If you love vibrant, fresh flavors paired with tender, juicy chicken, then you are absolutely going to adore this Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe. It’s a fantastic combination of marinated chicken thighs grilled to perfection, wrapped in soft pita, and loaded with crisp vegetables and that cooling, creamy tzatziki sauce. This dish is not only bursting with authentic Greek charm but also incredibly satisfying and simple to make, turning any mealtime into a mini Mediterranean celebration right at your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe is straightforward but plays a crucial role in creating its signature taste. From the zesty lemon juice to the fragrant oregano and fresh dill, each element brings layers of freshness, depth, and texture that perfectly marry together.
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs: Chosen for their juiciness and flavor, perfect for grilling.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps tenderize the chicken in the marinade.
- Juice of 1 lemon: Provides a bright, tangy punch that enlivens the entire dish.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Delivers an aromatic base for both the chicken and tzatziki sauce.
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano: Classic Greek herb that infuses the chicken with earthy warmth.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance every bite.
- 1 cup Greek yogurt: Thick and creamy, the foundation of the cool tzatziki sauce.
- 1 cucumber, grated and drained: Adds crunch and refreshing moisture to the sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced (for sauce): Boosts the tzatziki with a gentle garlic kick.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for sauce): Lifts the yogurt and cucumber mixture with acidity.
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped: Brings herbal brightness to the tzatziki, balancing richness.
- 4 pita breads: Soft yet sturdy, perfect for wrapping all the delicious fillings.
- 1 tomato, sliced: Adds juicy sweetness and vibrant color to the gyros.
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced: Provides sharpness and crunch that complement the tender chicken.
- Fresh lettuce: Adds a crisp, cooling layer for texture and freshness.
How to Make Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade and Chicken
Start by mixing olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This simple marinade is the heart of the flavor, tenderizing the chicken and infusing it with those signature Greek notes. Toss the chicken thighs into this mixture until they are fully coated, then cover and refrigerate for at least an hour to let the flavors soak in deeply. If you have time, letting it marinate overnight takes the taste to another level.
Step 2: Make the Tzatziki Sauce
While the chicken is marinating, you can prepare the tzatziki sauce. Combine Greek yogurt with grated cucumber (make sure to squeeze out excess water to avoid a watery sauce), minced garlic, lemon juice, fresh dill, salt, and pepper. Cover this and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes; this resting time lets all the ingredients meld perfectly, ensuring your sauce has that creamy, refreshing flavor that perfectly complements the grilled chicken.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Take the chicken out of the marinade and place it on the hot surface. Cook for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side until the chicken is cooked through and has those lovely char marks that add smoky depth. Once done, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly—this step ensures juicy meat that stays tender and flavorful.
Step 4: Warm the Pitas and Assemble
Lightly warm the pita breads on the grill or in a dry skillet for about a minute on each side. This makes them softer and more pliable for folding. Then pile on the sliced chicken, fresh tomato slices, thinly sliced red onion, and crisp lettuce. Top it all generously with your homemade tzatziki sauce, fold up the pita, and you have a gyro ready to devour that’s bursting with flavor and texture.
How to Serve Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
For garnishing your gyros, think fresh and simple. Add a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or extra dill for a pop of color and herbal aroma. A wedge of lemon on the side can also brighten the palate for anyone who loves extra citrus zing. These little touches elevate the presentation and flavor without overpowering the natural tastes of the dish.
Side Dishes
Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe serve beautifully with light sides that complement their fresh flavors. Consider a Greek salad tossed with olives, feta, and a drizzle of olive oil. Or try some crispy roasted potatoes with oregano and lemon, which pair perfectly alongside the gyros without stealing the spotlight.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress your friends or family, try turning your gyros ingredients into a gyro bowl: arrange the chicken, veggies, and tzatziki over a bed of rice or couscous instead of pita. You can also serve the assembled gyros open-faced on pita chips for a fun appetizer twist. The Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe lends itself to creativity, so feel free to experiment!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover grilled chicken and tzatziki sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. This helps keep the textures and flavors intact for up to 3 days. Avoid storing assembled gyros as the pita can become soggy.
Freezing
Cooked chicken thighs can be frozen in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. However, it’s best not to freeze the tzatziki sauce or the fresh vegetables, as their texture can degrade upon thawing.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven until warmed through. Add a splash of water or olive oil to keep the meat moist. Warm the pita separately just before serving, and always use fresh tzatziki sauce or leftovers kept chilled for the best taste.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breast is leaner and will work well, but keep in mind it can dry out faster, so be careful not to overcook it. Marinating properly will help maintain juiciness.
Is there a vegetarian version of this Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe?
Yes! You can substitute the chicken with grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or mushrooms, or even use spiced chickpeas or falafel for a delicious vegetarian twist.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
The chicken should be marinated for at least one hour to absorb the flavors, but refrigerating overnight will give you the most tender and flavorful results.
Can I prepare tzatziki sauce in advance?
Definitely! Tzatziki actually tastes better after sitting for a few hours or overnight, so making it in advance is a great time saver and enhances the flavor.
What type of pita is best for gyros?
Look for soft, slightly thick pita breads that can hold the fillings without tearing. Greek-style pita or pocketless pita tends to work best for authentic gyros.
Final Thoughts
I hope this Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe inspires you to bring a little Mediterranean sunshine into your kitchen. It’s flavorful, fresh, and incredibly satisfying — perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings alike. Once you’ve tried this recipe, you’ll find it’s a quick and delicious way to enjoy the magic of Greek cooking with the people you love.
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Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes including marination
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Greek Chicken Gyros recipe features tender marinated chicken thighs grilled to perfection, served with a refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce and fresh vegetables wrapped in warm pita bread. Perfect for a flavorful Mediterranean-inspired meal ready in just 35 minutes of active cooking time.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cucumber, grated and drained
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
To Assemble
- 4 pita breads
- 1 tomato, sliced
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh lettuce leaves
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper thoroughly to create a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and coat them well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to infuse the flavors; marinating overnight is ideal for best taste.
- Make the Tzatziki Sauce: In another bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated and well-drained cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, chopped dill, salt, and pepper. Mix until well incorporated.
- Chill Tzatziki: Cover the bowl and refrigerate the tzatziki sauce for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld and intensify.
- Heat Grill or Skillet: Preheat your grill or a skillet over medium-high heat to get it ready for cooking the chicken.
- Cook the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook each side for 6-7 minutes until fully cooked through and slightly charred for a smoky flavor.
- Rest and Slice: Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain juices, then slice thinly for serving.
- Warm the Pita Bread: Place the pita breads on the grill or in a dry skillet and warm each for about 1 minute until soft and pliable.
- Assemble the Gyros: Lay slices of cooked chicken onto each warm pita bread.
- Add Vegetables: Top the chicken with fresh tomato slices, thinly sliced red onion, and crisp lettuce leaves.
- Add Tzatziki Sauce: Spoon a generous amount of chilled tzatziki sauce over the fillings for creamy tang.
- Serve: Fold or roll up the pita wraps and enjoy your delicious homemade Greek chicken gyros immediately.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight enhances the flavor but is not mandatory.
- Be sure to drain the grated cucumber well to avoid a watery tzatziki sauce.
- Use fresh dill for best flavor, but dried can be substituted in a pinch.
- You can add extra toppings like feta cheese or olives for variation.
- For lower fat, use non-fat Greek yogurt in the tzatziki sauce.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
