Name: Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 3 tbsp olive oil; Juice of 1 lemon; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tbsp Greek yogurt; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp ground cumin; 1/2 tsp paprika; Salt and pepper, to taste; 1 cup Greek yogurt (for tzatziki sauce); 1/2 cucumber, grated and squeezed to remove excess liquid; 2 garlic cloves, minced (for tzatziki sauce); 1 tbsp olive oil (for tzatziki sauce); 1 tbsp lemon juice (for tzatziki sauce); 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill; 4 pita breads; 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced; 1 tomato, diced; 1 cup shredded lettuce; Feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

Jump to Recipe

If you’re looking for a delicious and easy meal that everyone will love, Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki is a perfect choice. This flavorful dish combines marinated chicken, fresh veggies, and a creamy tzatziki sauce all wrapped up in warm pita bread. It’s not just tasty; it also brings a slice of Mediterranean charm to your dining table.

Why Make This Recipe

Making Greek Chicken Gyros at home is not only fun but also rewarding. You have complete control over the ingredients, which means you can adjust flavors to your liking. Plus, this recipe is simple enough for beginners but delicious enough to impress any guest. It’s a perfect meal for busy weeknights, weekend gatherings, or even special occasions!

How to Make Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki

Ingredients

For the Chicken and Marinade:

1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
3 tbsp olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp Greek yogurt
1 tsp dried oregano
1/2 tsp ground cumin
1/2 tsp paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

1 cup Greek yogurt
1/2 cucumber, grated and squeezed to remove excess liquid
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp chopped fresh dill

For Assembling:

4 pita breads
1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
1 tomato, diced
1 cup shredded lettuce
Feta cheese, crumbled (optional)

Directions

Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, Greek yogurt, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: Combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, fresh dill, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.
Assemble the Gyros: Warm the pita bread on a dry skillet or directly over a flame. Layer each pita with sliced chicken, tzatziki sauce, red onion, tomato, shredded lettuce, and crumbled feta cheese if desired. Fold the pita into a wrap.
Serve: Enjoy your freshly made Greek Chicken Gyros with extra tzatziki sauce on the side!

How to Serve Greek Chicken Gyros

Serve the gyros warm and fresh right after assembling. They are perfect for a casual dinner or as a fun dish for lunch. Pair them with a side of Greek salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

How to Store Greek Chicken Gyros

If you have leftovers, store the components separately. Place the chicken, tzatziki sauce, and veggies in airtight containers in the fridge. They can last for up to 3 days. When ready to eat, reheat the chicken in a skillet and assemble your gyros again.

Tips to Make Greek Chicken Gyros

Marinate Longer: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for the full 4 hours.
Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh herbs and veggies for a more vibrant taste.
Grill for Flavor: If you have a grill, cooking the chicken on it will add extra smoky flavor.

Variation

You can easily customize this recipe. Try using lamb or beef instead of chicken, or make a vegetarian version with grilled vegetables and chickpeas.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breast, but thighs are juicier and more flavorful.

2. Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken the night before and prepare the tzatziki sauce ahead of time.

3. Is tzatziki sauce spicy?
No, tzatziki sauce is not spicy. It has a cool and creamy flavor from yogurt and cucumber.

Enjoy making your own Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki at home! It’s a delightful meal that the whole family can enjoy.