Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki is a dish that brings the essence of Mediterranean street food right to your kitchen. This vibrant and balanced meal features juicy marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, soft warm pita bread, and creamy homemade tzatziki. Whether you’re hosting a summer party or craving a healthy dinner, this dish is always a hit.
From the garlic-oregano marinade to the cooling cucumber-yogurt sauce, every bite is a burst of flavor and freshness. What makes this recipe even better is its versatility — you can prep it ahead, customize toppings, or make it bowl-style instead of wraps. It’s quick, wholesome, and ideal for meal prep too.
Ingredients Overview
Here’s everything you’ll need for Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki.
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 500g boneless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt & black pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp plain Greek yogurt (optional – tenderizes the chicken)
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cucumber, grated and squeezed
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill (or mint)
- Salt to taste
For the Gyro Assembly:
- 4–6 pita breads or flatbreads, warm
- 1 tomato, thinly sliced
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- Lettuce or shredded cabbage
- Feta cheese (optional)
- Kalamata olives (optional)
Step-by-Step Preparation
1. Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken in a bowl or zip-lock bag. Combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to coat evenly. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours.
Pro Tip: The longer it marinates, the more flavorful the chicken will be. Overnight is ideal.
2. Prepare the Tzatziki
While the chicken marinates, make the tzatziki. Grate the cucumber and squeeze out as much water as possible using a kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Mix cucumber with yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, dill, and salt. Cover and refrigerate to let the flavors meld.
Optional Add-In: Add a splash of vinegar or extra dill for a tangier taste.
3. Cook the Chicken
Heat a grill pan, cast iron skillet, or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side or until nicely charred and fully cooked (internal temp of 75°C / 165°F). Rest the cooked chicken for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
4. Warm the Pita
Wrap pita in foil and warm it in the oven or on a skillet. Soft pita makes wrapping easier and more enjoyable.
5. Assemble the Gyros
Lay out warm pita, add a generous smear of tzatziki, top with sliced chicken, tomatoes, onions, lettuce, and any extras like feta or olives. Fold and enjoy!
Tips for Perfect Greek Chicken Gyros
- Use chicken thighs for juicier, more flavorful meat.
- Don’t skip resting the meat after cooking – it helps the juices redistribute.
- Squeeze cucumbers well for the best tzatziki texture.
- Serve immediately after assembly for optimal texture (pita gets soggy if it sits too long).
Serving Suggestions
- Side Dish Ideas: Pair your Greek Chicken Gyros with a simple Greek salad, lemon rice, or oven-roasted potatoes.
- Bowl Version: Skip the pita and make a gyro bowl with quinoa or rice, layered with tzatziki and fresh veggies.
- Party Platter: Serve deconstructed gyros for a crowd—chicken, veggies, sauce, and pita all on a big board.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian: Replace chicken with grilled halloumi, falafel, or roasted vegetables.
- Spicy Twist: Add chili flakes or harissa to the marinade.
- Herb Swap: Use fresh mint or parsley if dill isn’t your favorite.
Storage & Make-Ahead Tips
- Chicken: Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for 3–4 days.
- Tzatziki: Best when fresh, but keeps for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Marinade Ahead: Marinate chicken up to 24 hours in advance.
- Meal Prep: Pack components separately and assemble when ready to eat.
Printable Recipe Card
Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Rest Time: 1 hour (marination)
- Serves: 4
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Best Season: Summer / All Seasons
- Cooking Temperature: Medium-high heat, approx. 200°C
Keywords: Greek chicken gyros, tzatziki recipe, Mediterranean wraps, easy chicken gyro, homemade Greek food
Final Dish Image Prompt
A delicious plate of Greek Chicken Gyros with sliced grilled chicken wrapped in warm pita bread, topped with creamy tzatziki sauce, fresh tomatoes, red onions, lettuce, and crumbled feta cheese. The dish is served on a rustic wooden table with lemon wedges, a small bowl of tzatziki, and fresh herbs on the side, natural daylight highlighting the textures.
Greek chicken gyros with tzatziki Recipe
Description
These Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki are bursting with Mediterranean flavor, made with juicy marinated chicken, fluffy pita, and creamy homemade tzatziki sauce. A satisfying and healthy meal that’s easy to prepare, perfect for weeknights, meal prep, or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
For Assembling the Gyros:
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl or zip-lock bag, mix the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or ideally overnight, for maximum flavor.
Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce
- Grate the cucumber and use a clean cloth or paper towel to squeeze out excess moisture. In a bowl, combine yogurt, cucumber, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, dill, and salt. Mix until creamy and well-blended. Cover and chill until serving time.
Cook the Chicken
- Grilling method: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high. Grill the marinated chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, or until cooked through and charred at the edges.
- Oven method: Preheat oven to 200°C, place chicken on a lined baking sheet, and bake for 20 minutes, flipping halfway. Broil for an extra 2 minutes to char. Once cooked, rest for 5 minutes and then slice into strips.
Warm the Pita Bread
- Warm pita breads on a dry skillet, in the oven, or microwave until soft and pliable. Avoid overcooking to keep them flexible for folding.
Assemble the Gyros
- Spread a generous spoonful of tzatziki over each warm pita. Top with sliced chicken, tomatoes, onions, lettuce, and crumbled feta. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill. Fold like a wrap or serve open-faced.
Note
Make Ahead Tip: Marinate the chicken and prepare tzatziki a day ahead for faster assembly.
Protein Swap: Try lamb, beef, or grilled halloumi for a vegetarian option.
Storage: Store leftover chicken and tzatziki separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free pita or serve as a gyro bowl over rice or greens.
