If you’ve ever dreamed of tasting the perfect Mediterranean street food right in your own kitchen, this Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. Bursting with vibrant flavors, tender marinated chicken, and that irresistibly creamy homemade tzatziki sauce, every bite feels like a sunny trip to Greece. Whether you’re a gyro veteran or trying this classic for the first time, this recipe delivers that fantastic balance of savory, fresh, and tangy that keeps you coming back for more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients may seem simple, but each plays a vital role in creating the mouthwatering layers of flavor and texture that make this Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe a standout. From the bright lemon juice giving a fresh zing to the creamy Greek yogurt soothing every bite, each component works together to bring this dish to life.
- Chicken breast, thinly sliced: The star protein, perfect for quick marinating and even cooking.
- Olive oil: Adds richness and helps infuse the marinade into the chicken.
- Lemon juice: Brings brightness and tenderizes the meat for juicy results.
- Garlic, minced: Packs a punch of savory depth both in the chicken and tzatziki sauce.
- Dried oregano: Classic Greek herb adding earthiness and warmth.
- Ground cumin: Offers subtle nuttiness and complexity to the marinade.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning and enhancing all the flavors.
- Greek yogurt: Thick and creamy base for the cooling, tangy tzatziki sauce.
- Cucumber, grated and drained: Adds crunch and freshness with necessary moisture control.
- Fresh dill (or mint), chopped: Infuses the tzatziki with herbal brightness.
- Pita bread rounds: Soft and warm pockets to wrap up all those delicious fillings.
- Chopped tomatoes: Juicy sweetness for freshness and color.
- Sliced red onions: Sharp bite balancing the creaminess of the sauce.
- Chopped cucumber: Adds an extra layer of crisp texture inside the gyro.
- Crumbled feta cheese: Salty, tangy, and utterly addictive topping.
- Chopped parsley: For a final flourish of bright green flavor and visual appeal.
How to Make Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by creating a flavorful marinade combining olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Toss the thinly sliced chicken breast in this aromatic blend, ensuring every piece gets coated with those Mediterranean spices. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes; if you have extra time, letting it chill overnight deepens the flavor and tenderizes the meat beautifully.
Step 2: Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce
While the chicken marinates, let’s craft that creamy tzatziki sauce—this is what sets the gyro apart. In a small bowl, stir together Greek yogurt, grated and well-drained cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and freshly chopped dill or mint. Add salt and pepper to taste, then refrigerate to allow the flavors to meld into a luscious, refreshing sauce.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat and add the marinated chicken slices. Cook each side for 4 to 5 minutes, aiming for a golden-brown exterior while keeping the interior juicy and tender. Once cooked through, set aside and let the chicken rest a few minutes before slicing into strips. This rest time helps retain all those delicious juices.
Step 4: Assemble the Gyros
Warm your pita rounds gently in a dry skillet or wrapped in foil in the oven until soft and pliable. Lay each warm pita flat and start layering the star components: tender chicken strips, chopped tomatoes, red onions, cucumber, crumbled feta, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. This colorful assembly is half the fun and promises a perfect bite every time.
Step 5: Add Tzatziki Sauce
Drizzle your homemade tzatziki sauce generously over the stacked fillings. This creamy addition ties all the textures and flavors together, giving you that cool, tangy contrast to the warm and spiced chicken.
Step 6: Wrap and Serve
Fold the pita around the filling snugly, creating a wrap that’s easy to hold and full of delicious layers. Serve immediately while everything is warm and fresh. Your Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe is ready to be devoured!
How to Serve Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your gyros with fresh herbs like extra chopped parsley or dill for a burst of color and freshness. A sprinkle of additional crumbled feta or a few lemon wedges on the side can brighten the flavors even more and add that lovely finishing touch every gyro deserves.
Side Dishes
Complement your gyros with classic Mediterranean sides like a crisp Greek salad, warm roasted potatoes seasoned with herbs, or even some charred vegetables. These sides amplify the meal’s freshness and balance, making the entire dining experience feel complete and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving guests or just want to make mealtime exciting, try offering a gyro bar where everyone assembles their own wraps. Include extra toppings like olives, pickled peppers, or hot sauce. Alternatively, serve the chicken over a bed of leafy greens with dollops of tzatziki for a lighter, salad-style meal that still captures the essence of the Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your meal, store any leftover chicken, tzatziki sauce, and fillings separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Keeping the components separate prevents sogginess and preserves the freshness, allowing you to enjoy your gyros the next day with almost as much vitality as the first serving.
Freezing
The marinated chicken can be frozen raw in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and proceed with cooking as usual. Avoid freezing the assembled gyros or the tzatziki sauce, as their texture won’t hold up well after thawing.
Reheating
To reheat the cooked chicken, warm it gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven until heated through. Avoid microwaving as it can dry out the meat. Rewarm the pita bread separately, and serve fresh tzatziki sauce cold alongside to maintain its creamy texture and bright flavors.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to be juicier and can add even more flavor to your gyros. Just slice them thinly and marinate as directed for best results.
How long can I marinate the chicken for?
While 30 minutes suffices to impart good flavor, marinating overnight really takes the taste to another level and makes the chicken extra tender.
Is there a vegetarian alternative for this recipe?
Yes! You can substitute the chicken with grilled vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, and mushrooms, or use falafel as a delicious plant-based filling that pairs beautifully with tzatziki.
How do I prevent the cucumber in the tzatziki sauce from making it watery?
After grating, make sure to squeeze out excess moisture from the cucumber using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. This keeps your tzatziki thick and creamy.
Can I make tzatziki without fresh dill?
Definitely! Fresh mint is a lovely alternative that gives the sauce a different but equally refreshing herbal note. If fresh herbs aren’t available, a small pinch of dried dill can work in a pinch.
Final Thoughts
Making Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe at home is an absolute joy that brings the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean straight to your plate. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner yet impressive enough to serve to friends and family. Give this recipe a try and discover how easy and rewarding it is to create a homemade gyro that’s packed with bold taste and warm, comforting textures. Once you do, it’s sure to become one of your favorite go-to meals.
Print
Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Description
A classic Greek Chicken Gyros recipe featuring tender marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy homemade tzatziki sauce, all wrapped in warm pita bread. Perfect for a quick and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired meal ready in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and drained
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (or mint)
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Gyros:
- 4 pita bread rounds
- 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes
- 1/2 cup sliced red onions
- 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup chopped parsley
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the thinly sliced chicken breast and toss to coat evenly. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for deeper flavor.
- Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated and drained cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and chopped fresh dill or mint. Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate the sauce until ready to serve to let the flavors meld.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat until hot. Add the marinated chicken slices and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips if needed.
- Assemble the Gyros: Warm the pita bread rounds in a dry skillet or wrapped in foil in the oven until soft and pliable. Lay each pita flat and layer on the cooked chicken, then top with chopped tomatoes, sliced red onions, chopped cucumber, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped parsley.
- Add Tzatziki Sauce: Drizzle the prepared tzatziki sauce over the fillings or spoon it generously on top to add creamy tanginess to each gyro.
- Wrap and Serve: Fold or roll the pita around the fillings to create a wrap. Serve immediately while warm to enjoy the perfect balance of Mediterranean flavors and textures.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight if time allows.
- Make sure to drain the grated cucumber well to avoid watery tzatziki sauce.
- You can substitute fresh mint for dill in the tzatziki for a different flavor twist.
- Serve with extra lemon wedges for added brightness.
- To make this recipe gluten-free, use gluten-free pita or flatbreads.
