🥙 Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki
Juicy, herb-marinated chicken wrapped in warm pita and topped with cool, creamy tzatziki — this classic Greek street food brings bold Mediterranean flavor to your kitchen.
📝 Description
Inspired by traditional gyros from Greece, this homemade version features tender chicken marinated in olive oil, lemon, garlic, and oregano, then grilled or pan-seared until golden. It’s wrapped in soft pita and finished with fresh vegetables and authentic cucumber tzatziki sauce.
Perfect for family dinners, weekend gatherings, or meal prep.
🛒 Ingredients (Serves 4)
🔹 For the Chicken Marinade
-
600g boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts), sliced
-
3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
-
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
-
3 garlic cloves, minced
-
1 tablespoon dried oregano
-
½ teaspoon paprika
-
½ teaspoon cumin (optional)
-
Salt and black pepper to taste
🔹 For the Tzatziki Sauce
-
1 cup thick Greek yogurt
-
½ cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
-
1 tablespoon olive oil
-
1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar
-
1 garlic clove, finely grated
-
1 tablespoon fresh dill (or mint)
-
Salt to taste
🔹 For Serving
-
4–6 pita breads
-
Sliced tomatoes
-
Sliced red onion
-
Shredded lettuce
-
Optional: crumbled feta cheese
👩🍳 Instructions
1️⃣ Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Add chicken and marinate at least 30 minutes (2–4 hours for best flavor).
2️⃣ Cook the Chicken
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook chicken 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
Let rest 5 minutes, then slice.
3️⃣ Make the Tzatziki
Squeeze excess water from grated cucumber.
Mix with yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, dill, and salt.
Chill 20–30 minutes for best flavor.
4️⃣ Assemble the Gyros
Warm pita slightly.
Add chicken, drizzle tzatziki, and top with tomatoes, onion, and lettuce.
Fold and serve immediately.
🌿 Mediterranean Tips
✔ Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness
✔ Always squeeze cucumber well for thick tzatziki
✔ Add a drizzle of olive oil before serving
✔ Serve with olives and lemon wedges on the side
🔥 Approximate Nutrition (Per Gyro)
-
Calories: 450–500
-
Protein: 35–40g
-
Healthy fats: 20g
-
Carbs: 35–40g
❓ Q & A
Q1: Can I bake the chicken instead?
Yes! Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20–25 minutes.
Q2: How long does tzatziki last?
Up to 3 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
Q3: Can I make it low-carb?
Serve the chicken and tzatziki in lettuce wraps or over salad.
Q4: What’s the difference between gyros and shawarma?
Gyros use Greek herbs like oregano and tzatziki, while shawarma typically uses Middle Eastern spices and garlic sauce.
Q5: Can I meal prep this?
Absolutely! Store chicken and tzatziki separately and assemble fresh.
