Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzaziki Recipe

There’s something irresistibly satisfying about Greek street food, and few dishes capture the essence of Mediterranean flavor quite like a classic chicken gyro. Juicy, marinated grilled chicken wrapped in warm pita, topped with crisp vegetables and finished with a cool, creamy tzatziki sauce—this meal is both vibrant and comforting, healthy and indulgent. Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki are the kind of dish that feels special, yet can easily be made at home with fresh, wholesome ingredients.

The magic begins with the chicken marinade—a blend of lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, oregano, and Greek yogurt. This combination not only infuses the chicken with tangy, herby goodness, but also tenderizes it for that perfectly juicy texture when grilled. Whether you use an outdoor grill, stovetop grill pan, or even your oven broiler, the result is golden, flavorful chicken with irresistible charred edges.

Tzatziki is the traditional sauce that brings balance to the rich, savory chicken. It’s made from Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, garlic, and fresh dill—cool, creamy, and full of refreshing flavor. You can make it a day ahead to let the flavors mingle, and it only gets better with time.

What sets this gyro recipe apart is its versatility. While traditionally served wrapped in soft pita bread, the fillings can just as easily be layered into a bowl over rice or quinoa for a low-carb version. Add a side of olives, feta, and roasted vegetables, and you’ve got a Greek-inspired feast that rivals your favorite Mediterranean restaurant.

It’s also highly customizable. Love heat? Add some harissa or spicy hummus. Prefer more crunch? Toss in some pickled onions or shredded cabbage. The base of marinated chicken and tzatziki acts as a flavor foundation that welcomes your personal twist.

This dish is a total crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner, entertaining friends, or meal prepping for lunches, gyros fit the bill. Everything can be prepped in advance—marinate the chicken, chop the veggies, and mix up the sauce—then assemble when you’re ready to eat.

If you’re new to Greek cuisine, this is the perfect entry point. The flavors are familiar yet exciting, and the prep is incredibly approachable. No fancy equipment or hard-to-find ingredients needed—just fresh herbs, bright citrus, and a few pantry staples.

And despite being loaded with flavor, this meal is also relatively healthy. Lean protein, fresh vegetables, probiotic-rich yogurt, and olive oil combine to create a balanced plate that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.

Once you try this homemade version, you might never look at takeout gyros the same way again. It’s the kind of recipe that earns a permanent spot in your weekly rotation, and one that friends and family will beg you to make again.

So fire up the grill, grab your freshest ingredients, and get ready to wrap up the bold, sun-kissed flavors of the Mediterranean in your own kitchen.

Servings: 4 gyros

Time:

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 1 hour marinating time)
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes

Ingredients:

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1.5 lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
• 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 3 tbsp lemon juice
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh dill (or 1 tsp dried)
• Salt to taste

For Serving:

• 4 pita breads (or flatbreads)
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 cup diced tomatoes
• 1/2 cup thinly sliced red onion
• Optional: feta cheese, olives

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, combine all marinade ingredients. Add chicken and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour (or overnight).
2. While chicken marinates, make the tzatziki by combining all sauce ingredients. Chill until ready to serve.
3. Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, until golden and cooked through.
4. Let chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
5. Warm pita bread on the grill or in a skillet.
6. To assemble gyros, layer pita with lettuce, tomatoes, onion, chicken slices, and a generous dollop of tzatziki.
7. Add optional feta or olives as desired.
8. Wrap or fold, and serve immediately.

Tips:

• Chicken thighs offer more flavor and stay juicier than breasts.
• For meal prep, store components separately and assemble when ready.
• Strain cucumbers well to avoid a watery sauce.
• Make tzatziki a day ahead for enhanced flavor.
• Use naan or lavash if you can’t find pita.

Summary: Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki are a flavorful, wholesome, and easy way to bring Mediterranean flavor to your table. Tender marinated chicken, cool yogurt sauce, and fresh veggies wrapped in warm pita make the ultimate healthy comfort food.