Name: Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 26 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: For the Chicken Marinade; 2 lb / 1 kg chicken thigh fillets, boneless and skinless; 3 large garlic cloves, minced (~ 3 tsp); 1 tbsp white wine vinegar (or red wine or apple cider vinegar); 3 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil; 3 tbsp Greek yogurt (preferably full fat); 1 1/2 tbsp dried oregano; 1 tsp salt; Black pepper, to taste; For the Tzatziki; 2 cucumbers (to make about 1/2 – 3/4 cup grated cucumber after squeezing out juice); 1 1/4 cups Greek yogurt (preferably full fat); 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (or more if you want richer); 1 garlic clove, minced; 1/4 tsp salt; Black pepper, to taste; For the Salad; 3 tomatoes, deseeded and diced; 3 cucumbers, diced; 1/2 red Spanish onion, peeled and finely chopped; 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves (optional); Salt and pepper, to taste; To Serve; 4 to 6 pita breads or flatbreads

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki is a flavor-packed dish that's easy to prepare, yet feels special enough for entertaining guests. The marinade for the chicken is the real star—it infuses the meat with a blend of tangy lemon, fragrant oregano, and rich olive oil. Paired with a creamy tzatziki sauce and a fresh salad, these gyros offer a balance of savory, tangy, and crunchy elements in every bite. Plus, the flexibility of this recipe means you can adapt it to your preferences, whether you're grilling the chicken or cooking it on a skillet. It's a great choice for both casual dinners and impressing friends at a gathering.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken Marinade

2 lb / 1 kg chicken thigh fillets, boneless and skinless
3 large garlic cloves, minced (~ 3 tsp)
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar (or red wine or apple cider vinegar)
3 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoon Greek yogurt (preferably full fat)
1 ½ tablespoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
Black pepper, to taste

For the Tzatziki

2 cucumbers (to make about ½ – ¾ cup grated cucumber after squeezing out juice)
1 ¼ cups Greek yogurt (preferably full fat)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil (or more if you want richer)
1 garlic clove, minced
¼ teaspoon salt
Black pepper, to taste

For the Salad

3 tomatoes, deseeded and diced
3 cucumbers, diced
½ red Spanish onion, peeled and finely chopped
¼ cup fresh parsley leaves (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste

To Serve

4 to 6 pita breads or flatbreads

Directions

Marinate the Chicken: In a ziplock bag, combine the marinade ingredients. Add the chicken fillets and massage the bag to coat the chicken evenly. Marinate for at least 2 hours, preferably 3 hours, or up to 12 hours for best results. Avoid marinating longer than 24 hours.
Prepare the Tzatziki: Cut the cucumbers in half lengthwise and scrape out the seeds. Grate the cucumbers coarsely and wrap them in a paper towel or tea towel to squeeze out excess liquid. In a bowl, mix the cucumber with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Set aside for at least 20 minutes for the flavors to meld.
Make the Salad: Combine the diced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and parsley (if using) in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cook the Chicken: Preheat a grill to medium-high heat and brush with oil, or heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Cooking time may vary depending on the size of the chicken fillets. Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Assemble the Gyros: Warm the pita or flatbreads, then place some of the salad in the center of each bread. Add slices of chicken and a generous spoonful of tzatziki. Roll up the bread, enclosing the filling, and secure with parchment paper or foil.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4–6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Marinate Time: 2–3 hours (up to 12 hours for best results)
Total Time: 26 minutes (excluding marinate time)

Variations

Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms for a flavorful vegetarian gyro.
Add Feta: Top your gyros with crumbled feta cheese for an extra burst of flavor.
Gluten-Free: Use gluten-free flatbreads or lettuce wraps instead of pita bread for a gluten-free option.
Spicy Option: Add a sprinkle of chili flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to the tzatziki or salad for a spicy kick.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store the cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Keep the tzatziki in a separate container, refrigerated, for up to 4 days.
Reheating: To reheat the chicken, use a skillet over medium heat or warm it in the oven. For the tzatziki, it’s best served cold, but you can stir in a little more olive oil if it thickens in the fridge.

FAQs

How long should I marinate the chicken for?

Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, preferably 3 hours. For the best results, marinate for up to 12 hours. Avoid marinating longer than 24 hours.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but chicken thighs are preferred for their juiciness and flavor.

Can I make the tzatziki ahead of time?

Yes, tzatziki can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Can I freeze the chicken after marinating it?

Yes, the chicken can be frozen in the marinade before cooking. Once thawed, cook as directed.

What type of bread should I use for the gyros?

Pita bread or flatbread is ideal for wrapping the chicken and tzatziki, but you can also use gluten-free bread or lettuce wraps for a different option.

Can I make this recipe on a stovetop instead of a grill?

Yes, you can cook the chicken in a skillet over medium-high heat for a few minutes on each side until golden and cooked through.

How can I make the gyros spicier?

Add chili flakes or hot sauce to the tzatziki or salad to increase the heat.

Can I use store-bought tzatziki?

While homemade tzatziki is best, store-bought versions can work as a substitute if you're short on time.

How do I prevent the tzatziki from being too watery?

Make sure to squeeze out as much liquid as possible from the grated cucumber before mixing it with the other ingredients.

What should I serve with Greek Chicken Gyros?

Serve with a side of Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or crispy fries for a complete meal.

Conclusion

Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki is a simple yet flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The tender, marinated chicken pairs wonderfully with the creamy tzatziki and refreshing salad, all wrapped up in soft pita bread. Whether you're cooking for a crowd or enjoying a casual family dinner, this recipe is sure to impress with its bold flavors and satisfying textures.

Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki