1. Home
  2. Recipes
  3. Greek Chicken Gyros Tzatziki

Greek Chicken Gyros Tzatziki

Category: Everyday Mains Made Simple

This dish features juicy chicken thighs marinated in garlic, lemon juice, oregano, and olive oil, grilled to perfection. Paired with a cool, creamy tzatziki made from Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and lemon, it creates a delightful balance of savory and refreshing flavors. Fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions add crispness, while warm pita breads complete a satisfying, Mediterranean-inspired meal that’s perfect for family gatherings or casual dinners.

Save on Pinterest Share This Recipe Email This Recipe Print This Recipe Go Directly to Recipe
Breanna
Created By Breanna
Last updated on Wed, 01 Oct 2025 11:18:36 GMT
A gyro with chicken and vegetables. Save
A gyro with chicken and vegetables. | foodiffy.com

Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki is a fantastic meal that brings vibrant Mediterranean flavors right into your kitchen. It is perfect for weeknight dinners or casual gatherings when you want something fresh, hearty and satisfying without too much fuss.

I remember pulling this together after a long day and how it instantly brightened the dinner table with its lively flavors and comforting textures.

Ingredients

  • Chicken thigh fillets: are juicy and tender perfect for quick cooking and flavor absorption
  • Garlic: adds pungent aroma essential to Greek seasoning
  • White wine vinegar and lemon juice: combine to tenderize the meat and give a bright tang
  • Extra virgin olive oil: is crucial for richness and authentic taste so pick one that is fresh and fruity
  • Full-fat Greek yogurt: makes the tzatziki creamy and silky go for thicker strained varieties if possible
  • Dried oregano: delivers that classic herbal note typical of Greek cuisine
  • Fresh cucumbers: bring crunch and cooling contrast to the savory meat
  • Tomatoes and red onion: add vibrant color and sweetness balancing the savory and tangy elements
  • Parsley: offers a fresh herbal lift optional but highly recommended
  • Pita bread or soft flat breads: hold everything together and soak up all the lovely juices

Instructions

Build The Marinade:
Combine minced garlic white wine vinegar lemon juice extra virgin olive oil Greek yogurt dried oregano salt and some black pepper in a ziplock bag. Massage well to blend all the flavors thoroughly.
Marinate The Chicken:
Add the chicken thigh fillets to the bag making sure every piece is coated evenly in the marinade. Seal and refrigerate. The longer it sits the deeper the flavor heats up the juiciness so aim for at least two hours and up to 12 hours if you can plan ahead.
Prepare Tzatziki Sauce:
Peel and grate one cucumber then squeeze out excess water for a creamy texture. Mix with Greek yogurt minced garlic lemon juice extra virgin olive oil salt and pepper until smooth. Adjust seasoning to your taste.
Cook The Chicken:
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium high heat. Cook the marinated chicken thighs about five to six minutes per side until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit. The yogurt marinade helps keep it tender and flavorful.
Slice And Assemble:
Let the chicken rest few minutes then slice into thin strips. Warm the pita breads gently. Fill each with chicken slices topped with diced tomatoes cucumbers red onion fresh parsley and a generous spoon of tzatziki.
A wrap with chicken and vegetables.
A wrap with chicken and vegetables. | foodiffy.com

I have fond memories of my family sharing gyros on summer evenings around the table with laughter and plenty of tzatziki to go around.

Storage Tips

Gyros components keep well separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to three days. Store the cooked chicken sliced for easy reheating. Tzatziki can separate slightly but a quick stir brings it back. Avoid soggy pita by assembling just before serving.

Ingredient Swaps

Chicken breast works fine though it is leaner and can dry out fast so watch cooking times closely. Coconut yogurt is a good dairy free alternative for tzatziki but skip garlic if you dislike strong flavors. Fresh dill can be added to tzatziki for an herbaceous twist or replace parsley for garnish.

