Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki are the kind of meal that make you feel like you’ve been whisked away to a sunny café on the Santorini coastline. Picture juicy, herb-marinated chicken tucked into pillowy warm pita, topped with crisp veggies, creamy feta, and a bright, cooling tzatziki sauce. This classic combination creates an irresistible handheld feast you’ll crave again and again. Whether you’re making dinner for family or impressing friends at your next get-together, this recipe proves that magic truly happens when simple, Mediterranean flavors come together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki is just how straightforward the ingredient list is. Each element, from the aromatic spices to the tangy yogurt and fresh vegetables, lends a signature punch that brings this dish to life. Don’t skimp on anything—together, these essentials create a flavorful, vibrant gyro experience.
- Chicken thighs: These stay juicy and tender, making every bite more satisfying than chicken breasts could ever dream of.
- Olive oil: The base for your zesty marinade, delivering both richness and a classic Greek undertone.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the marinade and the sauce, adding a fresh, citrusy kick.
- Garlic: Minced and mighty, it infuses both chicken and sauce with aromatic depth.
- Dried oregano: A Greek staple, it’s earthy, fragrant, and instantly recognizable.
- Ground cumin: Adds subtle warmth and complexity to the chicken.
- Paprika: A pinch of smoky-sweet zest to round out the flavors.
- Salt & black pepper: Essential seasoning to make every flavor pop.
- Pita breads or flatbreads: The classic carrier—soft, warm, and ready to wrap it all up.
- Cherry tomatoes: Halved for juicy bites of sweetness and color.
- Red onion: Sliced thin for sharpness and crunch.
- Shredded lettuce: Crisp and refreshing, bringing a cool snap to each bite.
- Feta cheese: Salty and crumbly, this tops everything with a creamy, tangy bite.
- Plain Greek yogurt: The base of your tzatziki, thick and perfectly tangy.
- Cucumber: Grated and squeezed dry, it makes your sauce cool and crisp.
- Fresh or dried dill: Fragrant and green, it gives the tzatziki that unmistakable herby finish.
- More lemon juice: A tangy boost in the sauce.
- Salt & pepper (for tzatziki): To season and balance the creamy yogurt and veggies.
How to Make Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki
Step 1: Mix Up the Chicken Marinade
Start by combining olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. This spirited marinade is the ticket to juicy, flavor-packed Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki. Letting the chicken soak in all those Mediterranean aromatics ensures real depth in every bite.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken thighs to your marinade, making sure every surface is coated with that golden goodness. Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour, but let’s be honest—overnight is even better if you want your chicken bursting with flavor! This simple step is what makes the chicken so impossibly tender and tasty.
Step 3: Make Your Tzatziki Magic
Mix together the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (squeeze out all that extra water first!), lemon juice, minced garlic, fresh dill, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl. The result is a cool, creamy cucumber tzatziki that not only tames the garlic and spices from the chicken, but practically demands a spoon on its own. Pop it in the fridge so the flavors can mingle.
Step 4: Sear or Grill the Chicken
Heat up a large skillet or ridged grill pan over medium-high and lay the marinated chicken down with a sizzle. Give each side about 5 to 6 minutes—what you’re looking for is a gorgeous char and fully cooked meat. Set the cooked chicken aside for a few minutes to let the juices settle before you slice it up.
Step 5: Warm the Pitas
Quickly heat the pita or flatbreads in a dry skillet or a warm oven until they’re soft and pliable. Warming the bread makes it easier to wrap around all your fillings, giving your Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki that signature handheld comfort.
Step 6: Assemble the Gyros
Now for the fun part: pile slices of chicken into your warmed bread, then add cherry tomatoes, red onion, a sprinkle of lettuce, and a generous dollop of your homemade tzatziki. Finish off with a crumble of feta. Each bite is juicy, tangy, creamy, and crisp—the best of Greek flavors, wrapped up and ready to devour.
How to Serve Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki
Garnishes
A final flourish of lemon wedges for squeezing, a scatter of fresh dill, and a few extra crumbles of feta go a long way in elevating your Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki. Even a quick drizzle of good olive oil or a dusting of smoked paprika can make your platter pop with irresistible visual appeal and even more flavor.
Side Dishes
Pair these gyros with crispy oven-roasted potatoes, a Greek village salad with extra olives, or grilled vegetables for a meal that feels straight out of a seaside taverna. Don’t forget a bowl of extra cucumber tzatziki for dipping, and maybe a pile of warm pita chips to scoop up every last bit!
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki as a build-your-own gyro board for parties, letting everyone pile on their favorite toppings. Or go low-carb by turning everything into a big, colorful salad—just skip the pita and heap the chicken and veggies onto crisp greens, with plenty of tzatziki drizzled on top.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store cooked chicken, tzatziki, and chopped veggies separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps everything fresh and prevents the pitas or lettuce from getting soggy. The flavors get even better after a day, making next-day lunches something to look forward to!
Freezing
You can freeze the marinated (raw) chicken for up to three months—just thaw and cook when ready. Cooked chicken can also be frozen, but be sure to keep the tzatziki out of the freezer (it doesn’t do well with ice crystals). The veggies and pita are best enjoyed fresh.
Reheating
Simply reheat leftover chicken in a gently warmed skillet or low oven until hot, but avoid microwaving if possible—it keeps the chicken from getting rubbery. Warm your pitas just before serving, then assemble with fresh toppings and a cold scoop of cucumber tzatziki.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! While thighs stay extra juicy and flavorful, chicken breasts will still work just fine. Just keep a close eye on the cooking time so they don’t dry out—thinly sliced or pounded breasts cook even more quickly.
Is it possible to make these gyros gluten-free?
Definitely. Just use your favorite gluten-free pita or flatbread, or skip the bread altogether and create a gyro-inspired salad bowl loaded with all the fixings and, of course, plenty of cucumber tzatziki.
How long does homemade tzatziki last in the fridge?
Homemade tzatziki will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge, tightly covered. Give it a quick stir before serving, as it can separate slightly—those fresh flavors will still shine through!
Can I marinate the chicken ahead of time?
Yes! Marinating the chicken overnight is ideal for maximum flavor. You can prep it up to 24 hours in advance, so it’s ready and waiting for whenever you’re set to cook. Just keep it in the refrigerator until cooking time.
What’s the best way to keep pita bread soft and warm?
Wrap stacked pitas in foil and warm them for a few minutes in a low oven, or give them a quick zap in the microwave covered with a damp towel. This keeps them pliable and perfect for wrapping your delicious Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re new to Mediterranean cuisine Main Course. Give this recipe a try, then sit back and enjoy your very own homemade taste of Greece!
Print
Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 27 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki are a delicious Mediterranean-inspired meal filled with flavorful marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, creamy tzatziki sauce, and tangy feta cheese, all wrapped in warm pita bread. Perfect for a quick and satisfying dinner!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- juice of 1 lemon
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For Serving:
- 4–6 pita breads or flatbreads
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 small red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cucumber (grated and excess water squeezed out)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill (chopped) or 1 teaspoon dried dill
- salt and pepper to taste
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add chicken thighs, coat well, cover, and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
- Prepare the Tzatziki: Combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, garlic, dill, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate.
- Cook the Chicken: Cook marinated chicken in a skillet or grill pan until fully cooked. Let rest, then slice into strips.
- Assemble the Gyros: Warm pita breads, add chicken, tomatoes, onion, lettuce, tzatziki, and feta. Serve.
Notes
- For a lower-carb option, serve over salad instead of in pita.
- Chicken breasts can be used but thighs offer more flavor and tenderness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 gyro
- Calories: 430
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
