Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki is one of those meals that feels like a warm hug — juicy, garlicky chicken hugged by soft flatbreads, then cooled off with creamy, herby tzatziki. The Mediterranean flavors sing in harmony, and it’s all surprisingly easy to prepare at home. If you’ve been craving a dish that’s fresh, bold, and satisfying, this is it. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, loved ones, or planning a Greek night in, this gyro recipe is a winner.
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A Taste of Greece in My Kitchen
A Memory of Mykonos in Every Bite
Every time I make these Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki, I’m transported back to a cobbled street café in Mykonos. The scent of grilled oregano chicken wafting through the air, the crunch of fresh cucumber, and the warmth of the flatbread—everything about that memory shaped how I make this dish today. The keyword “Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki” doesn’t just describe the recipe—it evokes sunshine-filled days and laughter around the table.
I still remember the first time I tried a real gyro. The marinade was perfectly tangy with lemon, and the chicken was crisp yet tender. That meal inspired me to recreate the flavor, down to the creamy tzatziki loaded with mint and sliced cucumber.
And while it’s now a staple in my kitchen, the excitement never fades. From my first test batch to serving it during family dinners, this dish consistently wows. One friend compared it to a bite of summer vacation—one that happens to come together in just under 40 minutes.
Why Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Belongs on Your Table
What makes this recipe special is its balance. The marinade isn’t complicated—lemon, garlic, and oregano—but the result is anything but ordinary. Juicy chicken paired with cool, herbaceous tzatziki creates a contrast that’s downright addictive.
Plus, it’s highly customizable. Don’t want flatbread? Serve it over rice like we do in this Mediterranean Chicken with Artichokes and Asparagus. Prefer beef or lamb? The technique holds strong. And if you’re looking for a handheld delight, this wraps up beautifully like the Chimichurri Grilled Chicken Bowl with Garlic Sauce.
Ingredients & Preparation
Ingredient Breakdown
Let’s walk through what you’ll need to make these gyros at home. Here’s a breakdown of the marinade, tzatziki, salad, and serving essentials:
Chicken Marinade
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Chicken thigh fillets | 2 lb / 1 kg |
| Garlic (minced) | 3 cloves (~3 tsp) |
| White wine vinegar | 1 tbsp |
| Lemon juice | 3 tbsp |
| Olive oil (extra virgin) | 1 tbsp |
| Greek yogurt (full fat) | 3 tbsp |
| Dried oregano | 1½ tbsp |
| Salt | 1 tsp |
| Black pepper | To taste |
Tzatziki
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cucumbers (grated) | 2 (½–¾ cup after draining) |
| Greek yogurt | 1¼ cups |
| Lemon juice | 1 tbsp |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp |
| Garlic (minced) | 1 clove |
| Salt | ¼ tsp |
| Black pepper | To taste |
Salad Topping
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Tomatoes (diced) | 3 |
| Cucumbers (diced) | 3 |
| Red onion (chopped) | ½ |
| Fresh parsley (optional) | ¼ cup |
| Salt & Pepper | To taste |
To Serve
-
4–6 pita breads or flatbreads, preferably warm
This recipe shares the same vibrant, fresh energy found in dishes like the Mediterranean Baked Feta Appetizer—simple, satisfying, and packed with flavor.
Tools and Substitutions
You don’t need much: a grill or skillet, a mixing bowl, and a grater for the cucumber. If chicken thighs aren’t available, chicken breast works—though it may be slightly less juicy. You can use red wine or apple cider vinegar in place of white wine vinegar, and dairy-free yogurt substitutes if needed.
For a vegetarian version, try swapping chicken with grilled halloumi or marinated tofu—both work beautifully, much like in my Roasted Cauliflower and Sweet Potato Bowls.
Cooking Instructions & Tips
Step-by-Step Method
1. Marinate the Chicken
Combine marinade ingredients in a ziplock bag. Add chicken and massage to coat. Refrigerate for 3 to 12 hours (don’t exceed 24 hours).
2. Prepare the Tzatziki
Grate and drain cucumber. Mix with yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Let sit for 20 minutes.
