If you’ve ever dreamed of tasting the sun-soaked flavors of the Mediterranean from the comfort of your own kitchen, then this Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki Recipe is an absolute must-try. Imagine juicy, perfectly spiced chicken nestled inside warm pita bread, topped with fresh, crisp vegetables and a cooling, creamy tzatziki sauce that sings with fresh dill and cucumber. This dish is the perfect harmony of textures and flavors—a truly satisfying wrap that feels like a special treat any day of the week. Trust me, once you make this recipe, it might just become your go-to meal for quick dinners or weekend gatherings with friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki Recipe really lies in its simple yet fresh ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building layers of flavor, from the marinade’s fragrant herbs to the crisp veggies and tangy tzatziki sauce.
- Chicken thighs, 1 ½ pounds: Juicy and tender, chicken thighs stay moist and soak up the marinade beautifully.
- Olive oil, 3 tablespoons: A staple in Mediterranean cooking that adds richness and helps meld the marinade flavors.
- Lemon juice, from 1 lemon: Adds brightness and tenderizes the chicken.
- Garlic, 4 cloves minced: Gives aromatic depth and a punch of savory goodness.
- Dried oregano, 2 teaspoons: Classic Greek herb bringing earthy, warm notes.
- Ground cumin, 1 teaspoon: Adds a gentle smoky undertone.
- Paprika, 1 teaspoon: Gives a subtle sweetness and vibrant color.
- Salt and black pepper, ½ teaspoon each: Enhances all the flavors without overwhelming.
- Pita breads or flatbreads, 4-6 pieces: Soft and warm wraps to cradle the flavorful filling.
- Cherry tomatoes, 1 cup halved: Adds juicy bursts of sweetness and color contrast.
- Small red onion, thinly sliced: Provides a mild sharpness and crunchy texture.
- Shredded lettuce, 1 cup: Fresh and crisp for that satisfying bite.
- Crumbled feta cheese, ½ cup: Salty and creamy, elevates every bite.
- For the Tzatziki Sauce: Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, minced garlic, fresh dill, salt, and pepper — together creating the iconic cooling sauce that balances the spiced chicken perfectly.
How to Make Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Add the chicken thighs and toss them well in this fragrant marinade. Cover and chill for at least an hour—overnight is even better to maximize flavor and tenderness. This step is crucial as it infuses the chicken with the warm Mediterranean spices.
Step 2: Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce
While the chicken soaks, mix together the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (make sure to squeeze out excess moisture for a creamy sauce), lemon juice, minced garlic, dill, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate this cool, refreshing tzatziki until you’re ready to serve. The dill and cucumber give it a vibrant freshness that perfectly complements the grilled chicken.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from the marinade and cook for about 5 to 6 minutes per side, until nicely charred on the outside and cooked through. Rest the chicken a few minutes before slicing it—this keeps it juicy and tender inside.
Step 4: Warm the Pita Breads
Briefly warm the pita breads in a skillet or in the oven until soft and pliable. This makes them easier to fold around the filling and releases their comforting aroma.
Step 5: Assemble Your Gyros
Now for the fun part: layering your gyro! Start with a warm pita, pile on sliced chicken, add fresh cherry tomatoes, thin red onion, shredded lettuce, a generous dollop of cucumber tzatziki, and sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese. Fold it up, and get ready for an unforgettable bite.
How to Serve Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki Recipe
Garnishes
A scatter of freshly chopped parsley or extra dill can brighten up your gyros even more. A wedge of lemon on the side invites an extra splash of citrus for those who love that zing. Don’t forget to add a few sprigs of fresh mint to your cucumber tzatziki if you want to experiment with a refreshing twist.
Side Dishes
Serving these gyros with a simple Greek salad or crispy oven-baked fries rounds out the meal beautifully. For a lighter option, creamy hummus or a quinoa tabbouleh brings in some added textures and flavors without overshadowing the star of the show.
Creative Ways to Present
Try wrapping the gyro ingredients in parchment paper or foil for a rustic, portable meal perfect for picnics or lunches on the go. You could also serve the chicken and tzatziki on a large platter for a family-style meal, letting everyone build their own gyros.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover grilled chicken and tzatziki sauce in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. This way, you can maintain freshness and reassemble your gyros for another quick meal.
Freezing
Freezing the marinated chicken before cooking is a fantastic way to have a ready-to-grill option on hand. Once cooked, chicken gyros can be frozen, but the pita and fresh veggies are best added fresh to prevent sogginess.
Reheating
Warm the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave, and always refresh the pita bread by heating it briefly in a pan or oven. Serve with freshly scooped tzatziki to retain its cool, creamy texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely, but keep in mind that chicken thighs stay juicier and more flavorful when cooked, making them the preferred choice for this recipe.
How long can I marinate the chicken?
While an hour is the minimum, marinating overnight in the fridge really enhances the depth of flavor and tenderness.
Is it possible to make tzatziki without dill?
You can substitute dill with mint or parsley for a different twist, but dill’s distinctive flavor is what traditionally makes tzatziki so delicious.
Can I prepare this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap the pita breads for gluten-free flatbreads or serve the chicken and tzatziki over a bed of greens instead.
What’s the best way to store leftover tzatziki?
Tzatziki keeps best in an airtight container in the refrigerator and should be consumed within 2-3 days for optimal freshness.
Final Thoughts
This Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki Recipe is an absolute joy to make and enjoy. It’s vibrant, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying—just like sharing a meal with good friends around the table. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend feast, these gyros bring a little Mediterranean sunshine and warmth to your kitchen. Give it a try, and I promise it will become one of your favorite recipes to come back to again and again.
Print
Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Description
This Greek Chicken Gyros recipe features tender, marinated chicken thighs cooked to perfection and served in warm pita bread with fresh cherry tomatoes, red onion, lettuce, and a flavorful homemade cucumber tzatziki sauce. Topped with crumbled feta cheese, this dish offers a delightful Mediterranean-inspired meal that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4–6 pita breads or flatbreads
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken thighs and toss well to evenly coat. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
- Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (with excess water pressed out), lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped dill, and pinch of salt and pepper. Stir well and refrigerate until needed to let the flavors combine and chill.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, until the chicken is fully cooked through and has a slight char. Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips to keep it juicy.
- Warm the Pita Breads: Warm the pita breads gently in the skillet or oven so they are soft and pliable, ready to be filled.
- Assemble the Gyros: On each pita, layer the sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, shredded lettuce, and a generous spoonful of the chilled tzatziki sauce. Finish by sprinkling crumbled feta cheese on top. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a lower-carb option, skip the pita and serve the chicken and tzatziki over a fresh salad.
- You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs; however, thighs generally provide more flavor and tenderness.
