Greek‑Style Chicken Gyros with Homemade Tzatziki
Juicy marinated chicken is grilled to perfection, then tucked into warm pita bread with crisp veggies and creamy homemade tzatziki. A restaurant‑quality dish you can easily make at home!
⏱ Time
Prep time: 20 minutes
Marinate: 30 minutes (or up to 12 hours)
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 5 minutes
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
1 ½ lbs (680 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
3 tbsp olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp ground cumin
½ tsp smoked paprika (optional)
Salt & black pepper, to taste
For the Tzatziki Sauce
1 cup Greek yogurt
½ medium cucumber, grated & excess water squeezed out
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or mint)
1 tbsp lemon juice
Salt & black pepper, to taste
For Serving
4 warm pita breads (or flatbreads)
1 medium tomato, sliced
½ small red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup romaine lettuce or arugula, shredded
Optional: feta cheese crumbles
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
1. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Add chicken, coating well.
3. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for best flavor).
2. Make the Tzatziki
1. In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, olive oil, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
2. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to use.
3. Cook the Chicken
Grill method: Heat grill or grill pan to medium‑high. Cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side until cooked through.
Skillet method: Heat olive oil in a skillet. Cook chicken 6–7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
Slice thinly.
4. Assemble the Gyros
1. Warm pita breads.
2. Spread a generous layer of tzatziki inside each pita.
3. Fill with sliced chicken, tomato, onion, and lettuce.
4. Top with extra tzatziki and feta if desired.
Notes & Tips
Extra flavor: Add sliced Kalamata olives or a drizzle of red wine vinegar.
Meal prep: Marinate chicken ahead of time and cook just before serving.
Pita hack: Wrap gyros in parchment paper to hold everything together.
Low‑carb option: Serve the chicken and toppings in lettuce wraps instead of pita.
❓ frequently asked questions FAQs
Q: Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?
Yes — bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20–25 minutes until cooked through, then slice.
Q: How long does tzatziki last?
Up to 3 days in the fridge in a sealed container.
Q: Can I use store‑bought pita?
Of course — just warm it up in a skillet or oven before serving.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 480
Protein: 35 g
Fat: 20g
Carbohydrates: 38 g
Fiber: 4 g
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 620 mg