Name: Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzaziki Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 2 h 40 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 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; 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 you want richer); 1 garlic clove, minced; 1/4 tsp salt; Black pepper; 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; 4 to 6 pita breads or flatbreads

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve ever daydreamed about strolling through a sun-dappled Greek village, savoring vibrant street food, then let this recipe transport you straight there. Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzaziki is the ultimate feast for both the senses and the soul: succulent, marinated chicken is nestled in pillowy pita, paired with a crisp, herby salad, and blanketed under a cool, tangy tzatziki sauce. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just dipping your toes into Mediterranean flavors, this dish promises a joyful burst of color and irresistible flavor in every bite.

Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzaziki Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzaziki lies in a handful of humble, bold ingredients working together. Each brings a special touch to the table: juicy chicken soaks in a bright marinade, a salad offers crunch and freshness, and that classic tzatziki delivers a creamy, garlicky finish you won’t forget.

Chicken thigh fillets (2 lb / 1 kg, boneless skinless): Dark meat stays extra juicy and flavorful from the marinade and grilling.
Garlic cloves (3 large, minced): The true backbone of Greek flavor, garlic wakes up every bite.
White wine vinegar (1 tbsp): Lends brightness; apple cider or red wine vinegar works in a pinch.
Lemon juice (3 tbsp): Adds zest and tenderizes the chicken for that signature Mediterranean tang.
Extra virgin olive oil (1 tbsp, plus more for Tzatziki): Rich flavor and helps the marinade cling to every piece.
Greek yogurt (3 tbsp for marinade, 1 1/4 cups for Tzatziki): Choose full-fat for the creamiest result and deep flavor.
Dried oregano (1 1/2 tbsp): This earthy herb is a must for authentic gyros.
Salt (1 tsp, plus more for salad and Tzatziki): Brings out the natural flavors of all the fresh ingredients.
Black pepper (to taste): Classic seasoning for balance and warmth.
Cucumbers (2 for Tzatziki, 3 diced for salad): Crisp, refreshing, and the secret to that cooling tzatziki.
Lemon juice (1 tbsp for Tzatziki): A bright counterpart to the creamy yogurt.
Olive oil (1 tbsp for Tzatziki): Adds a rich, silky finish to the sauce.
Garlic clove (1, minced for Tzatziki): For a subtle punch in the sauce.
Tomatoes (3, deseeded and diced): Juicy bites for your vibrant, Greek-style salad.
Red Spanish onion (1/2, peeled and finely chopped): Adds color and a gentle bite.
Fresh parsley leaves (1/4 cup, optional): Herby, bright, and elevates everything it touches.
Pita breads or flatbreads (4 to 6): Soft, warm, and the perfect vessel for all your fillings.

How to Make Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzaziki

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Combine the marinade ingredients—garlic, vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, yogurt, oregano, salt, and black pepper—in a ziplock bag. Add the chicken thigh fillets, seal the bag, and give everything a good massage, making sure every bit of chicken is well-coated. Let it soak up those bold flavors for at least 2 hours (preferably 3, or even overnight for maximum flavor). Don’t marinate longer than 24 hours to keep the texture just right.

Step 2: Prep the Tzatziki

Trim the cucumbers: slice them in half lengthwise, then scoop out the seeds with a teaspoon to prevent watery sauce. Grate the cucumber coarsely, then wrap it in a paper towel or a clean cloth and squeeze hard to remove as much liquid as possible. In a bowl, stir together the cucumber, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Let the tzatziki chill in the fridge for at least 20 minutes so all the flavors have time to get to know each other. Trust me, this step makes all the difference!

Step 3: Make the Salad

Dice the tomatoes and cucumbers, finely chop the red onion, and (if you like) roughly chop some fresh parsley leaves. Combine everything in a bowl, season with salt and pepper, and gently toss. This fresh, crunchy salad is what gives Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzaziki their irresistible contrast.

Step 4: Grill the Chicken

Preheat your grill (or heat oil in a large skillet) over medium-high. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Grill the thighs for about 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until nicely golden and cooked through. Once done, transfer them to a plate, cover loosely with foil, and rest for 5 minutes. This little rest keeps all that tasty juice inside the meat.

Step 5: Assemble Your Gyros

If your chicken pieces are large, slice them into bite-sized strips. Warm the pita or flatbreads—either in a dry skillet or wrapped in foil in a low oven for a few minutes. Lay out a piece of parchment or foil, place the bread on top, and layer with salad, chicken, and a generous spoonful of tzatziki. Fold or roll, twist the end of the parchment, and you’ve got true Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzaziki, ready to eat!

How to Serve Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzaziki

Garnishes

Sprinkle your finished gyros with a little extra chopped parsley, a pinch of dried oregano, or even a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. For a pop of color and zing, thinly sliced red onion or juicy tomato wedges also look gorgeous and add a little bite.

Side Dishes

Pairing Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzaziki with classic Greek sides really brings the whole experience together. Think oven-roasted lemon potatoes, a simple orzo salad, or even a plate of olives and feta cheese. These sides offer a lovely balance of richness, crunch, and tang to your table.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the fixings family-style and let everyone build their own gyro! Or, try serving mini gyros as an appetizer platter for parties. Want to change things up? Pile the grilled chicken, salad, and tzatziki on a bed of warm rice or quinoa for a stunning grain bowl version.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’ve got leftover cooked chicken or salad, keep each component in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken and tzatziki will both stay fresh for up to 3 days; the salad is best eaten within a day for the crunchiest texture. Just store the pita separately so it doesn’t get soggy.

Freezing

For longer storage, grilled chicken freezes beautifully—just slice and place portions in freezer-safe bags for up to 2 months. The tzatziki sauce is best made fresh, as dairy and cucumber don’t love the freezer, but pita and chicken can both be frozen. Thaw overnight in the fridge.

Reheating

To reheat chicken for Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzaziki, warm in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until just heated through—don’t overdo it so it stays tender. Warm the pita in the oven wrapped in foil, and stir tzatziki before using if prepared in advance.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breast will work in Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzaziki if you prefer leaner meat. Just keep an eye on cooking time to prevent it from drying out, and marinate for as long as possible to maximize tenderness and flavor.

Is there a dairy-free option for tzatziki?

Yes! You can make the classic sauce dairy free by swapping in your favorite unsweetened plant-based Greek-style yogurt. The texture and taste will still give you a delicious, creamy companion for your gyros.

Do I need an outdoor grill?

No grill? No problem! A regular stovetop skillet or grill pan works perfectly. You’ll still get gorgeous caramelization and deep flavor in your Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzaziki—just be sure your pan is nice and hot before adding the chicken.

Can I make the components ahead of time?

Definitely. Both the marinade and tzatziki can be prepared a day in advance, making dinner assembly a breeze. You can even chop the salad veggies earlier in the day and store them covered in the fridge.

How do I keep pita bread soft and pliable?

To make sure your bread doesn’t tear or crack, wrap pita or flatbreads in foil and warm in the oven or microwave just before assembling. Keeping them covered retains steam and softness, which is perfect for hugging all the fillings!

Final Thoughts

I can’t encourage you enough to give Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzaziki a go in your own kitchen. Every bite brings sunny Mediterranean flavor, and the vibrant, fresh ingredients are sure to win hearts at your table. Gather your favorite people, lay out all the toppings, and watch these homemade gyros disappear!