Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki

Greek Chicken Gyros are a delicious and satisfying meal that brings the flavors of the Mediterranean right to your table. Juicy marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy cucumber tzatziki are wrapped in soft pita bread to create the perfect bite. This dish is versatile and can be served as a quick lunch, a family dinner, or even at gatherings. It’s a harmonious balance of flavors and textures that will transport you to Greece.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  2 tbsp olive oil
  2 cloves garlic, minced
  1 tsp dried oregano

  1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 cucumber, grated and squeezed to remove excess water
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill or parsley, finely chopped
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• Salt to taste

For the Gyros:

• 4–6 pita breads or flatbreads
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup shredded lettuce or baby greens
• Optional: crumbled feta cheese for garnish

Preparation

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken, ensuring it’s fully coated in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for the best flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce
In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh dill or parsley. Mix well and season with salt to taste. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for 5–6 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and golden brown. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.

Step 4: Assemble the Gyros
Warm the pita breads in a dry skillet or microwave. Spread a generous layer of tzatziki sauce over each pita, followed by the sliced chicken, cherry tomatoes, red onion, shredded lettuce, and optional feta cheese. Wrap the pita around the filling and secure it with parchment paper or foil if needed.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy
Serve the gyros immediately with extra tzatziki sauce on the side for dipping.

Variations

• Vegetarian Gyros: Substitute chicken with roasted chickpeas or grilled halloumi cheese.
• Spicy Gyros: Add a drizzle of hot sauce or sprinkle red chili flakes over the filling.
• Low-Carb Option: Serve the chicken and toppings over a bed of greens for a gyro salad.

Cooking Notes

• Marinating Tips: The longer the chicken marinates, the deeper the flavor. Overnight marination is ideal.
• Tzatziki Texture: Squeezing out the cucumber is essential to prevent the sauce from becoming watery.
• Pita Bread: Use fresh, soft pita bread for the best results. Lightly toast it for added texture.

Serving Suggestions

Greek Chicken Gyros pair beautifully with:

• Greek salad with olives and feta
• Lemon herb rice or orzo pasta salad
• A side of crispy oven-baked potato wedges

Tips

• Meal Prep: Make the tzatziki sauce and marinate the chicken a day ahead to save time.
• Reheating Chicken: Reheat leftover chicken in a skillet over low heat to maintain its juiciness.
• Homemade Pita: For an authentic touch, try making homemade pita bread.

Prep Time

15 minutes (excluding marination)

Cooking Time

20 minutes

Total Time

35 minutes

Nutritional Information

• Calories: 380 per gyro
• Protein: 30g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fat: 16g

FAQs

Q: Can I use store-bought tzatziki? Yes, but homemade tzatziki offers a fresher taste and allows you to control the ingredients.
Q: How do I store leftovers? Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Tzatziki sauce should also be refrigerated and consumed within 3 days.
Q: Can I grill the chicken outdoors? Absolutely! Grilling over charcoal or a gas grill adds a smoky flavor that complements the gyros perfectly.

Conclusion

Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki are a delightful combination of fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and comforting textures. Perfect for any occasion, this dish is easy to prepare and sure to impress. Whether you’re a fan of Greek cuisine or just looking for a new recipe to try, these gyros are a must-make. Assemble them with love, and enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean at home!