Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki

These Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki are a delicious and flavorful twist on the classic gyro, featuring marinated chicken thighs, fresh salad, and a creamy homemade tzatziki sauce. Perfect for a casual dinner, meal prep, or a fun family meal, these gyros are bursting with authentic Mediterranean flavors that will have you coming back for more!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

These Greek Chicken Gyros are packed with flavor from the marinated chicken, zesty tzatziki, and fresh salad. The chicken is juicy and tender, thanks to the yogurt-based marinade, and the tzatziki sauce adds a creamy, refreshing contrast. Whether you’re serving these for a family dinner or a casual gathering, this recipe is simple, satisfying, and sure to impress. Plus, it’s customizable with optional toppings like feta or extra spices to suit your taste.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 2 lb (1 kg) boneless, skinless chicken thigh fillets

• 3 large garlic cloves, minced (about 3 tsp)

• 1 tbsp white vinegar

• 3 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed for best flavor)

• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

• 3 tbsp Greek yogurt (preferably full-fat)

• 1 ½ tbsp dried oregano

• 1 tsp salt

• Black pepper, to taste

For the Tzatziki:

• 2 cucumbers (grated, about ½ – ¾ cup after squeezing out juice)

• 1 ¼ cups Greek yogurt (preferably full-fat)

• 1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)

• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (or more for a richer taste)

• 1 garlic clove, minced

• ¼ tsp 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, for garnish)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

To Serve:

• 4 to 6 pita breads or flatbreads, warmed

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

Directions

Marinate the Chicken:

1. In a ziplock bag, combine the garlic, white vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, Greek yogurt, oregano, salt, and pepper. Massage to mix well.

2. Add the chicken thighs to the bag and massage to coat them thoroughly with the marinade.

3. Marinate for at least 2 hours, preferably 3 hours, or ideally 12 hours (but no longer than 24 hours) for the best flavor.

Make the Tzatziki:

1. Cut the cucumbers in half lengthwise and scrape out the watery seeds with a teaspoon.

2. Coarsely grate the cucumber using a box grater. Wrap the grated cucumber in paper towels or a tea towel and squeeze out as much liquid as possible.

3. In a bowl, combine the cucumber, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and black pepper. Mix well and let it sit for at least 20 minutes for the flavors to meld.

Make the Salad:

1. In a bowl, combine the deseeded and diced tomatoes, diced cucumbers, chopped red onion, and fresh parsley (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

Cook the Chicken:

1. Preheat the outdoor grill or heat 1 tbsp of olive oil in a frying pan over medium-high heat.

2. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should be about 165°F/74°C).

3. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill or pan and let it rest for 5 minutes. Slice the chicken into strips or pieces.

Assemble the Gyros:

1. If your pita bread or flatbread is large, you can cut the chicken to fit. Warm the flatbreads before assembling for the best texture.

2. On a piece of parchment paper (or foil), place the salad down the center of each bread, then top with the cooked chicken and a generous amount of tzatziki.

3. Roll up the bread to enclose the fillings, wrapping it in the parchment paper to secure.

Serve:

1. Serve immediately, or lay everything out and let everyone build their own gyros.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4-6

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 6 minutes

• Marinade Time: 3 hours

• Total Time: 26 minutes

Tips & Variations

• Extra Spice: For a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or drizzle some hot sauce on the chicken before serving.

• Cheese Option: Sprinkle some crumbled feta over the salad for an extra savory touch.

• Make it Low-Carb: For a lower-carb option, serve the chicken and toppings in lettuce wraps instead of pita bread.

• Add More Herbs: Try adding fresh mint or dill to the salad for extra Mediterranean flavor.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store any leftover chicken and tzatziki separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

• Reheating: Reheat the chicken in a pan over medium heat until warmed through, or serve cold if you prefer.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but chicken thighs will be juicier and more flavorful. If using breasts, be careful not to overcook them.

2. Can I make the tzatziki ahead of time?

Yes, the tzatziki can be made a day ahead. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits in the fridge.

3. Can I use store-bought pita or flatbreads?

Yes, store-bought pita or flatbreads are perfectly fine and will save time. Just warm them before serving for the best texture.

4. Can I make this recipe with lamb or beef?

Absolutely! You can substitute the chicken with lamb or beef for a different twist on this classic gyro.

5. How can I make this recipe spicier?

Add more lemon juice and hot sauce to the chicken marinade, or drizzle extra hot sauce on the assembled gyros for a spicy kick.

6. Can I grill the chicken?

Yes! Grilling the chicken adds a wonderful smoky flavor. Preheat the grill and cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

7. Can I serve this with other toppings?

Absolutely! You can serve these gyros with additional toppings like sliced olives, pickled onions, or even a sprinkle of paprika for a smoky touch.

8. Can I make the chicken ahead of time?

Yes, you can cook the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat before assembling the gyros.

9. Is the lemon juice in the tzatziki optional?

The lemon juice in the tzatziki is not only for flavor but also for balance, so it’s recommended for the best taste. However, you can leave it out if you prefer.

10. Can I freeze the cooked chicken?

Yes, the cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.

Conclusion

These Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki are an easy-to-make, flavorful meal that brings the taste of the Mediterranean straight to your table. With marinated, juicy chicken, a creamy, refreshing tzatziki, and a fresh salad, these gyros are perfect for a casual dinner, a BBQ, or meal prep. Enjoy the flavors of Greece with every bite!

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