If you’re craving a meal that bursts with vibrant Mediterranean flavors and feels like a warm hug on a plate, this Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Recipe is exactly what you need. Imagine tender, marinated chicken cooked to juicy perfection, wrapped in soft pita bread, then topped with crunchy fresh salad and a cooling, creamy tzatziki sauce that ties everything together beautifully. It’s a wonderful combination of zest, creaminess, and freshness that’s perfect for sharing or indulging any day of the week. Once you make this, it’s sure to become one of your favorite go-to meals for satisfying both your taste buds and your soul.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is what makes this Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Recipe so approachable and delicious. Each ingredient plays a vital role, whether it’s the juicy chicken thighs that provide rich depth, the fragrant oregano that adds that signature Greek essence, or the fresh cucumbers and lemon that brighten the dish with crispness and tang.
- Chicken thigh fillets (2 lb / 1 kg, boneless skinless): These ensure tender, flavorful meat that stays juicy after cooking.
- Garlic cloves (4 total, minced): Adds savory richness and plenty of aromatic punch to both marinade and sauce.
- White wine vinegar (1 tbsp): Lends a subtle tang that elevates the marinade without overpowering.
- Lemon juice (4 tbsp total): Brings bright, fresh acidity to balance the flavors perfectly.
- Extra virgin olive oil (2 tbsp): Adds richness and helps keep the chicken moist during cooking.
- Greek yogurt (4 1/4 cups, preferably full fat): Essential for tenderizing the chicken and making the tzatziki creamy and luscious.
- Dried oregano (1 1/2 tbsp): Classic Greek herb that adds earthiness and depth.
- Salt and black pepper: To season and enhance all the components.
- Cucumbers (5 total – 2 for tzatziki, 3 for salad): Provide refreshing crunch and cooling moisture.
- Garlic clove (1 for tzatziki, minced): Gives a subtle but important garlicky kick.
- Tomatoes (3, deseeded and diced): Juicy and sweet addition for the salad’s fresh texture.
- Red Spanish onion (1/2, finely chopped): Adds crisp bite and mild pungency to the salad.
- Fresh parsley (1/4 cup, optional): Bright herbaceous note for freshness in the salad.
- Pita breads or flatbreads (4 to 6): Soft, warm carriers for holding all those wonderful fillings.
How to Make Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by placing all the marinade ingredients into a ziplock bag — this includes minced garlic, vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, Greek yogurt, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Massage everything together until well combined, then add your chicken thighs. Give the bag a good massage to coat all the chicken with that flavorful marinade and let it rest in the fridge for at least 2 hours. For best results, let it marinate for up to 12 hours so every bite absorbs the gorgeous Greek flavors.
Step 2: Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce
The tzatziki is the heart and soul of this Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Recipe. First, cut the cucumbers lengthwise and scrape out the watery seeds to keep your sauce from getting too watery. Then coarsely grate the cucumbers, wrap them in a tea towel, and squeeze out any excess liquid—this ensures the tzatziki is thick and creamy. Combine the cucumber with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Let it sit for at least 20 minutes so those flavors meld together beautifully.
Step 3: Mix the Fresh Salad
In a bowl, toss together the diced tomatoes, cucumbers, finely chopped red onion, and fresh parsley if you’re using it. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This fresh, crisp salad adds a gorgeous crunch and color contrast that brings vibrancy and balance to every gyro wrap.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Heat a grill or frying pan with a little olive oil over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, then place it on the grill or pan. Cook each side for about 2 to 3 minutes until golden brown and cooked through—time will vary depending on the size of the pieces. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate, cover loosely with foil, and let it rest for 5 minutes to lock in juiciness.
Step 5: Assemble Your Gyros
If your chicken thighs are large, cut them into smaller pieces for easier wrapping. Warm your pita bread or flatbread, then lay it on a piece of parchment or foil. Spoon some of the fresh salad down the center of the bread, layer on the juicy grilled chicken, and finish generously with a dollop of your cool, creamy tzatziki. Roll up the wrap tightly, securing it with the parchment for easy handling. You can slice it in half or serve whole, ready to enjoy.
How to Serve Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Recipe
Garnishes
For extra flavor and visual appeal, sprinkle some fresh parsley or oregano over the finished gyros. A few extra lemon wedges on the side are a fantastic way to add an optional zesty burst right before eating. These small touches elevate the rustic charm of your homemade gyros beautifully.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides like crispy roasted potatoes dusted with herbs, a light Greek salad, or even a bowl of warm lentil soup. Each side complements the gyro’s flavors without competing, making this a perfect Mediterranean-inspired spread.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting friends or family, consider laying out all the components separately so everyone can assemble their own Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Recipe wraps just the way they like. Another fun idea is to serve the chicken sliced over a bed of salad with a generous drizzle of tzatziki for a deconstructed gyro bowl that’s equally delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your gyros, pack any extra chicken, salad, and tzatziki separately in airtight containers and store them in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keeping the components separate ensures everything stays fresh and maintains its texture and flavor.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, freeze only the cooked chicken in a proper freezer-safe container or bag for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing the tzatziki or fresh salad, as they don’t freeze well and can become watery or mushy upon thawing.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if you can, as slower reheating helps keep the chicken juicy and tender. Add fresh salad and tzatziki after reheating for the best experience.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thigh fillets?
