Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe

If you have been craving a vibrant, flavorful dish that transports you straight to the sun-kissed streets of Athens, then this Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Juicy, marinated chicken meets the cool, creamy tzatziki sauce, all tucked inside warm pita bread with a refreshing Greek salad that adds just the right crunch. Every bite is a delightful harmony of tangy, herbaceous, and savory notes that feel both indulgent and wholesome. Trust me, this recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s an experience worth sharing again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Getting all your ingredients ready for this Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe is straightforward, and each component plays such a crucial role in building those classic Greek flavors. From the earthy oregano to the fresh dill in the tzatziki, these ingredients make every bite sing with authenticity and freshness.

• 2 lbs. Chicken Breast (cut into pieces): The star protein that soaks up all the marinade flavors.
• 1/4 cup Greek Yogurt: Adds creaminess and tenderizes the chicken during marination.
• 3 Tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice: Brings brightness and a slight zing to the marinade.
• 2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A luxurious base for marinades and salads, adds richness.
• 1 Tablespoon Red Wine Vinegar: A subtle acidity that balances flavors beautifully.
• 1 1/2 teaspoon Salt: Essential for enhancing every ingredient.
• 1 teaspoon Pepper: Adds a mild heat and depth to the taste.
• 2 teaspoons Oregano: The classic Greek herb that defines the dish.
• 1 1/2 cups Greek Yogurt (for sauce): Thick and tangy, perfect for the creamy tzatziki sauce.
• 1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice (for sauce): Lifts the tzatziki with fresh acidity.
• 1 Tablespoon Red Wine Vinegar (for sauce): Adds a subtle bite to the sauce’s profile.
• 1-2 teaspoons Salt (for sauce): To bring out the flavors in the tzatziki.
• 1 Tablespoon Fresh Dill (diced): Infuses the sauce with aromatic freshness.
• 3 Garlic Cloves (finely diced): Gives the tzatziki that classic savory punch.
• 1 Cucumber (grated and squeezed to drain): Essential for the cooling, crunchy texture in the sauce.
• 3 Tomatoes (diced): Adds juicy sweetness to the Greek salad.
• 2 Cucumbers (peeled and diced): Brings crisp refreshment to the salad.
• 1/4 Red Onion (diced): Provides a gentle sharpness without overpowering.
• 2 Tablespoons Fresh Italian Parsley (diced): A herbaceous pop of green and flavor.
• 1 Tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil (for salad): Lightly coats the salad ingredients for a luscious finish.
• Salt and Pepper (to taste): To season the salad perfectly.
• Feta Cheese: Crumbled generously for that salty, tangy burst.
• 4-6 Greek Pita Breads (or Naan/Flatbread as alternatives): The soft, warm vehicle for your gyros filling.

How to Make Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by combining the chicken pieces with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, pepper, and oregano inside a sealable bag. Give it a good shake or massage to coat every bit. The yogurt tenderizes the chicken, while the spices infuse it with authentic flavors. For best results, allow the marinade to work its magic for at least 30 minutes, though I highly recommend 2 to 4 hours or even overnight if time permits. This is where the flavor foundation is laid down beautifully.

Step 2: Make the Tzatziki Sauce

Whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, salt, fresh dill, and garlic until creamy and fragrant. Then fold in the grated cucumber—make sure to squeeze the excess water out first so your sauce stays thick and not watery. The tzatziki should be cool, tangy, and freshly herby, the perfect contrast to the warm, savory chicken.

Step 3: Prepare the Greek Salad

In a bowl, toss diced tomatoes, peeled cucumber, red onion, and parsley with a drizzle of olive oil. Sprinkle salt and pepper, then give it a gentle toss to coat everything evenly. This simple yet vibrant salad brings a juicy crunch and herbaceous brightness that compliments the richness of the gyro so well.

Step 4: Cook the Chicken (Grill or Skillet)

If grilling, thread the marinated chicken pieces onto kebab skewers and heat your grill to medium. Grill each side for 5 to 7 minutes until fully cooked and tasting wonderfully smoky. Alternatively, heat a skillet over medium-high, add a splash of oil, and cook the chicken pieces for 8 to 10 minutes. You want them golden brown on the outside but juicy on the inside—this chicken cooks quickly, so watch it closely!

Step 5: Warm the Pita Bread

Before assembling your gyros, warm the pita breads gently on the grill or in a skillet, just until soft and pliable. This makes wrapping your filling so much easier and prevents the bread from cracking when you fold it around the ingredients.

Step 6: Assemble Your Gyros

Place a generous amount of cooked chicken onto each pita. Top it with spoonfuls of creamy tzatziki sauce and fresh Greek salad. Sprinkle additional feta cheese if you like, and maybe a pinch more parsley for color. Fold it all up and get ready to dig into your homemade Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe!

How to Serve Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

To take your gyros to the next level, fresh herbs like chopped dill and parsley sprinkled on top make a lovely bright garnish. Add a few crumbles of feta cheese for saltiness and a pop of extra creaminess. If you love a little extra zing, a squeeze of lemon wedge on the side adds a perfect finishing touch.

Side Dishes

Serve your gyros alongside crispy roasted potatoes or a light orzo salad with herbs and lemon. For something crunchy and fresh, a simple Mediterranean cucumber and tomato salad pairs excellently. Greek lemon potatoes or a bowl of olives can also elevate the meal into a truly wholesome Mediterranean feast.

