Authentic Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe with Homemade Tzatziki

Crispy, golden greek chicken gyros always spark memories of Mediterranean street food adventures.

Wandering through narrow Athens alleys, street vendors craft these delectable wraps with expert precision.

Marinated chicken pieces nestle into soft, pillowy pita bread, promising an explosion of tangy and herbal flavors.

Every bite transports you to sun-drenched Greek islands with their vibrant culinary traditions.

Fresh herbs and zesty tzatziki sauce elevate this simple dish into a gourmet experience.

Succulent spices dance across tender meat, creating a symphony of Mediterranean tastes.

Master this recipe, and you’ll become the ultimate home chef who can recreate authentic Greek street cuisine.

Storing Chicken Gyros Right

• Store leftover chicken and tzatziki sauce separately in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking, keeping them in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Gently warm sliced chicken in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of olive oil, stirring occasionally to prevent drying out, until heated through.
• Keep tzatziki sauce chilled and stir before serving; do not freeze as it may separate and lose texture.
• Quickly warm pitas on a skillet or in the microwave for 10-15 seconds to restore softness before reassembling gyros.

What To Serve With Gyros

• Enhance Greek Chicken Gyros with Perfect Pairings
• Crisp White Wine Companion: Pair the gyros with a chilled glass of Assyrtiko from Santorini, which offers bright citrus notes that complement the lemony chicken and tzatziki sauce, cutting through the richness perfectly.
• Mediterranean Salad Sidekick: Serve a fresh Greek horiatiki salad with feta, cucumbers, olives, and red onions to echo the gyro's ingredients and add refreshing texture to the meal.
• Zesty Lemon Potatoes Partner: Roast lemon-herb potatoes seasoned with oregano and garlic as a traditional Greek side dish that matches the gyro's Mediterranean flavor profile and provides a satisfying starchy complement.
• Refreshing Cucumber Drink Ally: Prepare a cooling cucumber mint agua fresca or traditional Greek karpouzopita (watermelon drink) to balance the grilled chicken's warmth and provide a hydrating summer-inspired beverage.

Gyro Style Options

• Vegetarian Greek Delight: Replace chicken with grilled halloumi cheese or marinated tofu, maintaining the same marinade and seasoning for a plant-based protein option.
• Gluten-Free Gyro Bowl: Skip the pita bread and serve the marinated chicken over a bed of quinoa or cauliflower rice, topped with tzatziki sauce and fresh vegetables.
• Low-Carb Mediterranean Wrap: Use large lettuce leaves instead of pita bread, creating a crisp, fresh alternative for those watching carbohydrate intake.
• Spicy Mediterranean Version: Add red pepper flakes to the chicken marinade and mix sriracha into the tzatziki sauce for an extra kick of heat and flavor.

FAQs

• What ingredients make the chicken marinade so flavorful?

The marinade combines olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, and paprika, which infuse the chicken with classic Greek Mediterranean flavors and help tenderize the meat.

• Can I make this recipe without a grill?

Yes, you can cook the marinated chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat or use an oven-safe pan and roast it at 425°F for about 20-25 minutes, ensuring the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

• Is tzatziki sauce difficult to prepare?

Not at all! Tzatziki is simple to make by mixing Greek yogurt with grated cucumber, dill, lemon juice, garlic, and seasoning, which takes just a few minutes and can be prepared ahead of time.

• How long should I marinate the chicken?

For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, but you can also prepare it overnight in the refrigerator to develop deeper, more intense flavors.

What Makes Greek Chicken Gyros So Good

• Elevate Weekend Meals: Transform ordinary dinners into restaurant-quality experiences with this deliciously authentic Greek chicken gyros recipe that brings Mediterranean flavors directly to your kitchen.
• Quick Weeknight Cooking Champion: Minimal prep work and simple marinating technique make this recipe perfect for busy families seeking tasty, hassle-free meals that everyone will enjoy.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible ingredients allow home cooks to adjust toppings and spices, creating personalized gyros that cater to individual taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Fresh and Healthy Option: Packed with lean protein, fresh vegetables, and homemade tzatziki sauce, this recipe offers a nutritious meal that doesn't compromise on flavor or satisfaction.

Gyro Ingredients With Tzatziki Sauce

• Chicken: Juicy protein perfect for marinating and grilling.

• Olive Oil, Lemon Juice: Fresh base for chicken flavor.
• Garlic, Oregano, Thyme, Paprika: Aromatic herbs and spices that add depth to the chicken.
• Salt, Pepper: Classic seasoning for balanced taste.

