Name: Greek Chicken Gyros with Lemon Dill Yogurt Sauce and Feta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: PT-491760H30M57S
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat); 2 tablespoons olive oil, plus more for oiling the pan; Zest and juice of 1 lemon; 1 tablespoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar; 6 cloves garlic, finely minced; Kosher salt, to taste; Fresh cracked pepper, to taste; 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast; Pita bread, for serving; Sliced Romaine lettuce; Sliced cucumber; Sliced tomato; Sliced red onion; Lemon dill yogurt sauce, for drizzling; Crumbled feta cheese, for topping; Fresh dill, for garnish

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If you’re craving a burst of Mediterranean sunshine on your plate, you absolutely must try this Greek Chicken Gyros with Lemon Dill Yogurt Sauce and Feta Recipe. It’s packed with tender, marinated chicken soaked in zesty lemon and fragrant herbs, all nestled inside warm pita bread, then drenched in a creamy, tangy lemon dill yogurt sauce and crowned with salty crumbles of feta. This dish is just the perfect harmony of bright, fresh flavors and hearty textures that will transport your taste buds straight to a bustling taverna in Greece. Whether you’re making dinner for friends or just want to treat yourself, these gyros never disappoint.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows several small white bowls and plates placed on a white marbled surface, each holding an ingredient. At the bottom right, a white plate has three layers of raw chicken with a pale pink, smooth texture. Above it, there is a small white bowl filled with thick white Greek yogurt. To the right of the yogurt, a small white bowl contains dark brown balsamic vinegar with a smooth surface. Above the vinegar, a white bowl holds golden olive oil with a glossy look. To the left of the olive oil, a white bowl has mixed dry herbs and spices with colors of light beige, green, brown, and red in powder form. On the left side, a small white bowl is filled with finely chopped garlic that looks pale yellow. At the bottom left, a white plate with a small white bowl contains lemon juice, a pale yellow liquid, with lemon zest, a bright yellow, finely shredded layer beside it. The arrangement is neat and clearly labeled. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

This recipe keeps things straightforward with simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together beautifully. Each ingredient plays a key role, whether it’s bringing acidity, earthiness, creaminess, or just that essential hint of spice to round everything out.

Plain Greek yogurt: Use full-fat for richness and that perfect creamy texture in both the marinade and the sauce.
Olive oil: Adds moisture and helps the chicken stay tender while enhancing the Mediterranean flavor.
Lemon zest and juice: Provides a fresh, citrusy brightness that lifts the entire dish.
Dried oregano: Brings that classic Greek herb flavor that’s earthy and aromatic.
Onion powder: Adds subtle savory depth without overpowering the other spices.
Ground cumin: Contributes warmth and a slight nuttiness.
Paprika: For a gentle smoky note and wonderful color.
Balsamic vinegar: Enhances the marinade with a slight sweetness and acidity balance.
Garlic: Freshly minced for a punch of pungency that perks up every bite.
Kosher salt and cracked pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing out the flavors.
Boneless, skinless chicken breast: Perfect for quick cooking and absorbing all those marinading flavors.
Pita bread: Soft and slightly chewy, it’s the ideal wrap to hold all the delicious fillings.
Sliced Romaine lettuce, cucumber, tomato, and red onion: Fresh veggies add crispness, color, and a refreshing crunch.
Lemon dill yogurt sauce: Creamy, tangy, herby sauce that ties all the ingredients together beautifully.
Crumbled feta cheese: Sprinkle generously for rich, salty bursts of flavor.
Fresh dill: Garnish for an extra herbaceous aroma and gorgeous presentation.

How to Make Greek Chicken Gyros with Lemon Dill Yogurt Sauce and Feta Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Start by whisking together plain Greek yogurt, olive oil, fresh lemon zest and juice, dried oregano, onion powder, cumin, paprika, balsamic vinegar, minced garlic, plus salt and pepper in a large bowl. This marinade is your flavor powerhouse, ensuring every piece of chicken becomes tender, juicy, and bursting with Mediterranean flair.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Slice the chicken breasts lengthwise to create thinner, more manageable pieces that soak up the marinade faster and cook evenly. Toss them into the marinade bowl and coat thoroughly. Cover the bowl and pop it into the fridge for 4 to 8 hours. This resting time means your chicken will develop all those rich, layered flavors you’ll love.

