There is nothing quite like the fresh and zesty flavors packed into a Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki Recipe. This dish brings together tender, flavorful marinated chicken thighs, creamy homemade tzatziki sauce brightened with crisp cucumber and lemon, and warm pita bread for a handheld delight. The combination of garlic, oregano, and fresh herbs make every bite a burst of Mediterranean sunshine, perfect for casual dinners or impressing friends at your next gathering. If you’ve ever craved authentic Greek street food from the comfort of your own kitchen, this recipe is exactly what you need to try.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh ingredients are at the heart of this recipe, each carefully chosen to bring out vibrant Mediterranean flavors and delightful textures that make the dish irresistible.
- Chicken thighs: Boneless and skinless, they stay juicy and soak up the marinade beautifully.
- Olive oil: Adds a fruity richness that enhances both the marinade and the tzatziki.
- Lemon juice: Provides a bright tang that lifts the flavors and tenderizes the chicken.
- Garlic: Minced cloves give a pungent, savory depth to both chicken and sauce.
- Dried oregano: The quintessential Greek herb that infuses the chicken with authentic aroma.
- Salt and pepper: Basics that balance and enhance every flavor component.
- Greek yogurt: Creamy and thick, it forms the luscious base of the cucumber tzatziki sauce.
- Cucumber: Grated to add refreshing crunch and moisture to the sauce.
- Pita breads: Warm, soft pockets to wrap your gyros in and soak up all the delicious juices.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced for a slight bite and vibrant color contrast.
- Tomato: Chopped fresh for juicy sweetness and color.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped for a final pop of green herbaceous brightness.
How to Make Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by combining olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This simple marinade does wonders in infusing the chicken thighs with a vibrant flavor profile. Add the chicken to the mix, ensuring each piece is well coated, then let it rest for at least 30 minutes. The lemon juice tenderizes while the oregano and garlic create that unmistakable Greek aroma that will set the tone for the whole dish.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Preheat a grill or sturdy skillet over medium heat. Cook the marinated chicken for 5 to 7 minutes on each side, until thoroughly cooked and slightly charred on the edges. The goal is juicy, tender meat with a little smoky finish. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips—this resting time keeps the juices locked in.
Step 3: Make the Tzatziki Sauce
This sauce is the crown jewel of the gyro. In a bowl, combine creamy Greek yogurt with grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt and pepper. The grated cucumber adds a cool crunch and freshness, while the garlic and lemon balance the richness of the yogurt. Mix well, refrigerate for a few minutes if you can, and you’ll have a perfect cooling companion for the savory chicken.
Step 4: Assemble the Gyros
Warm the pita breads until soft and pliable—this helps with rolling. Spread a generous amount of tzatziki sauce on each pita, then layer on sliced chicken, thinly sliced red onion, chopped tomato, and sprinkle fresh parsley on top. Roll the pita tightly around the fillings, and you have a homemade Greek delight ready to enjoy immediately. The textures and flavors combine beautifully in each satisfying bite.
How to Serve Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your gyros visually and flavor-wise, garnish with lemon wedges. A sprinkle of extra fresh parsley or a dusting of dried oregano on top adds freshness and a pop of color. You can also offer a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for richness. These small touches really highlight the Mediterranean roots of the dish.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with a simple Greek salad, roasted potatoes with herbs, or a light couscous salad dotted with chopped vegetables and lemon vinaigrette. Classic sides like crispy fries or a serving of dolmas (stuffed grape leaves) also complement the gyros perfectly and create a well-rounded Mediterranean feast.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve your Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki Recipe as open-faced gyros over a bed of mixed greens or alongside a fresh tabbouleh salad. You can also slice the rolled gyros into bite-sized pinwheels for a party appetizer. Another colorful option is to offer a gyro bowl—layer all components in bowls without the pita for a low-carb spin.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the cooked chicken and tzatziki sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Keeping the components separate prevents the pita from getting soggy and preserves freshness for up to 3 days.
Freezing
The marinated raw chicken thighs can be frozen before cooking, tightly wrapped for up to 2 months. However, it’s best to avoid freezing the homemade tzatziki sauce because the texture may change. Instead, prepare a fresh batch of tzatziki before serving.
Reheating
To reheat the cooked chicken, warm it gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through but still juicy. Avoid overheating, which can dry it out. Warm your pita separately, then assemble the gyros fresh with chilled tzatziki for that perfect contrast of warm and cool.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breast is a leaner option, but be mindful it can dry out faster. Marinate well and watch your cooking time closely to keep it tender and flavorful.
How do I make the tzatziki sauce creamier?
Using thick Greek yogurt is key. You can also strain regular yogurt through cheesecloth overnight to thicken it before adding the other ingredients.
Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
You can swap out the chicken for grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and peppers or use falafel for a tasty vegetarian gyro with the same tzatziki sauce.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
At least 30 minutes is perfect for good flavor absorption, but you can marinate it for up to 12 hours in the fridge for even more pronounced taste.
Can I prepare this recipe without a grill?
Definitely! A skillet or grill pan on the stovetop works wonderfully to cook the chicken evenly and develop a nice sear.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a fresh, flavorful, and totally satisfying meal, the Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki Recipe is a must-try. It’s perfect for sharing, packed with bright herbs and zesty accents, and incredibly easy to make. Once you taste that creamy tzatziki paired with tender grilled chicken wrapped in warm pita, it will quickly become a family favorite. So why wait? Gather those simple ingredients and bring a little bit of Greece to your table tonight!
Print
Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Description
This Greek Chicken Gyros recipe features tender, marinated chicken thighs grilled to perfection and served in warm pita bread with a refreshing homemade cucumber tzatziki sauce. Enhanced with fresh vegetables like red onion, tomato, and parsley, these gyros make a delicious and authentic Mediterranean meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembly
- 4 pita breads
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tomato, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and mix to coat thoroughly. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse into the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken: Preheat a grill or skillet over medium heat. Place the marinated chicken thighs on the grill or skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.
- Make the Tzatziki Sauce: In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are evenly incorporated and the sauce is creamy and flavorful.
- Assemble the Gyros: Warm the pita breads to make them pliable. Spread a generous amount of tzatziki sauce over each pita, then layer with sliced grilled chicken, thinly sliced red onion, chopped tomato, and fresh parsley. Roll up the pita breads tightly and serve immediately for the best taste.
Notes
- For extra tender chicken, marinate for up to 2 hours in the refrigerator.
- If you don’t have a grill, cooking the chicken in a skillet works just as well.
- To reduce moisture in the tzatziki sauce, squeeze excess water from the grated cucumber using a clean kitchen towel before mixing.
- Serve with a side of Greek salad or fries for a complete meal.
- Leftover chicken and tzatziki can be stored separately in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
