I recently whipped up an Authentic Chicken Gyro Recipe with chicken breasts marinated in Greek yogurt, lemon, olive oil, and garlic. The crisp cucumber tzatziki with dill mixed with diced tomato and red onion brings bursts of flavor. I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by the freshness in every bite.

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I love whipping up Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki on nights when I want something quick yet flavorful. I marinate 1.5 lbs of boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs in a mix of 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, juice of 1 lemon, 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, and some dried oregano along with salt and pepper to taste.

When the chicken cooks, it gets this amazing smoky flavor that really makes the dish pop. Then there’s the tzatziki – I simply combine 1 cup plain Greek yogurt with a grated medium cucumber that’s been well drained, 2 more garlic cloves, 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and a drizzle of olive oil.

I toss in some diced tomato and thinly sliced red onion for extra crunch and freshness, then wrap it all in warm pita bread. This gyro recipe is an easy Mediterranean twist that never disappoints.

Why I Like this Recipe

I like this recipe for a bunch of reasons. First, I love how fast and easy it is to put together when Im in a rush after school or work. I mean, the chicken marinates quick and it only takes a few minutes on the grill so it’s perfect for busy nights.

Second, the flavors just pop. The tangy lemon and yogurt marinade gives the chicken a really unique taste that pairs so well with the fresh veggies and creamy tzatziki sauce, its like a burst of Greek goodness in every bite.

Third, I like that I can mix textures and temperatures. Warm pita with cool, crunchy cucumber in the tzatziki and juicy grilled chicken creates a great contrast that never gets boring.

Lastly, it feels really satisfying and homemade, even if it isnt perfect. Its easy to tweak here and there and I dont have to worry about making everything look like a pro made it which makes it even more fun to cook.

Ingredients

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Chicken: lean, high protein meat that gives savory flavor and more nutritional punch.
Greek yogurt marinade: thick and tangy, it tenderizes chicken and adds creaminess and extra protein.
Cucumber: crunchy, fiber-rich veggie that refreshes the tzatziki with a slightly sweet taste.
Tomato: juicy, vitamin-packed fruit that delivers a burst of tangy flavor and moist texture.
Red onion: crisp, mildly sharp addition that balances flavors and adds a zesty crunch.
Lemon juice: bright, acidic, and refreshing, perfect for lifting both marinade and tzatziki notes.
Olive oil: healthy fat that enhances flavor and moisture for a truly scrumptious gyro experience.

Ingredient Quantities

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs

1 cup plain Greek yogurt (for marinade)

Juice of 1 lemon

2 tbsp olive oil (for marinade)

3 garlic cloves, minced (for marinade)

1 tsp dried oregano

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup plain Greek yogurt (for tzatziki)

1 medium cucumber, grated and well drained

2 garlic cloves, minced (for tzatziki)

2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped

1 tbsp lemon juice (for tzatziki)

1 tbsp olive oil (for tzatziki)

Salt and pepper to taste (for tzatziki)

1 large tomato, diced

1 small red onion, thinly sliced

1/2 cup shredded lettuce (optional)

4 warm pita breads

How to Make this

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1. In a bowl, mix 1 cup Greek yogurt, lemon juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, minced garlic, 1 tsp dried oregano, salt and pepper. Add your chicken breasts or thighs and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.

2. Preheat your grill to medium high heat. While you’re waiting for it to heat up, grab your oven or a pan if you prefer cooking indoors.

3. Grill the marinated chicken for about 5-6 minutes per side until cooked through. Then let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.

4. For the tzatziki, combine the other 1 cup Greek yogurt with grated cucumber (make sure it’s well drained), 2 garlic cloves minced, 2 tbsp fresh dill, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir it all together until smooth.

5. Dice your large tomato and thinly slice the small red onion. If you like, shred about 1/2 cup of lettuce.

6. Warm your pita breads on the grill or in a pan until they’re soft and pliable.

7. Slice the grilled chicken into thin strips.

8. Assemble the gyros by placing the chicken strips in the middle of each pita bread.

9. Top the chicken with the diced tomato, red onion slices, and shredded lettuce if using.

10. Drizzle a generous amount of that creamy tzatziki sauce over the top, wrap it up, and enjoy your quick and delicious Greek chicken gyros!

Equipment Needed

1. A large mixing bowl (for the marinade)
2. A second bowl (for making the tzatziki)
3. Measuring cups and spoons
4. A grill or a grill pan (or your oven if you’re cooking indoors)
5. A knife
6. A cutting board
7. A grater (for the cucumber)
8. Tongs or a spatula (for flipping the chicken)
9. A plate (to let the chicken rest)

FAQ

Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

A: Yes, you can use either. Thighs are juicier and add a different flavor but either one works.

