Name: Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 26 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: For the Chicken Marinade:; 2 lb / 1 kg boneless skinless chicken thigh fillets; 3 large garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon white vinegar; 3 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt (preferably full fat); 1 ½ tablespoons dried oregano; 1 teaspoon salt; Black pepper, to taste; For the Tzatziki Sauce:; 2 cucumbers (to yield ½ – ¾ cup grated cucumber after squeezing out juice); 1 ¼ cups Greek yogurt (preferably full fat); 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (more if you want a richer sauce); 1 garlic clove, minced; ¼ teaspoon salt; Black pepper, to taste; For the Salad:; 3 tomatoes, deseeded and diced; 3 cucumbers, diced; ½ red Spanish onion, peeled and finely chopped; ¼ cup fresh parsley leaves (optional); Salt and pepper, to taste; To Serve:; 4 to 6 pita breads or flatbreads

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Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki is a flavorful and fun meal that brings the vibrant tastes of Greece right to your table. This dish features tender, marinated chicken thighs, topped with a creamy homemade tzatziki sauce, fresh salad, and wrapped in warm pita bread. Whether for a casual dinner or an interactive meal with friends and family, this recipe is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Greek chicken gyros are a perfect balance of savory, fresh, and creamy flavors. The chicken thighs are marinated in a tangy mix of yogurt, lemon, garlic, and oregano, making each bite juicy and full of flavor. The tzatziki sauce, with its cool cucumber and creamy yogurt base, adds a refreshing element to the gyros. Add a fresh salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions, and wrap it all up in soft pita bread for an irresistible meal. The best part? It’s quick to assemble, and everyone can customize their own gyros, making it a fun and interactive meal for any occasion. Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

2 lb / 1 kg boneless skinless chicken thigh fillets
3 large garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon white vinegar
3 tablespoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons Greek yogurt (preferably full fat)
1 ½ tablespoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
Black pepper, to taste

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

2 cucumbers (to yield ½ – ¾ cup grated cucumber after squeezing out juice)
1 ¼ cups Greek yogurt (preferably full fat)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (more if you want a richer sauce)
1 garlic clove, minced
¼ teaspoon salt
Black pepper, to taste

For the Salad:

3 tomatoes, deseeded and diced
3 cucumbers, diced
½ red Spanish onion, peeled and finely chopped
¼ cup fresh parsley leaves (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste

To Serve:

4 to 6 pita breads or flatbreads

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Marinate the Chicken:

In a ziplock bag, combine all the marinade ingredients (garlic, vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, Greek yogurt, oregano, salt, and pepper).
Add the chicken to the bag and massage the marinade into the chicken.
Let it marinate for at least 2 hours, preferably 3 hours, but ideally 12 hours. Do not marinate for more than 24 hours.

Make the Tzatziki:

Cut the cucumbers in half lengthwise and scoop out the watery seeds.
Coarsely grate the cucumbers using a box grater. Wrap the grated cucumber in paper towels or a tea towel and squeeze out the excess liquid.
Place the cucumber in a bowl, then add the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well and let it sit for at least 20 minutes for the flavors to meld.

Prepare the Salad:

In a bowl, combine the tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and parsley (if using).
Season with salt and pepper, then set aside.

Cook the Chicken:

Preheat your grill on medium-high and brush with oil. Alternatively, heat 1 tablespoon of 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 time will vary based on the size of the chicken pieces.
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the heat, cover loosely with foil, and let it rest for 5 minutes.

Assemble the Gyros:

If the chicken thighs are large, slice them into smaller pieces.
Warm the pita bread or flatbread. Place it on a piece of parchment or foil.
Add a layer of salad down the center, followed by the chicken and a generous spoonful of tzatziki sauce.
Roll the pita to enclose the filling, securing it with parchment paper. Twist the ends to seal, and cut if desired.

Serve:

Serve the gyros as-is or with extra toppings on the side.

Servings and Timing

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Marinade Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 26 minutes
Servings: 4-6 servings

Variations

Spicy Tzatziki: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the tzatziki sauce for a spicy kick.
Vegetarian Option: Replace the chicken with grilled halloumi cheese or falafel for a delicious vegetarian version.
Different Meat: You can substitute the chicken thighs with chicken breasts, lamb, or even beef if desired.
Add Feta: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese into the salad for an extra burst of flavor.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftover chicken and tzatziki sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
Freezing: You can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Reheat in the oven or microwave before assembling the gyros.
Reheating: To reheat the chicken, warm it in a skillet or oven until heated through.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but the cooking time will be shorter, so be sure not to overcook them.

2. Can I make the tzatziki sauce ahead of time?

Yes, tzatziki can be made in advance. In fact, it’s best to let it sit in the fridge for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, but you can prepare it a few hours ahead of time or even the day before.

3. Can I marinate the chicken overnight?

Yes, marinating the chicken overnight will enhance the flavor, but be sure not to marinate for more than 24 hours to avoid the chicken becoming too tender.

4. Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt for the tzatziki?

Greek yogurt works best for a creamy texture, but you can use regular yogurt as a substitute, though the sauce may be thinner.

5. Can I use store-bought tzatziki sauce?

Yes, if you’re short on time, you can use store-bought tzatziki sauce, but homemade is always best for a fresh, authentic flavor.

6. How do I warm the pita bread?

You can warm the pita bread on the grill, in a dry skillet over medium heat, or wrapped in foil in the oven for a few minutes.

7. How can I make the salad more substantial?

To make the salad more substantial, add some Kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, or a handful of chickpeas.

8. Can I make the gyros with flatbread instead of pita?

Yes, flatbread works perfectly for gyros and will provide a slightly different texture, but it’s just as delicious.

9. Can I freeze the cooked chicken for later use?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Just reheat before assembling your gyros.

10. Can I grill the chicken on an outdoor grill?

Yes, outdoor grilling will add an additional smoky flavor. Grill the chicken over medium-high heat for about 5-6 minutes per side.

Conclusion

Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki is the ultimate meal for anyone craving a fresh, flavorful dish. With marinated chicken, homemade tzatziki sauce, and a refreshing salad, all wrapped in warm pita bread, these gyros are perfect for a family dinner, party, or casual meal. They are easy to prepare, customizable, and full of delicious Greek flavors that will transport your taste buds straight to Greece. Try them today for an unforgettable, fun dining experience!