Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki Recipe

Introduction

Discover the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this Greek Chicken Gyros recipe. Juicy marinated chicken thighs are paired with refreshing cucumber tzatziki and a crisp salad, all wrapped in warm pita bread for a deliciously satisfying meal.

Ingredients

• 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
• 3 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tbsp Greek yogurt (full fat)
• 1½ tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• Black pepper, to taste
• 2 cucumbers, grated and drained
• 1¼ cups Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• ¼ tsp salt
• Black pepper, to taste
• 3 tomatoes, diced
• 3 cucumbers, diced
• ½ red onion, finely chopped
• ¼ cup parsley (optional)
• Salt & pepper to taste
• 4–6 pita breads or flatbreads, warmed

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a ziplock bag, combine the garlic, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, Greek yogurt, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to make the marinade.
2. Step 2: Add the chicken thighs to the bag, massage the marinade into the meat, and let it marinate in the refrigerator for 3 to 12 hours.
3. Step 3: Grate the cucumbers and drain excess moisture. In a bowl, mix the grated cucumbers with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to prepare the tzatziki. Set aside.
4. Step 4: In another bowl, combine diced tomatoes, diced cucumbers, finely chopped red onion, parsley if using, and season with salt and pepper to make the salad.
5. Step 5: Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat and add a little oil to prevent sticking.
6. Step 6: Cook the marinated chicken thighs for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until the chicken is golden and cooked through.
7. Step 7: Remove the chicken from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into strips.
8. Step 8: Warm the pita breads, then layer the salad, sliced chicken, and cucumber tzatziki in the center of each pita.
9. Step 9: Wrap each gyro with parchment paper, twist to secure, and serve immediately while warm.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to the marinade.
• Use Greek yogurt with full fat for richer, creamier tzatziki.
• Try adding sliced red peppers or olives to the salad for a different twist.
• If you don’t have a grill, cooking the chicken in a hot cast iron skillet works perfectly.

Storage

Store leftover chicken, tzatziki, and salad separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in a skillet or microwave until warm. It’s best to warm pita bread fresh before serving to maintain softness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but thighs remain juicier and more flavorful, making them ideal for this recipe.

How long can I marinate the chicken?

The chicken can marinate for as little as 3 hours or up to 12 hours. Longer marination enhances the flavor and tenderness.

Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 124 reviews

• Author: Charlotte
• Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes (including minimum marinating time)
• Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
• Diet: Halal

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Description

Enjoy a fresh and flavorful Mediterranean delight with these Greek Chicken Gyros topped with creamy cucumber tzatziki and a vibrant salad. Packed with tender marinated chicken thighs grilled to perfection, this recipe combines traditional Greek flavors for a satisfying and healthy meal perfect for lunch or dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken Marinade

• 2 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
• 3 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tbsp Greek yogurt (full fat)
• 1½ tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• Black pepper, to taste

Cucumber Tzatziki

• 2 cucumbers, grated and drained
• 1¼ cups Greek yogurt
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• ¼ tsp salt
• Black pepper, to taste

Salad

• 3 tomatoes, diced
• 3 cucumbers, diced
• ½ red onion, finely chopped
• ¼ cup parsley (optional)
• Salt & pepper to taste

Other

• 4–6 pita breads or flatbreads, warmed

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Instructions

1. Prepare the marinade: Place all marinade ingredients—minced garlic, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, Greek yogurt, dried oregano, salt, and pepper—into a ziplock bag and mix thoroughly to combine.
2. Marinate chicken: Add the boneless skinless chicken thighs to the marinade bag, massage gently to coat the chicken evenly, then seal and refrigerate for 3 to 12 hours to allow flavors to deeply infuse the meat.
3. Make the tzatziki: Grate the cucumbers, then drain them well to remove excess moisture. In a bowl, combine the grated cucumber with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well and set aside to chill and meld flavors.
4. Prepare the salad: In a separate bowl, mix the diced tomatoes, diced cucumbers, finely chopped red onion, and chopped parsley if using. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then toss gently.
5. Heat the cooking surface: Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Add a splash of oil to prevent sticking and prepare for the chicken.
6. Cook the chicken: Remove chicken from marinade and place on the hot grill or skillet. Cook for 2–3 minutes on each side until the chicken is golden brown and thoroughly cooked through.
7. Rest and slice chicken: Transfer the chicken to a cutting board, allow it to rest for 5 minutes to retain juices, then slice it into thin strips suitable for wrapping.
8. Assemble gyros: Warm the pita breads or flatbreads. Layer with prepared salad, sliced chicken, and a generous dollop of cucumber tzatziki in the center.
9. Serve: Wrap the filled pita breads snugly with parchment paper, twist to secure the contents, and serve immediately for a fresh, savory Mediterranean meal.

Notes

• For best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 6 hours or overnight.
• Ensure cucumbers are well drained to prevent watery tzatziki.
• You can substitute chicken breasts if preferred, but thighs provide more juiciness.
• To keep gyros warm while assembling, wrap them in foil after wrapping with parchment.
• Serve with additional lemon wedges or hot sauce for extra zest.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mediterranean, Greek

Keywords: Greek chicken gyros, cucumber tzatziki, Mediterranean chicken, grilled chicken gyros, Greek yogurt sauce, healthy gyros recipe