Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki

This Greek chicken gyro recipe brings authentic Mediterranean flavors right to your kitchen with tender marinated chicken, warm pita, and creamy tzatziki sauce. The bright lemon-herb marinade transforms ordinary chicken into a Greek taverna specialty that's perfect for casual dinners or entertaining.

I first made these gyros when trying to recreate the flavors from our honeymoon in Santorini. Now they've become our go-to for casual entertaining since everyone can build their own perfect gyro.

Ingredients

• Chicken: Chicken breast perfectly absorbs the marinade and cooks quickly while staying juicy
• Olive oil: Adds healthy fats and helps the marinade coat the chicken evenly
• Lemon juice: Tenderizes the meat and provides bright acidity that balances the rich tzatziki
• Garlic: Brings essential aromatic flavor, look for firm cloves without sprouts
• Dried oregano: Authentic to Greek cuisine, use Mediterranean oregano for best flavor
• Salt: Enhances all the flavors, kosher salt works particularly well here
• Black pepper: Adds subtle heat, freshly ground provides the best flavor
• Pita breads: Create the perfect vessel for all the fillings, slightly warmed for maximum flavor
• Tzatziki sauce: Adds creamy coolness that balances the savory chicken
• Chopped lettuce: Provides fresh crunch, romaine is traditional and holds up well
• Diced tomatoes: Bring sweetness and juiciness, choose ripe but firm tomatoes
• Sliced red onion: Offers sharp flavor and beautiful color, thin slices work best

Step-by-Step Instructions

Create the Marinade:

Combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl and whisk thoroughly until well combined. The marinade should look emulsified and fragrant with the herbs evenly distributed throughout.

Prepare and Marinate Chicken:

Slice chicken breasts into strips about half an inch thick against the grain for maximum tenderness. Place chicken in the marinade and turn to coat completely, ensuring every piece is covered. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, though overnight marination will develop deeper flavors and more tender meat.

Preheat Cooking Surface:

Heat your grill or skillet over medium high heat until hot but not smoking. If using a skillet, add a light coating of olive oil to prevent sticking. The proper temperature ensures good browning without burning the spices in the marinade.

Cook the Chicken:

Place marinated chicken pieces in a single layer on the hot cooking surface, working in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes on the first side until golden brown, then flip and cook another 5 minutes until fully cooked through with no pink remaining and internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Warm the Pita:

Place pita breads on the grill or in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds per side until warm and slightly pliable but not crisp. Warming the bread makes it more flexible for folding around fillings and enhances its flavor and texture.

Assemble the Gyros:

Lay each warmed pita flat and spread a generous tablespoon of tzatziki down the center. Top with several pieces of cooked chicken, then add lettuce, tomatoes, and red onion. Fold the pita around the fillings or wrap in parchment paper to help hold everything together.

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The tzatziki sauce is truly the heart of this recipe. My grandmother taught me to strain the yogurt overnight for an extra thick and creamy sauce. When I make this for my family, I always prepare double the amount because everyone wants extra for dipping pita chips.

Make-Ahead Options

The chicken marinade works its magic overnight, making this perfect for planning ahead. Simply prepare the chicken in the marinade and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before cooking. This not only saves prep time on serving day but actually improves the flavor as the acids in the lemon juice have more time to tenderize the meat and the herbs infuse more deeply.

Smart Substitutions

If chicken breast isn't your preference, boneless chicken thighs make an excellent substitute with even more flavor and moisture. For a vegetarian option, marinated and grilled portobello mushrooms or extra firm tofu work beautifully with the same marinade. When fresh lemons aren't available, bottled lemon juice will work in a pinch, though reduce the amount slightly as it tends to be more concentrated.

Serving Suggestions

Transform this meal into a Mediterranean feast by serving your gyros alongside a Greek salad with cucumber, feta, and kalamata olives. For a heartier meal, add a side of lemon rice or roasted lemon potatoes. Set up a gyro bar for entertaining, with all components arranged separately so guests can build their own perfect sandwich. This interactive serving style makes for a fun casual dinner party.

The Authentic Touch

Traditional Greek gyros often feature meat cooked on a vertical rotisserie, but this home version captures the same flavors without specialized equipment. In Greece, gyros are commonly served with french fries tucked right into the pita for an extra carb boost. For the most authentic experience, try adding a sprinkle of sumac to your finished gyro this tangy Middle Eastern spice adds a beautiful reddish color and lemony flavor that elevates the entire dish.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I make these gyros ahead of time?

You can prepare the components ahead of time - marinate the chicken overnight, make the tzatziki sauce 1-2 days in advance, and chop the vegetables a few hours before serving. However, for best results, cook the chicken and assemble the gyros just before serving to maintain optimal texture and temperature contrast.

→ What's the best way to warm pita bread?

For authentic taste, briefly warm pita bread on a dry skillet or grill for about 30 seconds per side until soft and pliable but not crispy. You can also wrap a stack of pitas in foil and heat in a 350°F oven for 5-7 minutes, or microwave covered with a damp paper towel for 20-30 seconds.

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs make an excellent substitute and often yield more flavorful and juicy results. Boneless, skinless thighs work best and may require slightly longer cooking time (about 6-8 minutes per side) to reach the safe internal temperature of 165°F.

→ How can I make this dish gluten-free?

To make these gyros gluten-free, simply substitute regular pita bread with gluten-free pita or flatbread alternatives. Alternatively, serve the marinated chicken and toppings over a bed of rice or in lettuce wraps for a completely grain-free option. Always check that your tzatziki sauce ingredients are gluten-free as well.

→ What sides pair well with Greek chicken gyros?

Greek chicken gyros pair beautifully with traditional Mediterranean sides like Greek salad, lemon-herb roasted potatoes, rice pilaf, or grilled vegetables. For a lighter option, serve with a simple cucumber and tomato salad dressed with olive oil and lemon juice. Tzatziki can double as a dip for warm pita triangles or fresh vegetables.

→ How long will leftover marinated chicken keep in the refrigerator?

Raw chicken in marinade can be refrigerated for up to 2 days before cooking. Once cooked, leftover chicken will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat thoroughly before using in gyros, or enjoy cold in salads and grain bowls.