3. Make the Salad
Combine diced tomato, cucumber, onion, parsley, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
4. Cook the Chicken
Grill or pan-fry marinated chicken for 2–3 minutes per side until golden. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
5. Assemble the Gyros
Warm pita, layer salad, add sliced chicken, and top with tzatziki. Roll and wrap with parchment paper.
Tips for Success
-
Let the chicken rest before slicing for maximum juiciness.
-
Use thick, full-fat Greek yogurt for the best tzatziki texture.
-
Always squeeze the grated cucumber thoroughly—you want it dry.
For extra flavor, you can sprinkle in a pinch of smoked paprika to the marinade or add crumbled feta just before serving, similar to the vibrant twist in Spinach and Feta Stuffed Phyllo Tart.
Serving, Storing & Pairing
What to Serve With Greek Chicken Gyros
This gyro is a meal in itself but pairs beautifully with oven-roasted vegetables or Mediterranean sides. Try it alongside Tzatziki Chicken Veggie Naan Pizza or a refreshing Mediterranean Pasta Salad.
Chilled white wines like Assyrtiko or Sauvignon Blanc complement the lemony notes of the dish perfectly. For a non-alcoholic option, mint lemonade is fantastic.
How to Store & Reheat
-
Chicken: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the fridge.
-
Tzatziki: Keeps well for 3 days refrigerated.
-
Pita: Wrap in foil and reheat in a low oven or warm skillet.
You can freeze marinated (uncooked) chicken and thaw overnight before cooking. Don’t freeze assembled gyros or tzatziki—they don’t hold up.
FAQ Section
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, but thighs stay juicier. Just adjust cook time slightly.
Is the marinade freezer-friendly?
Absolutely. Freeze chicken in marinade and thaw overnight before grilling.
What kind of yogurt works best for tzatziki?
Full-fat Greek yogurt provides the best creamy texture.
Can I grill the chicken ahead of time?
Yes. Reheat gently and assemble gyros when ready to serve.
Can I use store-bought tzatziki?
You can, but homemade has fresher, brighter flavor.
Conclusion
This Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki recipe is more than just a meal—it’s a flavor-packed escape to the Mediterranean, right from your kitchen. The marinade is bold, the sauce refreshingly cool, and the texture contrast in every bite is pure perfection.
If you enjoyed this, you’ll love the rich, layered taste of my Greek Marinated Chicken or the creamy, dreamy Spinach and Feta Quesadillas.
Did you make this recipe? Let me know in the comments below—I’d love to hear how it turned out! Don’t forget to rate it, share it on Pinterest, and tag your creation at Pinterest @recipesbysylvia.
Print
Mediterranean Delight: Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki
- Total Time: 26
- Yield: 4–6 servings
Description
Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki is a juicy, grilled Mediterranean classic wrapped in warm pita and layered with crisp salad and cool homemade sauce—perfect for lunch or dinner.
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
• 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
• To Serve:
• 4–6 pita breads or flatbreads, warmed
Instructions
1. Place all marinade ingredients in a ziplock bag and mix.
2. Add chicken, massage to coat, and marinate for 3–12 hours.
3. Grate cucumbers, drain, and mix tzatziki ingredients in a bowl. Set aside.
4. In a bowl, combine all salad ingredients and season to taste.
5. Heat grill or skillet over medium-high heat, add a little oil.
6. Cook marinated chicken 2–3 minutes per side until golden and done.
7. Let chicken rest 5 minutes, then slice.
8. Warm pita breads, layer salad, sliced chicken, and tzatziki in center.
9. Wrap with parchment paper, twist to secure, and serve immediately.
Notes
– You can use chicken breasts instead of thighs, but they may be less juicy.
– Tzatziki keeps for 3 days refrigerated, covered.
– Marinated raw chicken can be frozen up to 1 month—thaw overnight before cooking.
– Serve with lemon wedges, crumbled feta, or a side of Greek fries.
– Great for gatherings—set out ingredients buffet-style for self-service gyros.
- Prep Time: 20
- Cook Time: 6
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 gyro
- Calories: 642
- Sugar: 11
- Sodium: 1297
- Fat: 20
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Unsaturated Fat: 13
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 48
- Fiber: 5
- Protein: 65
- Cholesterol: 242