Greek Chicken Gyros (with Homemade Tzatziki)

This Greek Chicken Gyros (with Homemade Tzatziki) is a bright, bold, and irresistibly fresh dish that brings the flavor of the Mediterranean right to your kitchen. Juicy chicken breast is marinated in a classic Greek souvlaki-style blend of garlic, lemon, herbs, and olive oil, grilled to perfection, and tucked into warm pita bread with crisp lettuce, Greek salad, and a generous dollop of creamy homemade tzatziki sauce.

A Greek gyro is a Greek pita dish made with rotisserie meat, fresh vegetables (tomato, cucumber, and onions) and tzatziki sauce. Perfect for a warm day or anytime you're craving a refreshing and satisfying meal, this dish is lighter than traditional takeout and packs in tons of flavor with minimal effort. It's quick enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough for entertaining - and you can customize the toppings to your taste for a truly personalized plate.

Why You'll Love These Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki

• Fresh and flavorful. The marinade infuses the chicken with bright lemon, bold garlic, and fragrant herbs. Paired with tangy feta, fresh veggies, and creamy tzatziki, every bite is bursting with flavor and freshness that brings a taste of Greece to your kitchen.
• Perfectly tender chicken. Marinating the chicken in advance helps it stay juicy and tender, even after grilling. The bay leaves add depth and a touch of Mediterranean aroma that complements the other spices and ingredients perfectly.
• Easy to make at home. These gyros come together with pantry staples and simple ingredients. With minimal prep, they're surprisingly easy for a dish that tastes like it came from your favorite Greek restaurant, and perfect for beginners.
• Balanced and nutritious. Packed with lean protein, fiber-rich veggies, and healthy fats from olive oil and Greek yogurt, this meal is as wholesome as it is satisfying and fits a wide range of dietary needs.
• Customizable. Choose your favorite toppings or use what you have on hand. It's easy to make this dish your own - vegetarian versions or grilled veggie options work great too, especially with seasonal produce.

Ingredient Notes

To make these easy Greek Chicken Gyros (with Homemade Tzatziki) at home, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):

• pita bread - I like making my own quick and easy pita bread, but of course storebought pitas work perfectly. Go for a thicker one if you can find it. You can also use any thick flatbread or naan bread.
• chicken breasts - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1.5-inch pieces. You can use chicken thighs for juicier results.
• souvlaki marinade - made with a combination of simple ingredients:
  • olive oil - substitute with avocado oil if preferred.
  • garlic - fresh garlic cloves give the best flavor. Garlic powder can work in a pinch.
  • lemon juice - use freshly squeezed for brightness. Bottled lemon juice can be substituted in a 1:1 ratio.
  • fresh parsley - adds freshness. You can substitute with cilantro or dill if needed.
  • dried oregano - a classic Greek herb. Use Italian seasoning if you're out.
  • dried mint - optional, but adds a cool, herbal flavor. Fresh mint can also be used.
  • salt and pepper - to season all the components.
  • bay leaves - used in the marinade for an aromatic touch.
• tzatziki sauce - made with a combination of Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, fresh dill, salt and pepper. Use full-fat Greek yogurt for the best texture, but low-fat can be used. You can also use dried dill in smaller amounts.
• romaine lettuce - adds crunch. Any leafy greens like spinach or arugula can work.
• cherry tomatoes - sweet and juicy. Substitute with grape tomatoes or diced regular tomatoes.
• cucumber - for the tzatziki and toppings. English or Persian cucumbers work best.
• red onion - for sharp flavor and crunch. Soak in cold water for a milder taste.
• feta cheese - adds tangy creaminess. Crumbled goat cheese is a good alternative.
• salt and pepper

You will also need measuring cups and spoons, mixing bowls, knife and cutting board, bamboo skewers, grilling tongs, and an indoor grill pan (if you are not using an outdoor grill).

How to Make the Best Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki

First, prepare the chicken souvlaki marinade.

1. Combine ingredients. Add all of the ingredients for the chicken souvlaki marinade into a ziploc bag. Press the marinade around to combine. 
2. Add chicken. Add in the chopped chicken, and press the air out of the bag and seal tightly. Press the marinade around the chicken to coat.
3. Marinate. Place in the fridge to marinate at least 1 hour or overnight.

Next, prepare the tzatziki sauce.

1. Prepare cucumber. Grate the cucumber and drain through a cheesecloth, fine mesh sieve or using your hands. Transfer drained cucumber to a medium bowl.

2. Add remaining ingredients. Add the yogurt, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, dill, salt and pepper. Stir to combine.

3. Refrigerate. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavours infuse into the yogurt.

Next, let's grill the chicken.

1. Prep. You can thread the chicken onto bamboo skewers to grill, or grill the individual pieces. Lightly brush olive oil over grill pan. Heat the grill over medium high heat for about 5 minutes, until sizzling hot.
2. Cook. Cook the chicken for 7 minutes on each side, or until its internal temperature reaches 165 F (75 C).

Finally, let's assemble the gyros.

1. Prepare the toppings. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the toppings and toss together. 
2. Warm the pitas. Warm the pitas on the grill, about 1-2 minutes per side.
3. Assemble. Then, on the centre each pita bread, add a few spoonfuls of the salad toppings in a line down the middle. Top with grilled souvlaki chicken, and a generous scoop of tzatziki sauce. Fold the pita up and enjoy. You can also wrap it in parchment paper and twist the bottom to keep the ingredients inside.

Recipe Video

How to Serve

Greek Chicken Gyros are delicious and filling served on their own. To keep the filling inside, I normally serve these pitas wrapped with parchment paper. You can secure it with an elastic band and twist the bottom together so that the tzatziki sauce doesn't drip out.

These wraps can be made more filling when paired with some of my favorite Mediterranean side dishes including:

• Greek Lemon Roasted Baby Potatoes
• Tabbouleh Salad
• Mezze Platter
• Classic Hummus
• Greek Salad with Lettuce
• Baba Ganoush Eggplant Dip
• Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad

For more recipes, see our 30 Best Greek Recipes.

Storing and Freezing Instructions

How to Store

Store leftover chicken, tzatziki, and toppings in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.

How to Reheat

Reheat chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat or in a 300°F oven until warmed through. Avoid overcooking to keep it tender and juicy. If using a microwave, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.

How to Freeze

Freeze the marinated raw chicken or cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating or cooking. Tzatziki and toppings are best enjoyed fresh and not frozen.

FAQ

More Sandwich Recipes

• Chicken Shawarma
• Pita Grilled Cheese
• Lemongrass Chicken Banh Mi Sandwich
• Buffalo Turkey Wraps
• Chicken Salad
• Gourmet Hot Dogs

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