Home » Easy Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce

Easy Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce

I just got done reading Simon Sinek’s book, Leaders Eat Last. It was an assigned reading for the leadership cohort I’m in at work and it was definitely a good read. I learned a lot. The book wraps up talking about generational differences – the Greatest Generation vs. Baby Boomers vs Gen X vs Millennials and it’s…fascinating. I’m raising kids that are Gen Z’ers (unless something changes to the year ranges of the generation).

In our classroom exercise yesterday, I identified most with GenX’ers that value informal interactions, having fun, structure and direction, and who like feedback and encouragement. I also lean towards Millennial tendencies with multi-tasking and an entrepreneurial spirit. The book talked a lot about those raised in the 1980’s and 1990’s, like myself. My generation is known for being over-parented, heavy technology users, and needing instant gratification. All very fascinating stuff.

Simon goes on to talk about too much of a good thing, even things like cleanliness…or the internet. Anything, really. Did you know that China and South Korea identify “Internet addition” as a psychiatric disorder? Beginning in 2nd grade, kids are taught about responsible computer use and healthy digital habits. Don’t you think the US has some opportunities to learn from those who are a bit more proactive than us?

My mind is blown by all of this research. It reinforces the fact that being OFF my laptop at night is a good, healthy habit. This is why 2-3 blog posts a week is my max and why I’m really slow to respond to email. Next up is curbing my love for Instagram. Why must people like Serena Williams be so fun to follow!?

One of my biggest take-aways from Simon’s book is that you need a balanced approach to parenting. I love an excerpt that reads, “Every parent grapples with this crucial decision – whether to swoop in to help their kids or to let them struggle, fall, or fail. One communicates love and support; the other teaches self-reliance and grit. Both are important…”. I love this so much and agree with it whole-heartedly.

I can’t wait to see what my girls grow up to be. But for now, I want to enjoy the formative years…and in addition to giving best parenting practices my all, I will continue throwing any and every food their way. I refuse to be a short-order cook and so we all eat the same meal almost always. And almost always, my kids enjoy what’s offered. Chicken Gyros being no exception, even if they enjoyed them in a deconstructed mess. This tender chicken and creamy tzatziki is a balanced and delicious, family-friendly meal for all!


4.5 from 2 reviews
Easy Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce
Author: 
Prep time: 
Cook time: 
Total time: 
Serves: 4 prepared pitas
 
Ingredients
Chicken:
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • ½ cup low-fat plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • 1½ lbs chicken tenders
  • 2 Tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
  • 4 slices flat Greek pita bread
  • 2 small tomatoes, sliced
  • ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
  • ¼ cup (1 oz) crumbled feta
Tzatziki Sauce:
  • ½ English cucumber, peeled, seeds removed, and finely chopped
  • ¾ cup low-fat plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 Tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 Tbsp fresh dill, minced
  • ¼ tsp salt
Instructions
  1. Combine the lemon juice, yogurt, oregano, and salt in a large bowl and add the chicken tenders, tossing to coat well on all sides. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 30 minutes or overnight.
  2. Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Once hot, add half of the chicken tenders to the pan, discarding any excess yogurt mixture before adding to the pan. Cook the chicken tenders for about 5 minutes or until browned; flip and cook for 3-4 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through. Transfer to a platter, and repeat with the remaining oil and chicken.
  3. Meanwhile, prepare the tzatziki sauce by combining all ingredients in a small bowl. Stir until combined. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes or up to 3 days.
  4. Warm the pita bread in a toaster oven or in the microwave for 10-15 seconds.
  5. Spread some of the tzatzhiki sauce onto the warm pita bread. Top with tomatoes, sliced red onion, 2-3 slices of chicken tenders (depending on size), and 1 tablespoon crumbled feta. Fold the pitas and wrap in parchment paper or serve immediately.
Notes
Recipe from Foodie Crush

Want an even easier meal? Look for Greek yogurt-based store-bought ztatziki sauce - many retailers carry it. I found some at Aldi, even!
Nutrition Information
Serving size: 1 prepared pita Calories: 459 Fat: 14.5 Carbohydrates: 38.8 Sugar: 6.3 Sodium: 813 Fiber: 3.3 Protein: 47.8 Cholesterol: 92
Be well,

Share With Your Friends!

7 Comments

  1. Melissa
    June 14, 2018 / 9:29 am

    This looks so good, I can’t wait to try it!

  2. Pingback: Easy Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce
  3. Diana McGinley
    June 22, 2018 / 7:07 pm

    Made this last night and it’s delicious!! Even my picky husband loved it and said we should make it again. Thank you!!

    • Nicole Morrissey
      Author
      June 24, 2018 / 9:08 pm

      So glad it was a hit, Diana! <3

  4. Jennifer
    June 23, 2018 / 5:20 pm

    I think the balancing with parenting is a challenge, but I usually decide which to do based on the kid and the particular situation. As my kids get older, I work on teaching self reliance and building pride in themselves. Younger kids get a mix of the 2, depending on if they’re feeling good about what they’re doing, or if they’re feeling frustrated.

    Love the recipe! It’s hard for me to find healthy recipes for diets because I am so picky. In this recipe, the only things I would leave out are the onion and tomatoes!

  5. Sierra
    August 10, 2018 / 12:09 pm

    This looks so good! Going to surprise my husband with this for dinner tonight 😊 Do you think I could use chicken thighs in place of chicken tenders?

    • Nicole Morrissey
      Author
      August 12, 2018 / 9:44 pm

      Hi Sierra! Absolutely! Hope you both enjoy! 🙂

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Rate this recipe:  

Get my newest recipes
Follow Me