Absolutely! Chicken breast works fine, but keep in mind it’s leaner and can dry out faster, so watch your cooking time carefully to keep it juicy. Marinating well will help retain flavor and moisture.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
Ideally, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, but 3 to 12 hours is perfect for deeper flavor. Avoid marinating longer than 24 hours as the yogurt and acid can start to break down the meat too much.
Can I make the tzatziki ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, allowing the tzatziki to rest for at least 20 minutes helps the flavors meld beautifully. You can make it up to a day ahead and keep it chilled in the fridge until ready to serve.
What kind of pita bread should I use?
Look for soft, fresh pita or flatbreads that can fold easily without cracking. Warm them slightly before assembling your gyros to make rolling easier and enhance the flavor.
Is this recipe suitable for a crowd?
Definitely! This Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Recipe is great for entertaining because you can prepare most parts ahead of time and then have everyone assemble their own wraps, making mealtime interactive and fun.
Final Thoughts
This Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Recipe is a joyful celebration of Mediterranean flavors that feels both comforting and vibrant every time you make it. Whether for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering with friends, it offers a winning combination of ease, taste, and that special something that keeps you coming back for more. You really can’t go wrong with these fresh, flavorful gyros—so go ahead, try it out and enjoy every delicious bite!
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Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Recipe
- Total Time: 26 minutes (excluding marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki recipe features tender marinated chicken thigh fillets grilled to perfection and served with a refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce, fresh tomato cucumber salad, and warm pita breads. The flavorful marinade combines garlic, lemon juice, oregano, yogurt, and olive oil, making it an authentic Greek street food experience perfect for a quick and easy dinner that serves four.
Ingredients
Marinade and Chicken
- 2 lb / 1 kg chicken thigh fillets, boneless skinless
- 3 large garlic cloves, minced (~3 tsp)
- 1 tbsp white wine vinegar (or red wine or apple cider vinegar)
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp Greek yogurt, preferably full fat
- 1 1/2 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- Black pepper, to taste
Tzatziki Sauce
- 2 cucumbers (to make about 1/2 – 3/4 cup grated cucumber after squeezing out juice)
- 1 1/4 cups Greek yogurt, preferably full fat
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (or more if desired)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Black pepper, to taste
Tomato Cucumber Salad
- 3 tomatoes, deseeded and diced
- 3 cucumbers, diced
- 1/2 red Spanish onion, peeled and finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
To Serve
- 4 to 6 pita breads or flatbreads, preferably warmed
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: Place the marinade ingredients (garlic, vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, yogurt, oregano, salt, and pepper) in a ziplock bag and massage to mix thoroughly. Add the chicken thigh fillets to the bag and massage to coat them evenly with the marinade. Seal and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably 3 hours, ideally up to 12 hours, but no longer than 24 hours to maximize flavor.
- Prepare Tzatziki Sauce: Cut the cucumbers in half lengthwise and use a teaspoon to scrape out the watery seeds. Coarsely grate the cucumber using a box grater. Wrap the grated cucumber in paper towels or a kitchen towel and squeeze firmly to remove excess liquid. Place the cucumber in a bowl and add Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let it rest for at least 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Make Tomato Cucumber Salad: In a separate bowl, combine diced tomatoes, diced cucumbers, finely chopped red onion, and parsley leaves if using. Season with salt and pepper and mix gently to combine.
- Cook Chicken: Brush your outdoor grill with oil and preheat on medium-high heat, or heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Cooking times might vary depending on the size of the chicken pieces.
- Rest the Chicken: Remove the cooked chicken from the grill or pan and place on a plate. Cover loosely with foil and let it rest for 5 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute.
- Assemble the Gyros: If chicken thigh fillets are large, cut them into smaller pieces. Place a warmed pita bread or flatbread on parchment or foil paper. Layer some tomato cucumber salad down the middle, add a portion of the chicken, then top with a generous spoonful of tzatziki sauce. Roll up the bread tightly, enclosing it with the parchment paper and twisting the ends to secure. Optionally, cut the wraps before serving.
- Serve and Enjoy: Lay out all components on a table to allow everyone to assemble their own gyros or serve immediately. These gyros make a vibrant and satisfying meal that brings the authentic flavors of Greece to your table.
Notes
- Marinate chicken for at least 2 hours to allow full flavor absorption; overnight is ideal.
- Remove excess cucumber juice from tzatziki to prevent it from becoming watery.
- Using full-fat Greek yogurt yields the creamiest and most authentic tzatziki.
- You can grill chicken outdoors or pan-fry indoors depending on available equipment and weather.
- Warm pita breads before assembling for a better texture and flavor.
- Optional parsley in salad adds freshness but can be omitted based on preference.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
