Name: Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzaziki Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 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

Unwrap a world of Mediterranean flavor with these Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzaziki. This beloved street food is like a passport to a sunny Greek taverna, bursting with juicy, marinated chicken, cool and creamy tzatziki, and a vibrant cucumber-tomato salad, all wrapped up in warm, pillowy flatbread. If you’ve been craving bright, punchy flavors and a meal that brings people together, you’ll adore how these gyros come together with minimal fuss yet maximum wow-factor. Trust me, after one bite, you’ll understand why Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzaziki are so beloved.

Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzaziki Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzaziki is all about the fresh, simple ingredients that each play a vital role in the harmony of flavors. From the herby, tangy marinade to the vibrant salad and the rich, garlicky sauce, every element builds layers of taste and texture for an unforgettable meal.

Chicken thigh fillets: Opt for boneless, skinless thighs for maximum juiciness and tenderness after marinating and grilling.
Garlic cloves: Freshly minced garlic infuses the chicken with irresistible aroma and zing.
White wine vinegar: A splash amps up the tang and helps break down the chicken for a melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Lemon juice: Lends vibrant citrus notes to both the marinade and tzatziki for a refreshing finish.
Extra virgin olive oil: Adds a fruity richness and helps keep the chicken moist on the grill.
Greek yogurt: Use full-fat for creaminess in both the marinade and classic tzatziki sauce.
Dried oregano: Earthy, herbal aroma ties the marinade to classic Greek flavors.
Salt and black pepper: Season generously to bring out every other flavor in the lineup.
Cucumbers: Cool and crisp, they’re essential for both the salad and the creamy tzatziki.
Tomatoes: Deseeded and diced for a bright, juicy salad topping.
Red Spanish onion: Adds pop and bite; finely chop to distribute evenly in your salad.
Fresh parsley leaves (optional): Herbs make everything taste fresher—throw in a little extra if you love that garden-bright flavor.
Pita breads or flatbreads: Warm, soft flatbreads are the essential vessel for your gyro masterpiece.

How to Make Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzaziki

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Grab a trusty ziplock bag and toss in your marinade ingredients: Greek yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and a few grinds of black pepper. Place the chicken thighs inside, seal it up, and massage those flavors right in. Let the chicken soak in all that zesty goodness for at least 2 hours if you’re short on time, but if you can, aim for 3 hours or even overnight in the fridge for the boldest taste. Just remember, no more than 24 hours—marinating too long can affect the texture.

Step 2: Prepare the Tzatziki

While your chicken is getting happy in the marinade, tackle the Tzatziki—the creamy, garlicky sauce that makes Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzaziki truly irresistible. Cut a cucumber in half and scrape out the seeds with a spoon to keep your sauce from getting watery. Coarsely grate the cucumber, then squeeze out as much moisture as you can (I like using a tea towel for this step). Stir together the cucumber, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and a pinch each of salt and pepper. Let it chill and meld in the fridge for at least 20 minutes.

Step 3: Make the Salad

For a punch of freshness and color, dice up tomatoes and cucumbers, finely chop red onion, and add fresh parsley if you’re using it. Season the mix with salt and pepper, and give it a gentle toss. This crisp salad adds juiciness and crunch to every bite of your Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzaziki.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Preheat your outdoor grill or a skillet over medium-high heat with a little oil. Shake off any excess marinade and cook the chicken thighs for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Once done, rest the cooked chicken loosely covered with foil for about 5 minutes—this keeps it moist and allows the juices to settle.

Step 5: Assemble Your Gyros

Warm your pita or flatbreads (trust me, this boosts the whole experience). Lay out a piece of parchment or foil, place your bread on top, and line the center with the fresh salad. Top with sliced or whole chicken, slather with a generous spoonful of chilled tzatziki, then roll it all up. Secure it with parchment and twist the end if you like—that’s the classic street food way! I almost always let everyone assemble their own Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzaziki at the table—it’s interactive and so much fun.

How to Serve Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzaziki

Garnishes

The finishing touch for Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzaziki is all about the fresh garnishes! A sprinkle of finely chopped parsley, a squeeze of extra lemon, a dusting of sumac, or a few crumbles of feta cheese can take your gyros from delicious to unforgettable. Don’t forget an extra drizzle of olive oil if you want a little extra Mediterranean magic.

Side Dishes

Round out your meal by serving these gyros with crispy oven fries, lemony roasted potatoes, or a simple Greek salad. A side of dolmades (stuffed grape leaves) or spicy olives can make your table feel like a mini Greek feast. Homemade hummus and extra pita bread always disappear in minutes too.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting friends or making a family-night dinner, try serving Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzaziki deconstructed on a big board—pile up the juicy chicken, fresh salad, tzatziki, and warm breads so everyone can assemble their own. For a party twist, turn them into mini sliders with small pita rounds, or serve everything in bowls for a wholesome, DIY gyro bowl night.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover chicken, tzatziki, and salad separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The chicken and tzatziki will stay fresh for up to three days, while the salad is best enjoyed within 24 hours for peak crunchiness. When keeping pita bread fresh, wrap it tightly so it doesn’t dry out.

Freezing

Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzaziki are freezer-friendly—at least when it comes to the chicken. Freeze cooled, cooked chicken in ziplock bags for up to two months. Tzatziki and salad are best made fresh because freezing can change their texture and flavor, but the chicken will reheat beautifully for quick future gyros.

Reheating

To reheat the chicken, thaw it in the fridge if frozen, then warm gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven wrapped in foil. Microwaving works in a pinch, but skillet is best for keeping the chicken juicy and flavorful. Warm your pitas in a dry skillet or oven just before assembling your Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzaziki so every bite tastes freshly made.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breast works well if you prefer a leaner cut—just watch the cook time carefully, as breast can dry out if overcooked. Marinating for at least a few hours will keep it tender and flavorful in your Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzaziki.

What can I use if I can’t find Greek yogurt?

If Greek yogurt isn’t available, regular plain yogurt can work in both the marinade and tzatziki; just strain it through cheesecloth or a coffee filter first to thicken it a bit before using.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

The filling and sauces are naturally gluten-free. Just swap in your favorite gluten-free pita or flatbread and you’ll have Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzaziki that everyone can enjoy!

How do I prevent my tzatziki from becoming watery?

Squeezing the grated cucumber thoroughly to remove as much liquid as possible is the secret. Also, using full-fat Greek yogurt gives you a thicker, creamier tzatziki for your gyros.

Can I grill the chicken in advance for a party?

Definitely! Grill the chicken ahead of time, then gently reheat it just before serving so your Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzaziki are warm and ready for the spotlight. Prepping the salad and tzatziki ahead also makes assembly a breeze.

Final Thoughts

There’s a special kind of joy in assembling and eating Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzaziki. It’s a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat, and it’s sure to impress anyone lucky enough to join you at the table. Grab those fresh ingredients, fire up your grill, and let these homemade gyros bring a little taste of Greece right into your kitchen!