• Greek Yogurt: Creamy and tangy base for the sauce.
• Cucumber: Fresh vegetable that adds crunch and coolness.
• Dill, Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Bright and herbal flavor enhancers.
• Garlic: Adds sharp and pungent note to the sauce.

• Pita Bread: Soft and warm wrap for the gyros.
• Lettuce, Tomatoes, Red Onion: Fresh vegetables for crunch and added nutrition.

Making Homemade Chicken Gyros

Step 1: Whip Up Creamy Tzatziki Sauce

• Greek yogurt
• Diced cucumber
• Chopped fresh dill
• Lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Pepper

Stir everything until well combined.

Chill the sauce in the refrigerator to let the flavors mingle and develop.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

• Chicken
• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Crushed garlic
• Dried oregano
• Dried thyme
• Paprika
• Salt
• Pepper

Seal the bag and massage the marinade into the chicken.

Let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, occasionally flipping the bag to ensure even coating.

Step 3: Fire Up the Grill

Preheat your grill to medium heat.

Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the grill.

Cook for about 8 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is completely cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

Step 4: Warm the Pita Breads

Quickly toast the pita breads on the grill for 1-2 minutes on each side.

This will give them a slight char and warm, soft texture.

Step 5: Assemble the Gyros

Slice the pita breads in half and create a pocket.

• Grilled chicken
• Crisp lettuce
• Juicy tomatoes
• Sliced red onion
• Generous dollop of tzatziki sauce

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Plate the gyros immediately while they’re warm and fresh.

Serve with extra tzatziki sauce on the side for dipping.

Greek Gyro Cooking Tips

• Let chicken soak in the marinade for at least 2 hours, or overnight for deeper, more intense taste.
• Check chicken's internal temperature reaches 165°F to ensure safe and perfectly cooked meat without drying out.
• Prepare tzatziki sauce in advance and refrigerate to let flavors meld and develop a more robust taste.
• Grill pitas briefly to enhance texture and prevent them from becoming too crisp or falling apart.
• Swap chicken for lamb or use a vegetarian protein like grilled halloumi for versatile meal options.

Greek Chicken Gyros With Homemade Tzatziki Sauce Recipe

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4.7 from 34 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savory Greek chicken gyros with homemade tzatziki sauce bring Mediterranean flavors dancing across your plate. Juicy marinated chicken, crisp vegetables, and creamy tzatziki sauce wrapped in warm pita promise a delicious journey through Greek culinary traditions you’ll deeply enjoy.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) chicken tenderloins

Herbs and Spices:

• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Liquid and Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Tzatziki Sauce Ingredients:

• 3/4 cup (177 milliliters) Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup (118 milliliters) grated English cucumber, squeezed dry
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
• 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• Kosher salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Assembly Ingredients:

• 6 pita flatbreads
• 2 cups shredded romaine lettuce
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes, quartered
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced

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Instructions

1. Create the tzatziki sauce by mixing Greek yogurt with finely diced cucumber, freshly chopped dill, tangy lemon juice, fragrant lemon zest, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper, then refrigerate to allow flavors to meld and sauce to chill.
2. Prepare the chicken marinade by combining olive oil, lemon juice, crushed garlic, dried oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper in a large resealable plastic bag. Add chicken and massage thoroughly to ensure even coating.
3. Allow chicken to marinate in the refrigerator for a minimum of two hours, periodically turning the bag to distribute the marinade evenly and maximize flavor absorption.
4. Heat the grill to medium temperature, ensuring even cooking surface.
5. Remove chicken from marinade and place on the grill, cooking until golden brown and thoroughly cooked. Rotate occasionally to prevent burning and achieve consistent doneness. Confirm internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
6. While chicken cooks, lightly toast pita breads on the grill, creating a warm and slightly crisp texture. Grill each side for approximately 1-2 minutes.
7. Slice pitas in half to create pockets, then layer with grilled chicken, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and a generous dollop of chilled tzatziki sauce.
8. Serve the gyros immediately while warm, allowing guests to enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors and textures.

Notes

• Marinate chicken longer for deeper flavor infusion and more tender meat.
• Drain cucumber thoroughly to prevent watery tzatziki sauce by patting with paper towels.
• Customize protein options by substituting chicken with lamb, turkey, or plant-based alternatives for dietary preferences.
• Use fresh herbs directly from garden or high-quality dried herbs for maximum aromatic impact in marinade.

• Prep Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 540
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 550mg
• Fat: 27g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 45g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 90mg