Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Recipe

This mouthwatering Greek Chicken Gyros recipe transforms your kitchen into a Mediterranean taverna with minimal effort. Tender, flavor-packed chicken wrapped in warm pita with cool tzatziki and fresh vegetables creates the perfect balance of flavors and textures. The marinade infuses the chicken with incredible depth while the homemade tzatziki sauce adds a refreshing zing that elevates the entire dish. Best of all, prep is simple and you can marinate ahead of time for an incredibly easy weeknight dinner that feels like a special treat!

Ingredients You’ll Need

• Chicken Thighs: Boneless, skinless thighs stay juicy and tender after cooking and absorb marinade beautifully. They’re much more forgiving than breast meat if you cook them a little longer.
• Garlic: Adds essential punchy flavor to both the marinade and tzatziki. Fresh is non-negotiable here!
• White Wine Vinegar: Provides acidity that tenderizes the meat while adding brightness. Red wine or apple cider vinegar make fine substitutes.
• Lemon Juice: Brings fresh citrus tang that’s quintessentially Mediterranean and helps tenderize the chicken.
• Greek Yogurt: Creates a creamy marinade that helps the seasonings cling to the chicken and adds richness to the tzatziki. Full-fat gives the best results.
• Dried Oregano: The signature herb of Greek cuisine, lending an authentic aromatic element that defines the dish.
• Cucumber: The foundation of tzatziki, providing refreshing crunch and subtle sweetness. Removing seeds and excess moisture is crucial for a thick sauce.
• Olive Oil: Use extra virgin for the best flavor; it adds richness and authentic Mediterranean character.
• Fresh Vegetables: Tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion create a simple salad that adds freshness and texture contrast.
• Pita Bread: Serves as the perfect vehicle for all these delicious flavors. Warming them slightly makes them more pliable for wrapping.

Variations

Protein Options

Switch up the protein with lamb for a more traditional gyro, or try pork or even firm tofu for vegetarians. Each brings a different flavor profile while still working beautifully with the marinade.

Spice Adjustments

Add a pinch of cinnamon and allspice to the marinade for a deeper, more complex flavor profile that’s common in some regions of Greece. For heat lovers, mix in some crushed red pepper flakes.

Serving Alternatives

Turn this into a Greek bowl by serving the components over rice or quinoa instead of in pita. For a low-carb option, wrap everything in large lettuce leaves or create a loaded Greek salad.

Add-Ins

Enhance your gyros with extras like crumbled feta cheese, kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, or a sprinkle of sumac for an authentic finishing touch.

How to Make Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Combine garlic, vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, Greek yogurt, oregano, salt, and pepper in a zip-top bag. Add chicken thighs and massage to coat thoroughly. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, allowing the flavors to penetrate the meat.

Step 2: Prepare the Tzatziki

Halve the cucumbers lengthwise and scoop out the watery seeds with a spoon. Grate the cucumber, then wrap in paper towels or a clean kitchen towel and squeeze firmly to remove excess moisture. Mix the drained cucumber with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Let sit for at least 20 minutes for flavors to develop.

Step 3: Make the Fresh Salad

Combine diced tomatoes, cucumbers, finely chopped red onion, and optional fresh parsley. Season with salt and pepper, then toss gently to combine. Set aside while cooking the chicken.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken

Preheat your grill or skillet to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from the marinade and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Transfer to a plate, cover loosely with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving whole.

Step 5: Assemble Your Gyros

Warm the pita breads slightly to make them more pliable. Place a pita on a piece of parchment paper, add a portion of the salad down the center, top with chicken, and finish with a generous dollop of tzatziki. Roll up the pita, using the parchment to help form a neat wrap. Twist the end to secure.

How to Serve

Complete Your Greek Feast

Pair your gyros with traditional sides like lemon-herb roasted potatoes, a simple Greek salad, or rice pilaf. For something lighter, a cucumber and tomato salad dressed with olive oil and lemon makes a perfect companion.

Beverage Pairings

A cold Greek beer like Mythos or a crisp white wine such as Assyrtiko complements these flavors beautifully. For non-alcoholic options, try sparkling water with lemon or traditional Greek frappé coffee.

Presentation Ideas

Set up a build-your-own gyro station with all components in separate bowls. This interactive serving style is perfect for family dinners or casual entertaining and allows everyone to customize their perfect gyro.

Make Ahead and Storage

Marinating Strategy

Prepare the marinated chicken up to 24 hours in advance. For even further planning, you can freeze the chicken in the marinade for up to 3 months. When ready to use, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Storing Leftovers

Keep cooked chicken, tzatziki, and salad components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken will stay good for up to 4 days, tzatziki for 3-4 days, and the fresh salad is best used within 1-2 days.

Freezing

While the fresh components don’t freeze well, cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months. Wrap tightly in foil and place in a freezer bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating.

Reheating

Gently warm leftover chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water to prevent drying, or microwave at 50% power. Assemble gyros with fresh or stored tzatziki and vegetables just before serving.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

These Greek Chicken Gyros bring a taste of the Mediterranean straight to your table with surprisingly little effort. The combination of juicy, herb-infused chicken, cooling tzatziki, and fresh vegetables creates a meal that feels special enough for weekend entertaining yet simple enough for weeknight cooking. Make extra—I promise these will disappear quickly, and everyone will be asking for your secret to such authentic Greek flavor!

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