Transport your taste buds straight to the sun-soaked streets of Athens with this authentic Greek chicken gyros recipe that brings the vibrant flavors of Greece right to your kitchen. This Greek chicken gyros with cucumber tzatziki sauce combines perfectly marinated chicken with fresh, creamy tzatziki and warm pita bread for an unforgettable Mediterranean dining experience that rivals any Greek taverna.
Whether you’re planning a summer dinner party, looking for quick weeknight meal solutions, or craving the bold flavors of Greek cuisine, this recipe delivers restaurant-quality results with simple ingredients you can find at any grocery store. The secret lies in the aromatic gyro meat marinade that infuses the chicken with traditional Greek herbs and spices, creating tender, flavorful meat that pairs beautifully with the cool, refreshing cucumber tzatziki sauce.
Recipe Information
- Difficulty: Easy
- Preparation Time: 30 minutes
- Cooking Time: 25 minutes
- Marinating Time: 2-4 hours (or overnight)
- Total Time: 3-5 hours
- Servings: 4-6 people
- Estimated Cost: Affordable
Ingredients for Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe
For the Gyros Chicken Marinade:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into strips
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
For the Cucumber Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 large English cucumber, grated
- 2 cups Greek yogurt (full-fat)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
For Assembly:
- 6 pita breads, warmed
- 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 large tomatoes, sliced
- 1 cucumber, sliced
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Equipment Required
- Large mixing bowl
- Fine-mesh strainer or colander
- Clean kitchen towels
- Grill pan or outdoor grill
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Serving plates
Recipe Preparation: Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Gyro Marinade
- Create the marinade base: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, and red wine vinegar until well combined. This aromatic base forms the foundation of your gyro marinade.
- Add the spice blend: Incorporate oregano, thyme, paprika, cumin, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using) into the oil mixture. Whisk thoroughly to ensure all spices are evenly distributed throughout the marinade.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the chicken strips to the bowl and toss until every piece is completely coated with the gyros chicken marinade. Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight for maximum flavor penetration.
Making the Cucumber Tzatziki Sauce
- Prepare the cucumber: Grate the cucumber using the large holes of a box grater. Place the grated cucumber in a fine-mesh strainer, sprinkle with 1 teaspoon of salt, and let it drain for 30 minutes to remove excess moisture.
- Remove excess water: After draining, wrap the salted cucumber in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze firmly to remove as much liquid as possible. This step is crucial for achieving the perfect tzatziki consistency.
- Combine tzatziki ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix the drained cucumber with Greek yogurt, minced garlic, fresh dill, lemon juice, olive oil, and white pepper. Stir until all ingredients are well incorporated.
- Chill the sauce: Cover the tzatziki sauce and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Cooking the Chicken
- Preheat your cooking surface: Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat or prepare your outdoor grill. The cooking surface should be hot enough that water droplets sizzle and evaporate immediately.
- Cook the marinated chicken: Remove chicken from marinade and cook for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The chicken should develop beautiful golden-brown char marks while remaining juicy inside.
- Rest the meat: Allow the cooked chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This resting period helps redistribute the juices throughout the meat.
Assembly
- Warm the pita bread: Heat pita breads in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side or wrap in damp paper towels and microwave for 30 seconds.
- Build your gyros: Spread a generous layer of tzatziki sauce on each warm pita, add sliced chicken, red onion, tomatoes, cucumber, and olives. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and feta cheese if desired.
Chef’s Tips and Variations
Pro Tips for Perfect Gyros:
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for more flavor and moisture retention during cooking
- Don’t skip the marinating time – the longer you marinate (up to 24 hours), the more flavorful your chicken will be
- Make tzatziki ahead – it tastes even better after sitting overnight in the refrigerator
- Squeeze cucumber thoroughly – excess moisture will make your tzatziki watery and less appetizing
Delicious Variations:
- Rotisserie Chicken Gyros: For a quick weeknight version, use store-bought rotisserie chicken. Simply warm it with some of the marinade spices for extra flavor
- Vegetarian Option: Replace chicken with grilled halloumi cheese or marinated portobello mushrooms
- Spicy Version: Add extra cayenne pepper to the marinade and include sliced jalapeños in your gyros assembly
- Herb Variations: Try fresh mint instead of dill in the tzatziki for a different flavor profile
Perfect Pairings:
These Greek chicken pita recipes pair wonderfully with:
- Greek lemon potatoes
- Traditional Greek salad (horiatiki)
- Grilled vegetables
- Rice pilaf
- Greek-style roasted vegetables
Storage Tips:
- Cooked chicken: Store in refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Tzatziki sauce: Keeps for up to 5 days in the refrigerator
- Assembled gyros: Best eaten immediately, but components can be stored separately
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 485
- Protein: 42g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fat: 18g
- Fiber: 4g
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 920mg
Why This Recipe Works for Summer
This recipe is perfect for your summer grilling recipes collection because it combines the freshness of cucumber and herbs with the satisfying protein of perfectly seasoned chicken. The cooling tzatziki sauce provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, spiced meat, making it ideal for hot summer days. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or looking for summer dinner recipes that won’t heat up your kitchen, these gyros deliver maximum flavor with minimal fuss.
The Mediterranean flavors transport you to a Greek island vacation, while the make-ahead components make this recipe perfect for entertaining. You can marinate the chicken and prepare the tzatziki sauce the day before, then simply grill the chicken when you’re ready to serve.
Conclusion
This authentic Greek chicken gyros with cucumber tzatziki sauce recipe brings the beloved flavors of Greek street food to your home kitchen. The combination of aromatic spices, tender marinated chicken, and creamy homemade tzatziki creates a meal that’s both satisfying and refreshing. Perfect for family dinners, casual entertaining, or whenever you’re craving the vibrant tastes of the Mediterranean.
The beauty of this recipe lies in its versatility and the way each component complements the others. The acidic marinade tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with classic Greek flavors, the cooling tzatziki provides a creamy contrast, and the fresh vegetables add crunch and brightness to every bite.
Have you tried making homemade gyros before? We’d love to hear about your experience with this recipe! Please leave a comment below sharing your results, any modifications you made, or questions you might have. Don’t forget to share photos of your Greek chicken gyros on social media using #HomemadeGyros – we love seeing your culinary creations!
For more Greece recipes dinners and Mediterranean-inspired dishes, be sure to check out our other Greek recipe collections on the blog.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for this gyro meat marinade?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but thighs are recommended because they stay more tender and flavorful during grilling. If using breasts, be careful not to overcook them and consider pounding them to even thickness for uniform cooking.
How long can I marinate the chicken for the best flavor?
The chicken can be marinated anywhere from 2 hours to 24 hours. The minimum time is 2 hours for decent flavor penetration, but overnight marination (8-12 hours) produces the best results for this gyros chicken marinade.
Can I make tzatziki sauce without Greek yogurt?
While Greek yogurt is preferred for its thick consistency and tangy flavor, you can substitute regular plain yogurt. Just strain it through cheesecloth for 2-4 hours to remove excess whey and achieve a thicker consistency similar to Greek yogurt.
What’s the best way to reheat leftover gyro meat?
Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of olive oil, or warm it in the microwave in 30-second intervals. Avoid overcooking as this will dry out the meat.
Can this recipe be made ahead for meal prep?
Absolutely! This recipe is excellent for meal prep. Cook the chicken and prepare the tzatziki sauce ahead of time, then assemble fresh gyros throughout the week. The components stay fresh for 3-5 days when stored separately in the refrigerator.