Step 3: Bring Chicken to Room Temperature

Before cooking, take the chicken out of the fridge and let it sit at room temperature for about 20-30 minutes. This step helps the chicken cook evenly and prevents it from drying out, making for a juicier bite every time.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off, and cook in batches if needed. Each side should cook for 3-5 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This resting period allows juices to redistribute, keeping the meat succulent.

Step 5: Assemble the Gyros

Warm your pita bread and stuff each with generous slices of the marinated chicken. Load on crisp romaine lettuce, fresh cucumber slices, juicy tomato, and thin red onion rings. Drizzle with the luscious lemon dill yogurt sauce, then finish with crumbled feta and a sprinkle of fresh dill. And just like that, your Greek classic is ready to devour!

How to Serve Greek Chicken Gyros with Lemon Dill Yogurt Sauce and Feta Recipe

The image shows a round black grill pan placed on a white marbled surface, with four pieces of grilled chicken on it. Each piece has clear, dark grill lines across the golden-brown surface, showing a cooked texture with some charred edges. The chicken pieces are arranged in a scattered way inside the pan, with three larger pieces and one smaller one near the bottom right. The pan has two thick handles on opposite sides, with a rough black metal texture. The bright white marbled background contrasts with the dark pan and browned chicken, making the colors stand out clearly photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh dill adds a fantastic herbal brightness, while crumbled feta cheese contributes an irresistible salty creaminess. A final dusting of cracked black pepper or a squeeze of lemon juice right before serving can push those vibrant flavors even higher.

Side Dishes

Pair these gyros with crispy baked fries, a simple Greek salad, or even a light couscous side studded with fresh herbs. These sides complement the chicken gyro’s bold flavors without competing, making every bite sing.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun dinner party, set up a gyro bar with all the fixings so guests can build their own. Alternatively, serve the sliced chicken over a bed of mixed greens sprinkled with feta and a dollop of lemon dill sauce for a fresh twist on a gyro bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chicken gyros in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep pita and sauce separate if possible to avoid sogginess. This way, you can enjoy the flavors fresh and vibrant even the next day.

Freezing

While the chicken can be frozen after cooking, freezing the full assembled gyro is not ideal due to the fresh veggies and pita. Freeze cooked sliced chicken in portions inside freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. Thaw thoroughly in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Warm sliced chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. Avoid overheating to keep it juicy. Reheat the pita separately in a toaster or oven for best texture, then assemble fresh with your chilled lemon dill yogurt sauce and veggies.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer a richer flavor and tend to stay juicier. Just adjust cooking time slightly as thighs might take a bit longer to cook through.

Is full-fat Greek yogurt necessary for the sauce and marinade?

Full-fat yogurt gives you that creamy texture and rich flavor that defines this recipe. Low-fat versions can work but may yield a thinner sauce and less tender chicken.

How long can I marinate the chicken?

You can marinate the chicken anywhere from 4 to 8 hours. Overnight works great for maximum flavor infusion, but avoid going longer than 24 hours to prevent the texture from turning mushy.

What can I substitute for feta cheese if I don’t have any?

Pannier or goat cheese can be good alternatives with similar tanginess. If you’re avoiding dairy altogether, a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts adds great texture and flavor instead.

Can I make the lemon dill yogurt sauce ahead of time?

Yes! Prepare the lemon dill yogurt sauce up to 2 days in advance and keep it refrigerated. The flavors only deepen with time, making your gyros even more delicious.

Final Thoughts

Trust me when I say this Greek Chicken Gyros with Lemon Dill Yogurt Sauce and Feta Recipe will become one of your all-time favorites. It’s a beautiful blend of bold herbs, tangy yogurt, hearty chicken, and fresh crisp veggies that come together for a truly satisfying and flavorful experience. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a weekend feast, these gyros will have everyone asking for seconds!