Creative Ways to Present

While traditional pita wraps are classic, you can get creative by serving the chicken and tzatziki over a bed of warm rice or quinoa for a lighter, less handheld option. Another fun idea is to turn the fillings into a gyro bowl layered with fresh veggies and drizzled tzatziki. These presentations are fantastic for meal prep or casual family-style dining.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover chicken gyros components can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the tzatziki sauce chilled and fresh, and store the salad and chicken apart to preserve their textures and flavors. Pita can be wrapped tightly in foil or plastic wrap and reheated gently when ready to eat.

Freezing

If you want to freeze cooked chicken, place it in a freezer-safe container or bag, and it will keep well for up to 2 months. Tzatziki sauce is best made fresh, as freezing can alter its texture, but you can freeze the marinated chicken prior to cooking for convenience. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.

Reheating

To reheat chicken, warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat or pop into the oven until heated through. Avoid microwaving tzatziki as it can separate; instead, serve it cold or at room temperature. Warm pita bread briefly in a dry skillet or oven to regain soft pliability before assembling leftovers.

FAQs

Can I use a different cut of chicken for this recipe?

Absolutely! While chicken breast is lean and ideal for gyros, boneless, skinless thighs can also work beautifully, lending a juicier and more flavorful result thanks to their higher fat content. Adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure they cook through.

Is there a vegetarian version of the Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe?

Yes! You can swap the chicken for grilled halloumi cheese, portobello mushrooms, or even marinated tofu to create a vegetarian gyro that’s just as satisfying and full of those great Mediterranean flavors.

How long should I marinate the chicken for the best taste?

The chicken should marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb flavor, but the real magic happens if you can let it rest for 2 to 4 hours. For the most tender and flavorful results, overnight marination is ideal.

Can I prepare the tzatziki sauce in advance?

Yes, tzatziki sauce can be made up to a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This actually helps the flavors meld beautifully. Just be sure to squeeze out excess water from the cucumber to maintain the perfect sauce consistency.

What’s the best way to warm pita bread?

The best way to warm pita is over a dry skillet or on a grill for a minute or two on each side, which keeps it soft and pliable without drying it out. You can also wrap pita in foil and warm it in the oven for a few minutes.

Final Thoughts

I cannot recommend this Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe enough for anyone looking to bring a little Mediterranean sunshine into their kitchen. From the juicy marinated chicken to the refreshing tzatziki and vibrant Greek salad, every element feels thoughtfully balanced and utterly delicious. Give this recipe a try, and I promise it will become a cherished go-to for easy weeknight meals or weekend gatherings filled with friends and family.

Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 3.9 from 26 reviews

• Author: admin
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes plus marination time
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Greek
• Diet: Halal

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Description

Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce is a vibrant and flavorful Mediterranean dish featuring marinated chicken breast grilled or pan-cooked to perfection, served in warm pita bread with refreshing tzatziki sauce, Greek salad, and optional feta cheese. This recipe combines tangy yogurt, lemon, fresh herbs, and crisp vegetables to create a delicious and wholesome meal perfect for lunch or dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken Marinade

• 2 lbs. Chicken Breast (cut into pieces)
• 1/4 cup Greek Yogurt
• 3 Tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice
• 2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 Tablespoon Red Wine Vinegar
• 1 1/2 teaspoons Salt
• 1 teaspoon Pepper
• 2 teaspoons Oregano

Tzatziki Sauce

• 1 1/2 cups Greek Yogurt
• 2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• 1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice
• 1 Tablespoon Red Wine Vinegar
• 1–2 teaspoons Salt
• 1 Tablespoon Fresh Dill (diced)
• 3 Garlic Cloves (finely diced)
• 1 cucumber (grated and squeezed to drain)

Greek Salad

• 3 Tomatoes (diced)
• 2 Cucumbers (peeled and diced)
• 1/4 Red Onion (diced)
• 2 Tablespoons Fresh Italian Parsley (diced)
• 1 Tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
• Salt and Pepper (to taste)

Assembly

• Feta Cheese (optional, for topping)
• 4–6 Greek Pita Breads (or Naan bread, or Flatbread)

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Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: Place chicken pieces in a bag with yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, pepper, and oregano. Seal the bag and marinate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2-4 hours, or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor infusion.
2. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, salt, diced fresh dill, and finely diced garlic. Stir in the grated and well-drained cucumber, then taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
3. Make the Greek Salad: In a separate bowl, mix diced tomatoes, peeled and diced cucumbers, diced red onion, diced Italian parsley, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss everything to coat evenly and set aside.
4. Cook the Chicken (Grill Method): If grilling, thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers. Preheat grill to medium heat and cook chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked and juices run clear.
5. Cook the Chicken (Skillet Method): Alternatively, heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a light drizzle of oil. Cook the chicken pieces for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until fully cooked and golden brown on the outside.
6. Assemble the Gyros: Warm the pita breads to make them pliable. Place cooked chicken inside each pita, top generously with tzatziki sauce and Greek salad. Add feta cheese if desired, then fold and serve immediately.

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Notes

• The marination time affects flavor intensity; longer marination yields more tender and flavorful chicken.
• Squeezing excess water from the grated cucumber is important to avoid watery tzatziki sauce.
• Chicken can be cooked either on the grill or skillet depending on your preference or available equipment.
• Warm pita bread before assembly to make the gyros easier to fold and eat.
• Feel free to customize toppings with olives, hot sauce, or additional fresh herbs.