Homemade Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki: A Taste of the Mediterranean at Home
By Jason Griffith
Craving the vibrant, fresh flavors of Greece? These Homemade Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki are your passport to a delicious culinary journey! Tender, marinated chicken, grilled or pan-seared to perfection, is tucked into warm pita bread with crisp vegetables and a generous dollop of cool, creamy homemade Tzatziki sauce. It’s a healthy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying meal that’s surprisingly easy to whip up, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun gathering.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m a huge enthusiast of meals that feel light and fresh but are still incredibly satisfying, and these Greek Chicken Gyros hit all the right notes. What I absolutely adore is the bright, zesty marinade on the chicken, which infuses it with that quintessential Mediterranean flavor. The contrast between the warm, savory chicken and the cool, garlicky, and refreshing homemade Tzatziki is simply irresistible. It feels like a gourmet meal from a charming Greek cafe, yet it comes together quickly in my own kitchen. Plus, everyone loves building their own gyro, making it a fun and interactive dining experience!
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 lb total), cut into thin strips or bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Tzatziki:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat or low-fat)
- ½ cucumber, grated and thoroughly squeezed dry
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Gyros Assembly:
- 4 pita breads or flatbreads
- Sliced tomatoes, thinly sliced red onions, and crisp lettuce leaves (such as Romaine or green leaf) for garnishing
Swaps and Notes
- Chicken Cut: While chicken breasts are lean and quick-cooking, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used for juicier, richer chicken. Adjust cooking time slightly if using thighs.
- Marinade Herbs: Dried oregano is classic, but you can also add a pinch of dried thyme or a tiny bit of smoked paprika for extra flavor. Fresh oregano can also be used (use about 1 tablespoon).
- Tzatziki Yogurt: Plain Greek yogurt is essential for the thickness and tang of Tzatziki. Do not use regular yogurt as it’s too thin. Ensure the cucumber is squeezed very dry to prevent watery Tzatziki.
- Tzatziki Herbs: Fresh dill is preferred for Tzatziki for its bright flavor. If you only have dried dill, use about 1 teaspoon. Fresh mint can also be added for an extra layer of freshness.
- Pita Bread: Warm, soft pita bread or flatbreads are crucial for authentic gyros. You can warm them on a dry skillet, in the microwave, or briefly on the grill.
- Vegetables: Besides tomatoes, onions, and lettuce, consider adding finely sliced cucumber, bell peppers, or pickled peppers for extra crunch and tang.
- Optional Spices for Chicken: For a touch of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes can be added to the chicken marinade.
Directions:
1. Prepare the Chicken Marinade: In a medium bowl, combine the 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 2 cloves minced garlic, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, and a good pinch of salt and black pepper. Whisk everything together until well combined. Add the cut chicken breasts to the marinade, tossing to ensure all pieces are evenly coated. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor, you can marinate for up to 2 hours.
2. Prepare the Homemade Tzatziki: In a separate medium bowl, combine the 1 cup plain Greek yogurt. Grate ½ cucumber and then place the grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and squeeze out as much excess liquid as possible. This step is critical for thick, creamy Tzatziki. Add the squeezed, grated cucumber to the yogurt. Stir in the 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice, 1 clove minced garlic, 1 tablespoon fresh chopped dill, and season with salt and black pepper to taste. Mix everything until well combined. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and for the sauce to chill.
3. Cook the Chicken: Preheat a grill (outdoor or indoor grill pan) or a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces (discard any leftover marinade). Grill or sauté for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through, golden brown, and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If using larger pieces, ensure they are cooked through. Once cooked, remove from heat and thinly slice the chicken against the grain.
4. Warm the Pita & Prepare Garnishes: While the chicken cooks, warm your pita breads or flatbreads. You can warm them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side until soft and pliable, briefly in the microwave, or on the grill. Prepare your desired garnishes: slice the tomatoes, thinly slice the red onions, and wash and dry the lettuce.
5. Assemble the Gyros: Lay out a warm pita bread. Spoon a generous amount of the sliced chicken onto the center of the pita. Top with a few slices of fresh tomatoes, thinly sliced red onions, and crisp lettuce. Finally, add a generous dollop of the chilled homemade Tzatziki sauce over the fillings.
6. Serve and Enjoy! Fold or roll the pita to create your gyro. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious, homemade Greek Chicken Gyros!
Tips for Success
- Squeeze Cucumber Dry: This is the most crucial step for thick, non-watery Tzatziki. Squeeze out as much liquid as possible!
- Marinate Chicken: Even a short marinating time adds significant flavor to the chicken.
- Don’t Overcook Chicken: Chicken breasts can dry out quickly. Cook just until they are done (165°F / 74°C).
- Warm Pita: Warm pita bread is more pliable and less likely to crack when filled.
- Fresh Herbs & Lemon: Use fresh lemon juice and fresh dill for the best, most vibrant Tzatziki.
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste the Tzatziki and chicken seasoning, adjusting salt, pepper, and lemon juice as needed.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
These Greek Chicken Gyros are a complete and satisfying meal on their own, but they pair wonderfully with a few simple additions for a full Mediterranean feast.
- Classic Greek Sides: Serve with a side of crispy Greek Lemon Potatoes, a simple Greek salad, or a bowl of hummus with extra pita for dipping.
- Rice Pilaf: A light rice pilaf can be a good accompaniment.
- Beverages: A refreshing glass of iced tea, sparkling water with lemon, or a crisp Sauvignon Blanc would be perfect.
- For other easy and flavorful chicken-based meals, explore these Chefmaniac.com favorites:
- A Light, Tangy Chicken Salad I Actually Crave (and There’s No Mayo in Sight)
- Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter
- These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast
- This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit
- These Chicken Enchiladas Are My Go-To for Cozy Crowd-Pleasing Dinners
Storage and Leftover Tips
While gyros are best assembled and enjoyed fresh, the components can be prepared ahead of time.
- Cooked Chicken: Store cooked and sliced chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before assembling.
- Tzatziki Sauce: Homemade Tzatziki sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Its flavors actually deepen over time.
- Prepared Vegetables: Slice tomatoes, onions, and wash lettuce, and store them separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days.
- Assembly: It’s highly recommended to assemble the gyros just before serving to maintain the freshness of the vegetables and the warmth of the chicken and pita.
- Not Recommended for Freezing: Neither assembled gyros nor the Tzatziki sauce freeze well.
Final Thoughts
These Homemade Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki are a fantastic way to bring the fresh, vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean to your table. With tender, marinated chicken and a cool, creamy homemade sauce, they’re a delicious and satisfying meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Get ready to enjoy a taste of Greece that’s both healthy and incredibly flavorful!
What are your favorite international dishes to make at home, or do you have a secret ingredient for perfect Tzatziki? Share your ideas and tips in the comments below, and don’t forget to follow Chefmaniac for more exciting and delicious recipes!
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