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Greek Chicken Gyros Tzatziki

Category: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

This Mediterranean-inspired dish features juicy grilled chicken thighs marinated in lemon, garlic, and oregano, paired with a refreshing cucumber tzatziki made from Greek yogurt and garlic. Crisp diced tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onion add vibrant texture and flavor, all wrapped inside warm pita bread. The creamy tzatziki and tangy marinade balance perfectly with the smoky grilled chicken, making this meal a fresh and satisfying choice for any occasion. Easy to prepare and ideal for gatherings or quick dinners.

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Authored By Elisa
Updated on Tue, 17 Jun 2025 18:19:31 GMT
A grilled chicken sandwich with tomatoes and onions. Bookmark
A grilled chicken sandwich with tomatoes and onions. | recipesbyelisa.com

This Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki wraps tender grilled chicken thighs in warm pita along with fresh diced vegetables and a creamy cucumber yogurt sauce for a vibrant Mediterranean meal full of fresh and bold flavors. The marinade infuses the chicken with garlic, lemon, and oregano, creating a perfect balance of tangy and savory, while the tzatziki adds a cool, garlicky contrast.

I first made this recipe during a summer barbecue and was amazed at how the flavors came together so effortlessly. It quickly became a family favorite for weeknight meals and entertaining friends.

Ingredients

  • Chicken thighs: provide juicy, flavorful meat that stays tender on the grill
  • Garlic: adds pungent depth to both the marinade and tzatziki
  • Lemon juice: brightens the dish with fresh acidity
  • Greek yogurt: creates a creamy tang in both the marinade and tzatziki—choose full-fat for best texture
  • Dried oregano: lends authentic Mediterranean herbal notes
  • White wine vinegar: balances the marinade’s richness
  • Cucumbers: for tzatziki should be grated and drained well to avoid excess moisture
  • Tomatoes and red onion: add crispness and color to the salad mix
  • Warm pita breads: are essential for wrapping all the elements together—look for soft, fresh pita

Step-by-Step Instructions

Combine the Marinade ingredients:
Mix minced garlic, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, Greek yogurt, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper in a sealable plastic bag. This creates the flavorful base for the chicken.
Marinate the Chicken:
Add the chicken thighs to the marinade bag, seal it, and gently massage the mixture around the meat to coat it evenly. Refrigerate for a minimum of three hours and up to twelve for full flavor penetration.
Prepare the Tzatziki:
Grate cucumbers finely and squeeze out as much liquid as possible to keep the tzatziki thick. In a bowl, combine the drained cucumbers with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Set aside so the flavors meld.
Make the Salad:
Dice tomatoes and cucumbers uniformly. Finely chop red onion and parsley if using. Toss everything with a little salt and pepper to taste in a mixing bowl. This fresh vegetable mix adds crunch and brightness to the gyros.
Cook the Chicken:
Heat a grill pan or skillet to medium-high. Cook the marinated chicken thighs for two to three minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked through. This high heat seals in juices and creates a nice crust.
Rest and Slice:
Allow the chicken to rest for five minutes after cooking to redistribute juices. Then slice it thinly against the grain for tender bites.
Warm the Pita:
Gently warm the pita breads until soft and pliable so they fold easily without breaking.
Assemble the Gyros:
Lay a warm pita flat. Add a generous spoonful of salad, top with sliced chicken, and finish with a dollop of tzatziki. Wrap the pita tightly and secure with parchment paper if desired.
Serve Immediately:
Enjoy these fresh, warm gyros right away for the best combination of textures and flavors.
A plate of food with chicken and vegetables. Bookmark
A plate of food with chicken and vegetables. | recipesbyelisa.com

Storage Tips

Store any leftover tzatziki in an airtight container in the refrigerator and use within three days to maintain its creamy texture. If you have extra cooked chicken, keep it refrigerated and consume within two days or freeze it for longer storage. For best results, thaw frozen marinated chicken overnight before grilling.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you prefer leaner meat, chicken breasts can be used though they may dry out more easily—consider brining or not overcooking. For a dairy-free tzatziki, swap Greek yogurt with a coconut or cashew-based alternative but expect some difference in flavor. Fresh dill can replace oregano for a slightly different herb profile.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these gyros alongside crispy Greek fries or a simple lemon-dressed green salad. Crumbled feta cheese or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice adds a bright finishing touch. For a festive meal, set out all the ingredients buffet style so guests can build their own wraps.

