Greek Chicken Gyros are one of those meals that feel comforting, fresh, and irresistibly satisfying all at once. Tender yogurt-marinated chicken wrapped in warm pita, crisp vegetables, and a cool, creamy homemade tzatziki — it’s a full experience of textures and flavors. This recipe brings the flavors of Greece right into your kitchen with simple ingredients, a heavenly marinade, and a sauce that you’ll want to put on everything.
Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, family gatherings, or anytime you want a bright, refreshing meal that still feels hearty and homey.
Servings and Timing
Yield: 4 gyros
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinating Time: 1 hour (overnight recommended)
Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
Total Time: About 1 hour 20 minutes
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1 lb (450 g) chicken breast, cut into strips
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp cumin
- Salt & pepper, to taste
For the Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- ½ cucumber, grated and squeezed well
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh dill (or mint), chopped
- Salt & pepper, to taste
For Serving
- 4 pita breads or flatbreads, warmed
- 1 large tomato, diced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh parsley or lettuce leaves
- Optional: crumbled feta cheese
Tools You’ll Need
- Mixing bowls
- Grill pan or skillet
- Grater
- Paper towels
- Spatula or tongs
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
⭐ How to Make Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, whisk together:
- Greek yogurt
- lemon juice
- minced garlic
- olive oil
- oregano
- paprika
- cumin
- salt & pepper
Add the chicken strips and coat them thoroughly in the marinade.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour — overnight gives the deepest flavor and tenderness.
Yogurt helps break down the chicken fibers, resulting in juicy, melt-in-your-mouth pieces.
2. Cook the Chicken
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook chicken strips for 5–6 minutes per side, or until:
- golden brown
- caramelized on the edges
- fully cooked through
Set aside and let the chicken rest for a few minutes to keep it juicy.
3. Make the Tzatziki Sauce
In a mixing bowl, combine:
- Greek yogurt
- grated cucumber (well-squeezed to remove water)
- minced garlic
- olive oil
- lemon juice
- chopped dill
- salt & pepper
Mix until creamy, smooth, and chilled.
Tzatziki gets better as it rests — the flavors meld beautifully.
4. Assemble the Gyros
Warm the pita or flatbread until soft and flexible.
Layer with:
- marinated grilled chicken
- diced tomatoes
- thin red onion slices
- parsley or lettuce
Add a generous amount of tzatziki over the top.
Optionally sprinkle on some crumbled feta.
Fold or wrap and serve immediately.
Ingredient Additions & Substitutions
Chicken
- Substitute with chicken thighs for extra juiciness.
- Use turkey or lamb strips for variation.
Tzatziki
- Use mint instead of dill for a sweeter, fresher flavor.
- Add a pinch of cumin or sumac for depth.
Vegetables
Add any of the following:
- sliced cucumbers
- roasted peppers
- shredded cabbage
- olives
Pita Options
- Whole wheat pita
- Low-carb wraps
- Gluten-free flatbread
Serving Suggestions
Serve gyros with:
- Homemade fries
- Lemon rice
- Greek salad
- Roasted potatoes
- Pickled vegetables
Perfect for:
- Family dinners
- Summer cookouts
- Mediterranean-themed nights
- Meal-prep lunches
Tips for Best Results
- Squeeze cucumber thoroughly — too much water thins the tzatziki.
- Don’t skip the yogurt marinade; it tenderizes the chicken beautifully.
- Let cooked chicken rest to keep juices inside.
- Warm pita just before serving for the best texture.
- Chill tzatziki for at least 30 minutes for optimal flavor.
Storage Instructions
Chicken
Refrigerate cooked chicken for 3–4 days.
Freeze for up to 2 months.
Tzatziki
Store for 2–3 days — freshness declines quickly due to cucumber.
Assembled Gyros
Best enjoyed immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I use store-bought tzatziki?
Yes, but homemade is fresher, thicker, and more flavorful.
Q: Can I bake the chicken instead?
Yes — bake at 400°F (200°C) for 18–20 minutes, flipping halfway.
Q: Can I use non-fat yogurt?
Yes, but full-fat gives better texture and richness.
Q: Can I meal prep this?
Absolutely — store chicken, veggies, pita, and tzatziki separately.
Conclusion
These Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki are everything we love in a homemade meal: bold flavors, fresh ingredients, creamy sauce, and a warm pita to bring it all together. The yogurt-marinated chicken is tender and fragrant, the tzatziki is cool and refreshing, and the assembly is simple enough for any night of the week. Once you try them, they’ll quickly become one of your go-to recipes.
