Mediterranean Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce and Greek Salad
Bring the bold, fresh flavors of the Mediterranean straight to your kitchen with these vibrant Greek Chicken Gyros. Tender marinated chicken is grilled to perfection, then wrapped in soft, warm pita and layered with creamy homemade tzatziki and a crisp Greek salad bursting with tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta. These gyros are incredibly satisfying, easy to customize, and perfect for lunch, dinner, or serving a crowd. Each bite delivers savory, zesty, and herby goodness with a cooling touch of yogurt and cucumber—truly a handheld taste of Greece!
Time Required
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Marinating Time: At least 1 hour (up to overnight)
Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
Assembly: 5–10 minutes
Total Time: ~1 hour 30 minutes (including marination)
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade:
2 lbs chicken breast, cut into strips or chunks
¼ cup Greek yogurt
3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
1½ tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
2 tsp dried oregano
Tzatziki Sauce:
1½ cups Greek yogurt
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tbsp red wine vinegar
1–2 tsp salt (to taste)
1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
3 garlic cloves, minced or grated
1 cucumber, grated and squeezed of excess water
Greek Salad:
3 tomatoes, diced
2 cucumbers, peeled and diced
¼ red onion, finely diced
2 tbsp fresh Italian parsley, chopped
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Salt & pepper to taste
Crumbled feta cheese (to garnish)
For Serving:
4–6 Greek pita breads, naan, or flatbreads
Optional: Extra lemon wedges, olives, or hummus on the side
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl or zip-top bag, whisk together yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, and oregano.
Add the chicken pieces and mix to coat evenly.
Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour (or up to overnight for best flavor).
Make the Tzatziki Sauce
Grate the cucumber and squeeze out excess moisture using a cheesecloth or paper towels.
In a mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, salt, dill, and garlic.
Stir in the drained cucumber.
Cover and refrigerate until ready to use (flavor improves over time).
Prepare the Greek Salad
In a large bowl, toss together the diced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and parsley.
Drizzle with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and mix well.
Top with crumbled feta before serving.
Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a little oil if needed.
Cook the marinated chicken for 6–8 minutes, turning to ensure even browning, until fully cooked and golden.
Transfer to a plate and let rest for 5 minutes.
Warm the Pitas
Heat the pita breads in a dry skillet for 30–60 seconds on each side or wrap in foil and warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5–7 minutes.
Assemble the Gyros
Lay out a warm pita.
Add a layer of chicken, then spoon over tzatziki.
Top with a scoop of Greek salad and extra feta if desired.
Fold or wrap tightly and serve immediately!
Tips
Marinate Longer for More Flavor:
Marinating the chicken overnight enhances flavor and tenderness. If short on time, aim for at least 1 hour.
Drain the Cucumber Well for Tzatziki:
Squeeze the grated cucumber thoroughly to prevent the tzatziki from becoming watery. Use a clean towel or cheesecloth for best results.
Use Full-Fat Greek Yogurt:
It gives the tzatziki a richer, creamier texture and balances the acidity from lemon and vinegar.
Warm the Pita Before Serving:
This makes them more pliable for folding and enhances flavor. You can use a skillet, oven, or grill.
Slice Chicken Thinly for Better Texture:
Cutting the chicken thinly or into strips helps it cook evenly and makes it easier to layer in the pita.
Variations
Protein Swaps:
Chicken Thighs: Juicier and more flavorful than breast meat.
Lamb or Beef: Use gyro-style spiced ground meat or marinated lamb chunks for a more traditional twist.
Falafel or Grilled Halloumi: Great vegetarian options that pair perfectly with tzatziki.
Salad Add-Ins:
Add Kalamata olives, bell peppers, or artichoke hearts for extra Mediterranean flair.
Try arugula or baby spinach for a leafy crunch in the gyro.
Herb Substitutes:
If you don’t have dill for the tzatziki, use mint or parsley.
Replace parsley in the Greek salad with fresh oregano for an herby depth.
Spice It Up:
Add a pinch of crushed red pepper to the chicken marinade.
Drizzle a little harissa or chili oil for a spicy kick.
Bread Alternatives:
Use whole wheat, low-carb, or gluten-free flatbreads if needed.
Serve deconstructed over rice or salad for a gyro bowl variation.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can marinate the chicken and prepare the tzatziki and Greek salad a day in advance. Cook the chicken fresh before serving, and reheat the pita right before assembling.
Q: Is there a dairy-free alternative to tzatziki?
A: Absolutely. Use a dairy-free yogurt (like coconut or almond-based), and ensure the cheese and pita you choose are dairy-free too.
Q: What’s the best way to store leftovers?
A: Store the chicken, salad, and tzatziki separately in airtight containers in the fridge. They’ll last up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken gently and assemble fresh gyros when ready to eat.
Q: Can I grill the chicken instead of pan-frying?
A: Definitely! Grilling adds even more flavor. Just preheat your grill to medium-high and cook for about 4–6 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
Q: Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
A: Yes. Place the raw chicken with marinade in a freezer-safe bag and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking.
Nutrition Facts
(Estimates per Serving, assuming 6 servings):
Calories: ~450–500 kcal
Protein: ~38g
Fat: ~22g
Saturated Fat: ~6g
Carbohydrates: ~30g
Fiber: ~3g
Sugar: ~5g
Sodium: ~800mg
Note: Nutritional values will vary based on the size of your pita and the amount of sauce/salad used.
Conclusion
These Greek Chicken Gyros are a wholesome, mouthwatering way to enjoy the flavors of the Mediterranean in a quick, customizable meal. The juicy, herb-marinated chicken, creamy tzatziki, and refreshing Greek salad wrapped in warm pita create a satisfying dish that works great for meal prep, family dinners, or entertaining guests. Healthy, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable—this recipe is sure to become a go-to favorite in your kitchen!