Serving Ideas

Serve with a crisp Greek salad or roasted potatoes on the side for a complete meal. Try wrapping the gyro fillings in lettuce leaves for a low carb option. Add crumbled feta or olives inside the pita to punch up the savory notes.

A sandwich with chicken and vegetables.
A sandwich with chicken and vegetables. | foodiffy.com

This recipe brings a fresh and hearty meal to your table that is both simple and flavorful.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ What cut of chicken works best for gyros?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal as they stay juicy and tender during marination and cooking.

→ How long should the chicken marinate?

Marinating for at least 2 hours enhances flavor; for best results, marinate 3 to 12 hours but avoid exceeding 24 hours.

→ Can I use other breads besides pita?

Yes, flatbreads or warm wraps work well to hold the fillings and complement the flavors.

→ What makes tzatziki creamy and fresh?

Full-fat Greek yogurt combined with grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and olive oil gives tzatziki its rich texture and bright flavor.

→ Are there optional toppings to customize gyros?

Additional toppings like olives, feta cheese, or fresh parsley can add extra layers of taste and texture.

Greek Chicken Gyros Tzatziki

Tender chicken thighs marinated with herbs, served with creamy tzatziki and fresh vegetable toppings.

Preparation Time
30 mins
Time to Cook
20 mins
Overall Time
50 mins
Created By: Breanna

Type of Recipe: Lunch & Dinner

Cooking Difficulty: Suitable for Beginners

Cultural Origin: Greek

Portion Size: 6 Number of Servings (4 to 6 pita breads)

Dietary Options: ~

Ingredients Required

→ Marinade

01 900 g boneless, skinless chicken thigh fillets
02 3 large garlic cloves, minced
03 15 ml white wine vinegar
04 45 ml fresh lemon juice
05 15 ml extra virgin olive oil
06 1 1/2 tbsp dried oregano
07 5 g salt
08 Black pepper to taste

→ Tzatziki Sauce

09 300 g full-fat Greek yogurt
10 15 ml fresh lemon juice
11 15 ml extra virgin olive oil
12 1 garlic clove, minced
13 1/4 tsp salt
14 Black pepper to taste
15 2 cucumbers, grated and drained

→ Fresh Toppings

16 3 tomatoes, deseeded and diced
17 3 cucumbers, diced
18 1/2 red Spanish onion, finely chopped
19 15 g fresh parsley leaves (optional)
20 Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Bread

21 4 to 6 pita breads or flatbreads

Guide to Cooking

Step 01

In a sealable plastic bag, combine garlic, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to combine.

Step 02

Place chicken thigh fillets into the marinade bag and massage gently to coat all pieces evenly.

Step 03

Refrigerate the chicken in the marinade for a minimum of 2 hours, ideally 12 hours, but not exceeding 24 hours for optimal flavor development.

Step 04

Combine grated and well-drained cucumbers with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. Stir until smooth and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Step 05

In a separate bowl, mix diced tomatoes, diced cucumbers, finely chopped red onion, parsley (if using), salt, and black pepper to taste.

Step 06

Grill or pan-fry the marinated chicken over medium-high heat for approximately 10 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 75°C.

Step 07

Slice cooked chicken and fill pita breads with chicken slices, fresh toppings, and a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce. Serve immediately.

Extra Suggestions

  1. Marinating chicken for longer intensifies the flavors. Use full-fat Greek yogurt for a creamier, richer tzatziki. Customize toppings such as olives or feta cheese as desired.

Necessary Equipment

  • Seal-able plastic bag for marinating
  • Grill or frying pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Knife and chopping board

Allergen Info

Always check ingredient labels for allergens, and talk to a health expert if you’re unsure.
  • Contains dairy and garlic; not suitable for individuals with dairy or allium allergies

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

Nutrition facts are for general information and shouldn’t replace professional health advice.
  • Energy (Calories): 750
  • Fats: 40 g
  • Carbohydrates: 50 g
  • Protein: 52 g