Why You’ll Love This Recipe
These Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki are a vibrant, fresh, and delicious meal that brings the flavors of the Mediterranean straight to your table. The juicy, marinated chicken pairs perfectly with the creamy, tangy tzatziki, made with cool cucumber and fragrant dill. Served in warm, soft pita bread, these gyros are packed with crunchy veggies, crumbled feta, and all the flavors of Greece in every bite. Whether you’re serving them for a weeknight dinner or a weekend feast, these gyros are guaranteed to be a hit!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
For the chicken marinade:
- 680g skinless chicken thighs or fillets
- 60ml olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the cucumber tzatziki:
- 250 ml plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and drained
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For assembly:
- 4-6 pita breads, warmed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 50 g crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Directions
- Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken, ensuring it is well-coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
- Make the tzatziki: In a separate bowl, mix together Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, dill, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Cook the chicken: Heat a large skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Let it rest for 5 minutes before cutting into strips.
- Assemble the gyros: Spread a generous amount of tzatziki on each warmed pita bread. Top with sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, shredded lettuce, red onion, and crumbled feta, if desired.
- Serve: Fold the pita around the filling and serve immediately. Enjoy your flavorful, refreshing Greek Chicken Gyros!
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4-6 gyros
- Prep time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
Variations
- Add more veggies: You can add sliced cucumbers, bell peppers, or olives for more Mediterranean flavor.
- Use lamb: For a more traditional gyro experience, swap the chicken for lamb.
- Dairy-free tzatziki: Use coconut yogurt or any dairy-free alternative for the tzatziki to make it dairy-free.
- Spicy twist: Add a drizzle of hot sauce or a sprinkle of chili flakes to give your gyros a spicy kick.
Storage/Reheating
The chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet or microwave before assembling the gyros. The tzatziki can also be stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the components separate until ready to serve to prevent the pita from getting soggy.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breast for thighs, but keep in mind that thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful. If using chicken breast, be careful not to overcook to keep it tender.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. However, marinating for up to 4 hours will intensify the flavor and make the chicken even more tender.
Can I make the tzatziki ahead of time?
Yes, tzatziki can be made ahead of time. In fact, it tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld together. Just refrigerate it for up to 3 days before serving.
Can I use store-bought tzatziki?
Yes, you can use store-bought tzatziki if you’re short on time, but homemade tzatziki will always taste fresher and more flavorful.
Can I use a grill instead of a skillet to cook the chicken?
Absolutely! Grilling the chicken will add a wonderful smoky flavor to the gyros. Just be sure to cook the chicken thoroughly to an internal temperature of 165°F.
How do I make the gyros spicier?
You can add some chili flakes to the chicken marinade or drizzle spicy sauce (like sriracha or harissa) over the chicken when assembling the gyros.
Can I serve this with a side dish?
Yes! Greek chicken gyros pair wonderfully with a side of Greek salad, roasted potatoes, or even a simple Mediterranean couscous dish.
What kind of pita bread should I use?
Soft, pillowy pita bread is ideal for this recipe, but you can also use flatbread or wraps if you prefer. Make sure to warm the pita before assembling.
Can I freeze the chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken before cooking. Just ensure it’s tightly sealed in a freezer-safe bag. Thaw it in the fridge before cooking.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! You can make vegetarian gyros by using falafel or grilled vegetables in place of the chicken. The tzatziki will still be the perfect complement.
Conclusion
Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki are a deliciously refreshing meal that’s packed with Mediterranean flavors. From the juicy, marinated chicken to the creamy tzatziki sauce and the crisp veggies, these gyros are a complete treat that everyone will love. Whether you’re looking for a quick dinner or a fun dish to impress guests, these gyros are sure to become a favorite!
Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 gyros
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling, Blending
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki feature juicy, marinated chicken served with tangy, creamy tzatziki, fresh veggies, and crumbled feta, all wrapped in warm pita for a delicious Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Ingredients
680g skinless chicken thighs or fillets
60ml olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp paprika
1/2 tsp ground cumin
Salt and black pepper to taste
250 ml plain Greek yogurt
1/2 cucumber, grated and drained
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt and black pepper to taste
4–6 pita breads, warmed
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup shredded lettuce
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
50 g crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken, ensuring it is well-coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
- Make the tzatziki: In a separate bowl, mix together Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, dill, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Cook the chicken: Heat a large skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). Let it rest for 5 minutes before cutting into strips.
- Assemble the gyros: Spread a generous amount of tzatziki on each warmed pita bread. Top with sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, shredded lettuce, red onion, and crumbled feta, if desired.
- Serve: Fold the pita around the filling and serve immediately. Enjoy your flavorful, refreshing Greek Chicken Gyros!
Notes
You can substitute chicken breast for thighs, but thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful.
Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for the best flavor.
Use coconut yogurt for a dairy-free version of tzatziki.
Add a spicy twist by drizzling hot sauce or chili flakes on the chicken.
The tzatziki can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 gyro
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
