a bowl, combine yogurt, cucumber, garlic, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well and refrigerate until serving.
Assemble wraps
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Warm bread
Lightly toast pita or flatbread to make it pliable.
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Assemble
Layer lettuce, sliced chicken, tomatoes, and onion. Drizzle generously with tzatziki and wrap tightly.
Note: You can prepare the chicken a day ahead and reheat before assembling the wraps.
Updated: August 30, 2025