Cultural Context

Gyros are a beloved street food across Greece, traditionally made with pork or lamb cooked on a vertical rotisserie. This chicken version offers a quicker, home-friendly alternative while keeping the essence of Mediterranean flavors. Tzatziki is a staple sauce in Greek cuisine, prized for its cooling effect alongside grilled meats and vegetables.

A grilled chicken sandwich with tomatoes and cucumbers. Bookmark
A grilled chicken sandwich with tomatoes and cucumbers. | recipesbyelisa.com

Frequently Asked Questions About Recipes

→ Can chicken breasts be used instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be substituted, but they tend to be leaner and may result in a drier texture compared to the juicier thighs.

→ How long should the chicken marinate for best flavor?

Marinating for at least 3 hours allows the flavors to penetrate well; for even better taste, marinate up to 12 hours in the refrigerator.

→ How can I store leftover tzatziki?

Store tzatziki in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to keep it fresh and flavorful.

→ Is it possible to freeze the marinated chicken?

Yes, you can freeze the marinated raw chicken for up to one month. Thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before cooking.

→ What sides pair well with this dish?

Complement the gyros with crumbled feta cheese, lemon wedges, or traditional Greek fries for a complete and satisfying meal.

Greek Chicken Gyros Tzatziki

Grilled chicken thighs and fresh vegetables wrapped with creamy tzatziki in warm pita bread.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cooking Time
15 minutes
Total Time Required
35 minutes
Authored By: Elisa

Type of Recipe: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Medium

Cuisine Type: Mediterranean

Servings Count: 4 Number of Servings (4 to 6 pita wraps)

Dietary Preferences: ~

Ingredients You'll Need

→ Chicken Marinade

Ingredient 01 2 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs
Ingredient 02 3 garlic cloves, minced
Ingredient 03 1 tbsp white wine vinegar
Ingredient 04 3 tbsp lemon juice
Ingredient 05 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Ingredient 06 3 tbsp full-fat Greek yogurt
Ingredient 07 1.5 tbsp dried oregano
Ingredient 08 1 tsp salt
Ingredient 09 Black pepper, to taste

→ Tzatziki

Ingredient 10 2 cucumbers, grated and drained
Ingredient 11 1.25 cups Greek yogurt
Ingredient 12 1 tbsp lemon juice
Ingredient 13 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Ingredient 14 1 garlic clove, minced
Ingredient 15 0.25 tsp salt
Ingredient 16 Black pepper, to taste

→ Salad

Ingredient 17 3 tomatoes, diced
Ingredient 18 3 cucumbers, diced
Ingredient 19 0.5 red onion, finely chopped
Ingredient 20 0.25 cup chopped parsley (optional)
Ingredient 21 Salt and pepper, to taste

→ To Serve

Ingredient 22 4 to 6 pita breads or flatbreads, warmed

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 01

Combine garlic, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, Greek yogurt, oregano, salt, and pepper in a sealable plastic bag.

Step 02

Add chicken thighs to the marinade bag, seal, and massage to coat evenly. Refrigerate for 3 to 12 hours.

Step 03

Grate and drain cucumbers thoroughly. Mix with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Set aside.

Step 04

Combine diced tomatoes, diced cucumbers, finely chopped red onion, chopped parsley, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl.

Step 05

Heat grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken thighs 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.

Step 06

Allow cooked chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing thinly.

Step 07

Warm pita breads or flatbreads until soft and pliable.

Step 08

Layer salad, sliced chicken, and tzatziki on warm pita. Wrap and secure with parchment paper if desired.

Step 09

Serve immediately while warm for best flavor and texture.

Extra Tips and Tricks

  1. Chicken breasts can substitute thighs but may result in drier texture.
  2. Tzatziki keeps covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  3. Marinated raw chicken can be frozen up to 1 month; thaw overnight before cooking.
  4. For gatherings, offer ingredients buffet-style for self-assembled gyros.
  5. Pair with crumbled feta, lemon wedges, or Greek fries for a fuller meal.

Must-Have Equipment

  • Grill or skillet
  • Mixing bowls
  • Seal-able plastic bag
  • Grater

Allergy Information

Always double-check ingredient lists for allergens and seek advice if you're unsure.
  • Contains dairy (Greek yogurt).