Here’s a delicious, classic Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki recipe — juicy marinated chicken, warm pita, and creamy, tangy tzatziki. Perfect for a homemade gyro night! 🇬🇷🥙
🇬🇷 Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki
Ingredients (4 servings)
For the chicken
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the cucumber tzatziki
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- ½ cucumber, peeled, seeded, and grated
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- Salt & pepper to taste
For serving
- 4–6 pita breads, warmed
- Sliced tomatoes
- Sliced red onion
- Lettuce or arugula
- Feta cheese (optional)
Instructions
1. Marinate the chicken
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add chicken and coat thoroughly.
- Cover and refrigerate at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours).
2. Make the tzatziki
- Place grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out excess liquid.
- In a bowl, mix cucumber, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Chill until ready to serve.
3. Cook the chicken
- Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken 5–7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
- Let rest 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
4. Assemble the gyros
- Warm pita bread.
- Spread a generous spoonful of tzatziki on each pita.
- Add sliced chicken, tomatoes, onion, and lettuce.
- Sprinkle with feta if desired.
- Fold or roll and enjoy!
Tips & Variations
- Oven option: Bake chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes.
- Extra flavor: Add a drizzle of olive oil and a pinch of smoked paprika to tzatziki.
- Quick version: Use rotisserie chicken and skip marinating.
- Meal prep: Store cooked chicken and tzatziki separately; assemble fresh when ready.
- Spicy: Add a little harissa or chili flakes to the marinade