Greek Chicken Gyros with Homemade Tzatziki

Greek Chicken Gyros with Homemade Tzatziki is a flavorful and satisfying dish that captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. Tender, marinated chicken is grilled or pan-seared and served with a cool, creamy tzatziki sauce. Wrapped in soft pita bread and topped with fresh vegetables, this dish is perfect for a family meal, casual dinner, or even a fun get-together with friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic Flavors – The combination of perfectly spiced chicken and refreshing tzatziki sauce brings the taste of Greece to your home.
• Easy to Make – Simple ingredients and quick prep make this recipe perfect for busy evenings.
• Customizable – You can add or skip toppings like tomatoes, onions, and lettuce based on your preferences.
• Meal Prep Friendly – You can prepare the chicken and tzatziki ahead of time, making it easy to assemble and serve on the go.
• Healthy & Filling – Packed with protein and fresh veggies, it’s a balanced and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

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

• For the Chicken Marinade:

  • 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and pepper to taste

• For the Homemade Tzatziki Sauce:

  • 1 cup Greek yogurt (preferably full-fat for creaminess)
  • 1/2 cucumber, finely grated (excess moisture squeezed out)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

• For Assembling the Gyros:

  • 4 pita breads (or flatbreads)
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • Fresh lettuce or arugula (optional)
  • Fresh parsley or dill for garnish (optional)

Directions

For the Chicken:

1. Marinate the Chicken – In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts or thighs and coat them evenly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.

2. Cook the Chicken – Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, remove from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

3. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce – In a medium-sized bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (make sure to squeeze out the excess moisture), minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped dill, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Assemble the Gyros:

4. Warm the Pita Bread – Lightly warm the pita bread in a dry skillet for 1-2 minutes per side, or microwave for 15-20 seconds to make them soft and pliable.

5. Assemble the Gyros – Place the sliced chicken in the center of each warmed pita. Add a generous spoonful of tzatziki sauce and top with thin slices of red onion, cherry tomato halves, and lettuce (if using).

6. Serve – Garnish with fresh parsley or dill if desired, and serve immediately while the chicken is still warm.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep Time: 10-15 minutes (for the tzatziki and marinade)
• Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
• Total Time: 30-45 minutes (including marinating time)

Variations

• Spicy Tzatziki – Add finely chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the tzatziki for a spicy twist.
• Add Grilled Veggies – Grill some bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant to add extra flavor and texture to the gyros.
• Lamb Gyros – Swap the chicken for lamb for a more traditional gyro recipe.
• Vegan Option – Replace the chicken with falafel or grilled tofu for a plant-based option.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover chicken and tzatziki sauce separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the chicken in a skillet or microwave. For the best results, reheat the pita bread in a dry skillet or in the oven for a few seconds to avoid it becoming soggy.

FAQs

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken ahead of time and store it in the fridge. You can also make the tzatziki sauce a day in advance to allow the flavors to develop.

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs are a great option for gyros as they tend to be juicier and more flavorful. You may need to adjust the cooking time slightly based on the thickness of the thighs.

How do I make the tzatziki sauce less watery?

Be sure to squeeze out the excess moisture from the grated cucumber before adding it to the sauce. This will help keep the sauce thick and creamy.

How can I make the chicken even more flavorful?

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight, or try adding some smoked paprika or a pinch of cumin to the marinade.

Can I use store-bought tzatziki sauce?

Yes, if you’re short on time, store-bought tzatziki works, but homemade tzatziki is much fresher and flavorful!

Can I make these gyros without pita bread?

Yes! You can serve the chicken and tzatziki over rice, in lettuce wraps, or even in a bowl if you prefer a low-carb option.

Conclusion

Greek Chicken Gyros with Homemade Tzatziki is a flavorful, healthy, and easy-to-make dish that brings all the fresh, vibrant flavors of Greek cuisine to your kitchen. With tender, marinated chicken, creamy tzatziki, and fresh toppings, this dish is perfect for a casual dinner or a fun meal with friends and family. Enjoy the taste of the Mediterranean in every bite!

Greek Chicken Gyros with Homemade Tzatziki

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• Author: Emma
• Prep Time: 10-15 minutes (for tzatziki and marinade)
• Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
• Total Time: 30-45 minutes (including marinating time)
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling or Skillet
• Cuisine: Greek
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Greek Chicken Gyros with Homemade Tzatziki brings the vibrant flavors of Greece straight to your home. Juicy, marinated chicken paired with creamy tzatziki sauce, fresh vegetables, and soft pita bread makes for a satisfying and customizable meal. Quick to prepare, this dish is perfect for weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or meal prep!

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Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Homemade Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt (preferably full-fat for creaminess)
• 1/2 cucumber, finely grated (excess moisture squeezed out)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Assembling the Gyros:

• 4 pita breads (or flatbreads)
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• Fresh lettuce or arugula (optional)
• Fresh parsley or dill for garnish (optional)

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Instructions

• Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts or thighs and coat them evenly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor).
• Cook the Chicken: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once cooked, remove from the pan and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
• Make the Tzatziki Sauce: In a medium-sized bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (squeeze out excess moisture), minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped dill, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine and refrigerate for 10-15 minutes to let the flavors meld.
• Assemble the Gyros: Lightly warm the pita bread in a dry skillet for 1-2 minutes per side, or microwave for 15-20 seconds to make them soft and pliable.
• Assemble the Gyros: Place the sliced chicken in the center of each warmed pita. Add a generous spoonful of tzatziki sauce and top with thin slices of red onion, cherry tomato halves, and lettuce (if using).
• Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley or dill if desired, and serve immediately while the chicken is still warm.

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Notes

• Spicy Tzatziki: Add finely chopped jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the tzatziki for a spicy twist.
• Add Grilled Veggies: Grill some bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant to add extra flavor and texture to the gyros.
• Lamb Gyros: Swap the chicken for lamb for a more traditional gyro recipe.
• Vegan Option: Replace the chicken with falafel or grilled tofu for a plant-based option.
• Make-Ahead: Marinate the chicken and prepare the tzatziki sauce ahead of time for easy assembly during the week.