If you’re craving a dish that bursts with vibrant flavors and brings a sunny Mediterranean breeze right to your kitchen, then this Greek-Style Chicken Gyros with Homemade Tzatziki and Fresh Greek Salad Recipe is exactly what you need. Tender, juicy chicken marinated in classic Greek herbs and spices, paired with a cool, creamy tzatziki and accompanied by a crisp, refreshing Greek salad, all wrapped inside warm pita bread, makes for a meal that’s as satisfying as it is colorful. This recipe perfectly captures the essence of traditional Greek street food, but with the comfort of homemade love. I promise, once you try this dish, it’ll become a staple in your rotation for easy weeknight dinners or lively weekend gatherings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients keep things simple yet essential, each playing its own important role in creating the bright, balanced, and authentic taste that makes this Greek-Style Chicken Gyros with Homemade Tzatziki and Fresh Greek Salad Recipe unforgettable. From hearty chicken and creamy yogurt to fresh herbs and garden vegetables, every component adds texture, flavor, and color you’ll love.
- Chicken Breast, 2 lbs: The star protein, cut into pieces so it soaks up marinades evenly and cooks quickly.
- Greek Yogurt: Used both in the marinade and the tzatziki, it adds tanginess and tenderizes the chicken beautifully.
- Fresh Lemon Juice, 3 tablespoons: Brings citrus brightness that wakes up the whole dish.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 3 tablespoons total: Adds richness while helping to meld the flavors together.
- Red Wine Vinegar, 2 tablespoons: Provides a subtle acidity that balances the richness of yogurt and oil.
- Salt and Pepper: The basic yet crucial seasoning to enhance every ingredient.
- Oregano, 2 teaspoons: A defining herb in Greek cuisine, infusing the chicken with earthy, herbal notes.
- Fresh Dill, 1 tablespoon (diced): Integral to the tzatziki, lending its bright, slightly tangy flavor.
- Garlic Cloves, 3 finely diced: Punches up the tzatziki with its aromatic kick.
- Cucumber, 1 grated and drained (for tzatziki) + 2 diced (for salad): Offers cooling freshness and crisp texture in both sauce and salad.
- Tomatoes, 3 diced: Juicy, sweet, and colorful, essential in the fresh Greek salad.
- Red Onion, 1/4 diced: Adds a sharp crunch and subtle spice to the salad.
- Fresh Italian Parsley, 2 tablespoons diced: Brightens up the salad with its clean herbal notes.
- Feta Cheese: Salt-y and creamy, perfect for topping and enhancing every bite.
- Greek Pita Breads, 4-6 pieces: Soft, pillowy, and perfect for wrapping up all the delicious fillings.
How to Make Greek-Style Chicken Gyros with Homemade Tzatziki and Fresh Greek Salad Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by combining the chicken with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, pepper, and oregano in a resealable bag. This marinade does all the heavy lifting, tenderizing the meat and infusing it with those classic Greek flavors. Ideally, let it rest for 24 hours to soak up the marinade fully, but even 30 minutes will give a nice flavor boost.
Step 2: Prepare the Homemade Tzatziki
The secret to creamy, tangy tzatziki is fresh ingredients and proper draining of the cucumber to avoid excess water. Mix Greek yogurt with olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, diced fresh dill, and garlic. Stir in the grated cucumber that’s been squeezed to remove moisture, then taste and adjust seasoning as needed. It’s cool and refreshing—the perfect foil to the warm, spiced chicken.
Step 3: Make the Fresh Greek Salad
In a bowl, toss together diced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and fresh parsley. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. This salad is tactile and bright—each bite offers a crunchy, juicy contrast that livens up the gyro beautifully.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
You can grill the chicken on skewers or cook it in a skillet. For grilling, thread the pieces onto kebabs and cook for 5-7 minutes per side over medium heat until cooked thoroughly. Alternatively, heat olive oil in a skillet and cook the chicken pieces for 8-10 minutes until golden and done. The goal is tender, juicy chicken with a slightly charred exterior.
Step 5: Assemble Your Gyros
Warm the pita bread until soft and pliable. Layer in a generous portion of the cooked chicken, plenty of homemade tzatziki, a scoop of fresh Greek salad, and sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese if you like. Roll or fold the pita to hold all those amazing flavors together, and get ready to dig in!
How to Serve Greek-Style Chicken Gyros with Homemade Tzatziki and Fresh Greek Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Rice a few extra fresh herbs, like cilantro or parsley, on top just before serving for a pop of green. A wedge of lemon on the side is fantastic for an additional zing. Thin slices of red onion add a crunchy bite if you want a bit more texture.
Side Dishes
Keep it simple and light to complement this already flavor-packed meal. Some warm lemon potatoes or a side of grilled vegetables work beautifully. If you want to indulge, pair with some crispy falafel balls or warm hummus for dipping.
