Description
This Greek Chicken Gyros recipe features tender marinated chicken thighs or breasts grilled to perfection and served with a refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce. Wrapped in warm pita bread and topped with fresh lettuce, tomato, red onion, and optional feta cheese, these gyros deliver authentic Mediterranean flavors that are perfect for a satisfying main course.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- 4–6 pita or flatbreads
- 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 tomato, sliced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- Crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl or zip-top bag, combine olive oil, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss until fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 8 hours to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: While the chicken marinates, mix plain Greek yogurt, grated and drained cucumber, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped fresh dill, salt, and pepper in a bowl until well combined. Chill the sauce in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Cook the Chicken: Preheat a grill, grill pan, or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook each side for 5–6 minutes until fully cooked through and slightly charred on the edges. Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain juices.
- Assemble the Gyros: Slice the rested chicken into strips. Warm the pita or flatbreads briefly, then layer with chopped romaine lettuce, sliced chicken, tomato slices, thinly sliced red onion, a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce, and crumbled feta cheese if using. Serve immediately while warm and fresh.
Notes
- For convenience, store-bought tzatziki and pre-washed lettuce can be used to reduce prep time.
- Chicken thighs provide more flavor and juiciness, but chicken breasts can be used for a leaner option.
- Adjust garlic and lemon juice amounts in the tzatziki to suit your taste preferences.
- Leftover gyros ingredients make a great salad or rice bowl topping the next day.
