If you love bold flavors and crave meals that feel like a warm hug from the Mediterranean sun, this Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a deliciously fresh and juicy chicken gyro, perfectly balanced with the creamy, tangy cucumber tzatziki that elevates every bite. This dish wraps together the zesty marinade, tender grilled chicken, crisp veggies, and refreshing sauce in soft pita bread, creating a classic Greek street food experience you can make right at home. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight meal or a show-stopping dish for guests, this recipe is bursting with flavor and simple ingredients that come together effortlessly.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki Recipe plays a vital role, from the bright acidity of lemon juice to the earthy oregano that brings authentic Mediterranean charm. These simple, fresh components make the flavors shine and the textures sing, creating a gyro that’s anything but ordinary.
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Choose thighs for juicier meat or breasts for a leaner option.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Adds moisture and richness while helping the marinade soak into the chicken.
- Juice of 1 lemon: Brings brightness and tenderizes the chicken beautifully.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses pungent, savory depth into both chicken and tzatziki.
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar: Lends a subtle tang that balances the marinade’s richness.
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano: The signature herb for that unmistakable Greek flavor.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors in every component.
- ½ teaspoon black pepper: Adds gentle heat and complexity.
- 6 pita or flatbreads: Soft and warm, the perfect vehicle for wrapping all the fillings.
- 1 cup chopped lettuce: Adds crunch and freshness to each gyro.
- 1 cup diced tomato: Sweetness and juiciness for added texture and color.
- ½ cup sliced red onion: Offers a sharp bite that contrasts beautifully with creamy tzatziki.
- Crumbled feta (optional): A salty, tangy finish that’s truly traditional.
- Cucumber Tzatziki Ingredients:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt: Creamy and tangy, the star base of the sauce.
- ½ cup finely grated cucumber (squeezed dry): Adds refreshing crunch without watering down the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Smooths out the tzatziki and adds richness.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Keeps the sauce bright and zesty.
- 1 clove garlic, minced: Packs a punch of flavor in the cooling dip.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried): The herbaceous touch that makes tzatziki unforgettable.
- Salt and pepper to taste: To perfect the balance of flavors.
How to Make Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. This marinade is bursting with Mediterranean flavors that tenderize the chicken and seep into every bite. Toss your chicken thighs or breasts in the mixture, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the magic happen, or up to 8 hours if you have the time. This step is key to capturing authentic Greek flavor that feels like a sunny afternoon on the Aegean coast.
Step 2: Prepare the Cucumber Tzatziki
While the chicken marinates, whip up the cucumber tzatziki. Combine Greek yogurt, finely grated cucumber (make sure to squeeze out excess water), olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dill, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well until creamy and well-blended. Pop this into the fridge for at least 30 minutes so the flavors can meld beautifully. This cool, creamy sauce will balance the smoky grilled chicken perfectly—it’s truly the heart of this gyro recipe.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat your grill, grill pan, or skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, remove the chicken from the marinade and lay it out carefully on the grill. Cook each side for about 5 to 7 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and develops those irresistible charred grill marks. Give the meat a rest for around 5 minutes after cooking—this helps retain juices and makes slicing so much easier. Then thinly slice the chicken to prepare for assembling your gyros.
Step 4: Assemble Your Gyros
Warm the pita or flatbreads until soft and pliable. Layer each pita with a generous helping of the tender grilled chicken, followed by fresh chopped lettuce, juicy diced tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onions. Spoon on plenty of cucumber tzatziki and sprinkle with crumbled feta if you love that salty tang. Fold or roll your gyros tightly and prepare yourself for a flavor-packed meal that tastes like a trip straight to Greece.
How to Serve Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki Recipe
Garnishes
Don’t hesitate to add some extra touches to your gyros. Fresh lemon wedges for squeezing add a burst of acidity that brightens each bite, while a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or additional dill can enhance the earthy herbal profile. For those who adore a bit of heat, a dash of smoked paprika or crushed red pepper flakes on top adds a gentle kick that pairs beautifully with the creamy tzatziki and smoky chicken.