Creative Ways to Present
Think outside the pita wrap! You could serve the chicken, tzatziki, and salad plated separately for a mediterranean bowl experience. Or layer the components in small jars for a portable, picnic-friendly version. Offering a DIY gyro bar with all ingredients in bowls lets guests customize their own perfect gyro.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover cooked chicken, tzatziki, and salad separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken will stay good for up to 3 days, while tzatziki and salad are best consumed within 2 days to maintain freshness and texture.
Freezing
While the chicken can be frozen cooked or marinated, tzatziki and fresh salad do not freeze well as their texture changes dramatically. Freeze the marinated chicken in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months, then thaw overnight before cooking for the best flavor.
Reheating
Reheat chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven to avoid drying it out. Avoid microwaving tzatziki or salad—just add fresh dollops of sauce and salad when ready to serve to keep that vibrant taste and crunchy texture.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are even juicier and will add a richer flavor. Just adjust cooking time slightly as thighs can take a bit longer to cook through.
How do I prevent the tzatziki from becoming watery?
Drain the grated cucumber thoroughly by squeezing it in a clean towel or paper towels before mixing into the yogurt. This step is key to a thick, creamy tzatziki.
Can this recipe be made gluten-free?
Yes! Simply swap out the pita bread for gluten-free wraps or lettuce leaves to keep it light and safe for gluten sensitivities.
Is it okay to prepare everything in advance for a party?
Definitely! Marinate the chicken and prepare the tzatziki and salad a few hours or a day ahead. Cook the chicken and assemble gyros just before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant.
What if I don’t have fresh dill on hand?
Dill is traditional but not mandatory. You can substitute with fresh parsley or mint for a different herbal note or leave it out entirely and focus on the garlic and lemon for flavor.
Final Thoughts
This Greek-Style Chicken Gyros with Homemade Tzatziki and Fresh Greek Salad Recipe is a celebration of fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and simple cooking techniques coming together to create something truly special. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy the bright, satisfying taste of Greece right at your own table. It’s perfect for sharing, impressing guests, or just treating yourself to a delicious experience. Happy cooking and even happier eating!
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Greek-Style Chicken Gyros with Homemade Tzatziki and Fresh Greek Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 45 minutes (excluding marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Greek-Style Chicken Gyros with Homemade Tzatziki is a flavorful and fresh dish featuring marinated grilled chicken served with a creamy homemade tzatziki sauce, crisp Greek salad, and warm pita bread. Perfect for a Mediterranean-inspired meal that everyone will love.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 2 lbs. Chicken Breast, cut into pieces
- 1/4 cup Greek Yogurt
- 3 Tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice
- 2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 Tablespoon Red Wine Vinegar
- 1 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
- 2 teaspoons Oregano
Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 1/2 cups Greek Yogurt
- 2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice
- 1 Tablespoon Red Wine Vinegar
- 1–2 teaspoons Salt
- 1 Tablespoon Fresh Dill, diced
- 3 Garlic Cloves, finely diced
- 1 Cucumber, grated and squeezed to drain
Greek Salad
- 3 Tomatoes, diced
- 2 Cucumbers, peeled and diced
- 1/4 Red Onion, diced
- 2 Tablespoons Fresh Italian Parsley, diced
- 1 Tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Other
- Feta Cheese, for topping
- 4–6 Greek Pita Breads, Naan, or Flatbread
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces, Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, pepper, and oregano in a resealable plastic bag. Seal the bag and massage the marinade to coat the chicken evenly. Refrigerate and let marinate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2-4 hours, or ideally 24 hours for maximum flavor.
- Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, salt, diced fresh dill, and finely chopped garlic. Stir well until the mixture is smooth. Fold in the grated cucumber, which has been squeezed to remove excess water, and mix thoroughly. Adjust seasoning with additional salt if necessary and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Make the Greek Salad: In a large bowl, combine diced tomatoes, peeled and diced cucumbers, diced red onion, and fresh Italian parsley. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper to taste, and toss the salad gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
- Cook the Chicken: Choose your cooking method. For grilling: thread chicken pieces onto skewers and grill over medium heat for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and juices run clear. For skillet cooking: heat a tablespoon of oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and fully cooked.
- Warm the Pita Bread and Assemble Gyros: Warm the pita breads, naan, or flatbreads until soft and pliable. Place cooked chicken pieces inside each pita, then top generously with homemade tzatziki sauce, a helping of Greek salad, and sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese if desired. Fold and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken longer, ideally 24 hours, enhances flavor and tenderness.
- You can grill the chicken on an outdoor grill or use a grill pan indoors.
- Adjust the amount of garlic in the tzatziki according to your preference for pungency.
- Drain grated cucumber well to prevent watery tzatziki sauce.
- Serve gyros immediately after assembling to maintain pita bread softness.
- Optional toppings include sliced red onions, extra parsley, or hot peppers for heat.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