Q: How long should I marinate the chicken?

A: Marinate it for at least 1 hour, but overnight is even better to really infuse the flavors.

Q: What should I do to remove extra water from the cucumber?

A: Grate the cucumber and squeeze out as much liquid as you can, or let it drain in a sieve for a bit.

Q: Can I use dried dill instead of fresh for the tzatziki?

A: I’d recommend you use fresh dill if you can cause it gives a brighter taste, but dried can work in a pinch.

Q: How do I assemble the gyros?

A: Simply layer sliced chicken, diced tomato, red onion, a bit of shredded lettuce, and a generous spoon of tzatziki in a warm pita.

Greek Chicken Gyros With Tzatziki Recipe Substitutions and Variations

If you dont have plain Greek yogurt for the marinade, you can use sour cream instead for a similar tangy effect.
If you’re out of chicken breasts, try using chicken thighs or even turkey for a different flavor twist.
For the tzatziki, you can swap fresh dill with mint if thats what you have on hand, it still offers a fresh vibe.
If you cant find pita breads, warming up a soft flatbread or tortilla works pretty well too.

Pro Tips

1. A little extra time for the marinade really makes a difference, so if you can let the chicken sit longer than 30 minutes it will be much more tender and flavorful.
2. Make sure you squeeze out all the water from the cucumber when you grate it. This stops the tzatziki from being too runny and keeps it nice and thick.
3. Let the chicken rest after cooking before slicing it. This helps the juices settle and keeps every bite moist and delicious.
4. When warming up the pita, try lightly brushing them with a little extra olive oil. This little trick makes them softer and adds a hint of extra flavor.

Greek Chicken Gyros With Tzatziki Recipe

Recipe by Dan Coroni

0.0 from 0 votes

I recently whipped up an Authentic Chicken Gyro Recipe with chicken breasts marinated in Greek yogurt, lemon, olive oil, and garlic. The crisp cucumber tzatziki with dill mixed with diced tomato and red onion brings bursts of flavor. I think you'll be pleasantly surprised by the freshness in every bite.

Servings

servings

Calories

650

kcal

Equipment: 1. A large mixing bowl (for the marinade)
2. A second bowl (for making the tzatziki)
3. Measuring cups and spoons
4. A grill or a grill pan (or your oven if you’re cooking indoors)
5. A knife
6. A cutting board
7. A grater (for the cucumber)
8. Tongs or a spatula (for flipping the chicken)
9. A plate (to let the chicken rest)

Ingredients

1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
1 cup plain Greek yogurt (for marinade)
Juice of 1 lemon
2 tbsp olive oil (for marinade)
3 garlic cloves, minced (for marinade)
1 tsp dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup plain Greek yogurt (for tzatziki)
1 medium cucumber, grated and well drained
2 garlic cloves, minced (for tzatziki)
2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
1 tbsp lemon juice (for tzatziki)
1 tbsp olive oil (for tzatziki)
Salt and pepper to taste (for tzatziki)
1 large tomato, diced
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup shredded lettuce (optional)
4 warm pita breads

Directions

In a bowl, mix 1 cup Greek yogurt, lemon juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, minced garlic, 1 tsp dried oregano, salt and pepper. Add your chicken breasts or thighs and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat your grill to medium high heat. While you're waiting for it to heat up, grab your oven or a pan if you prefer cooking indoors.
Grill the marinated chicken for about 5-6 minutes per side until cooked through. Then let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.
For the tzatziki, combine the other 1 cup Greek yogurt with grated cucumber (make sure it's well drained), 2 garlic cloves minced, 2 tbsp fresh dill, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir it all together until smooth.
Dice your large tomato and thinly slice the small red onion. If you like, shred about 1/2 cup of lettuce.
Warm your pita breads on the grill or in a pan until they're soft and pliable.
Slice the grilled chicken into thin strips.
Assemble the gyros by placing the chicken strips in the middle of each pita bread.
Top the chicken with the diced tomato, red onion slices, and shredded lettuce if using.
Drizzle a generous amount of that creamy tzatziki sauce over the top, wrap it up, and enjoy your quick and delicious Greek chicken gyros!

Notes

Below you’ll find my best estimate of this recipe’s nutrition facts. Treat the numbers as a guide rather than a rule—great food should nourish both body and spirit. Figures are approximate, and the website owner assumes no liability for any inaccuracies in this recipe.