Side Dishes
Serving your gyros with classic Greek sides makes the meal extra special. Think warm lemon potatoes roasted with oregano, a crisp Greek salad with olives and feta, or even simple grilled vegetables brushed with olive oil and herbs. For a lighter accompaniment, try a bowl of fresh tabbouleh or a chilled lentil salad that complements the richness of the chicken and tzatziki with refreshing textures.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to switch things up, skip the traditional pita wrap and serve the gyro fillings in a bowl over fluffy rice or a bed of mixed greens. This Mediterranean gyro bowl is great for those preferring low-carb or gluten-free options. You can also deconstruct the recipe as an appetizer by arranging the chicken, tzatziki, pita, and veggies on a platter, turning your Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki Recipe into a fun, interactive feast.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Any leftover grilled chicken, tzatziki, and vegetables can be stored separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keeping the components separate helps preserve their textures and flavors, so your gyros stay fresh and delicious when you’re ready to enjoy them again.
Freezing
You can freeze the marinated raw chicken before cooking if you want to prep in advance. Make sure to use a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 2 months. The cooked chicken can also be frozen briefly, but the texture is best when enjoyed fresh. Avoid freezing tzatziki; it tends to separate once thawed.
Reheating
When reheating, gently warm the sliced chicken in a skillet over medium heat to keep it juicy and avoid drying out. Heat pita breads separately in the oven or toaster to maintain softness. Serve with cold tzatziki straight from the fridge to preserve its creamy texture and fresh flavors.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work perfectly if you prefer a leaner option. Just be careful not to overcook them as they can dry out more quickly than thighs.
How long can I marinate the chicken?
The chicken can marinate anywhere from 30 minutes up to 8 hours. The longer it marinates, the more intense and tender the flavor, but even a short marinating time is enough to make a tasty gyro.
Can I make the tzatziki sauce ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, making tzatziki a few hours or even a day ahead helps the flavors meld and intensify. Just keep it refrigerated and give it a stir before serving.
Is there a vegetarian version of this gyro?
You can swap the chicken with grilled vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, or mushrooms for a delightful vegetarian gyro. The cucumber tzatziki will remain the star of the dish.
What if I don’t have fresh dill?
If fresh dill isn’t available, dried dill works well too—use about one-third the amount of fresh dill called for. It still gives that classic tzatziki flavor!
Final Thoughts
This Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki Recipe is a delicious way to bring vibrant, authentic Mediterranean flavors into your kitchen without any fuss. With tender grilled chicken, crisp veggies, and that creamy cucumber tzatziki, every bite feels like a celebration. I truly hope you give this recipe a try and discover a new favorite that’s perfect for both casual dinners and special gatherings. Enjoy the taste of Greece in your own home!
Print
Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes to 8 hours marinating time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes active cooking plus marinating time
- Yield: 6 gyros 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Mediterranean
Description
Delicious and authentic Greek Chicken Gyros served with a refreshing cucumber tzatziki sauce. This recipe features marinated grilled chicken thighs or breasts, warm pita bread, fresh vegetables, and creamy homemade tzatziki for a perfect Mediterranean meal that’s quick to prepare and full of vibrant flavors.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Gyros
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 6 pita or flatbreads
- 1 cup chopped lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomato
- ½ cup sliced red onion
- Crumbled feta (optional)
Cucumber Tzatziki
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cup finely grated cucumber (squeezed dry)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken thighs or breasts and toss until fully coated. Cover and refrigerate to marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Make the tzatziki sauce: While the chicken marinates, combine plain Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (make sure it’s squeezed dry to avoid excess moisture), olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped fresh dill, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix thoroughly until smooth and refrigerate to chill and blend the flavors.
- Grill the chicken: Preheat your grill, grill pan, or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for about 5 to 7 minutes per side until the chicken is fully cooked through, has a slight char, and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for 5 minutes to retain juices.
- Assemble the gyros: Thinly slice the rested chicken. Warm the pita or flatbreads in a pan or oven. Layer each pita with sliced chicken, chopped lettuce, diced tomato, sliced red onion, and a generous spoonful of chilled tzatziki sauce. Top with crumbled feta cheese if using. Serve the gyros immediately for best taste and texture.
Notes
- For a leaner option, opt for chicken breasts instead of thighs.
- The tzatziki sauce can be prepared a day in advance to enhance the flavors.
- This recipe can also be served as a gyro bowl over rice or salad instead of in pita bread.
