Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce
Description:
Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce is a Mediterranean street food favorite featuring tender, marinated grilled chicken wrapped in warm pita bread and topped with fresh vegetables and a creamy, tangy tzatziki sauce. It’s flavorful, healthy, and incredibly satisfying.
Time Required:
Prep Time: 25 minutes
Marination Time: 1–8 hours (recommended)
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 40 minutes (including marination)
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Marinade:
1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
3 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
3 tbsp olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
4 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
1 tbsp dried oregano
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp ground cumin
Salt & pepper to taste
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/2 cucumber, grated and drained
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp chopped fresh dill (or 1 tsp dried)
Salt to taste
Gyro Assembly:
4–6 pita or flatbreads
1 red onion, thinly sliced
1 tomato, sliced or diced
1/2 cup shredded lettuce (optional)
Crumbled feta (optional)
Fresh parsley or mint (optional) Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
Mix yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Add the chicken and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (up to 8 hours for best flavor).
2. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce:
Grate cucumber, place in a paper towel, and squeeze out excess water.
Combine with yogurt, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, dill, and salt
Chill for 30 minutes to let flavors meld.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Grill, pan-sear, or broil the marinated chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked
Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
4. Warm the Pitas:
Heat pitas in a dry skillet or wrap in foil and warm in the oven.
5. Assemble the Gyros:
Spread tzatziki on warm pita, add chicken slices, top with onion, tomato, lettuce, and optional feta and herbs.
Fold and wrap in parchment or foil for easier eating.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving – 1 gyro with sauce and toppings):
Nutrient Amount
Calories ~450 kcal
Protein ~35g
Carbohydrates ~30g
Fat ~22g
Fiber ~2g
Sugar ~4g
Sodium ~500mg
Note: Nutritional values vary depending on specific ingredients and quantities used.
Q&A Section:
Q1: Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes! Chicken breasts are leaner and work well. Just be careful not to overcook them as they dry out faster.
Q2: Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Absolutely. Substitute the chicken with grilled halloumi, chickpeas, or marinated tofu.
Q3: What if I don’t have Greek yogurt?
Use plain full-fat yogurt. Strain it through cheesecloth for a thicker consistency, if needed.
Q4: Can I prepare this in advance?
Yes! You can:
Marinate chicken the day before
Make tzatziki up to 2 days ahead
Pre-slice vegetables in advance
Q5: How should I store leftovers?
Chicken: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Tzatziki: Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Pitas: Wrap and store
at room temp for 2 days or refrigerat