The sizzling sound of marinated chicken hitting a hot grill is a symphony all its own. This is the moment I look forward to every summer when I can whip up these mouthwatering Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce. Trust me, they’re a game-changer for your weeknight dinners! Not only do they bring a healthy, homemade alternative to the chaos of takeout, but they also come together in just about half an hour—perfect for those busy evenings when you crave something special without breaking a sweat. The creamy, refreshing tzatziki contrasts beautifully with the juicy, herb-infused chicken, making it impossible to stop at just one. Ready to elevate your dinner game with this flavorful twist? Let’s dive in!
Why will you love Greek Chicken Gyros?
Unforgettable Flavor: The marinade blends garlic, oregano, and tangy lemon, infusing every bite with robust taste.
Quick to Prepare: Ready in just 26 minutes, this meal is perfect for busy weeknights—minimal fuss, maximum enjoyment!
Fresh Ingredients: The homemade tzatziki pops with freshness from cucumbers and herbs, elevating your gyros like never before.
Satisfying & Healthy: With lean chicken and lots of veggies, these gyros are a wholesome alternative to fast food cravings.
Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for gatherings; everyone loves the chance to build their own delicious wraps!
Greek Chicken Gyros Ingredients
For the Chicken
- Boneless, skinless chicken thigh fillets – Juicier than breast, perfect for grilling.
- Garlic cloves – Minced for intense flavor in every bite.
- White wine vinegar – Adds a zesty touch; can swap with red wine or apple cider vinegar.
- Lemon juice – Freshly squeezed is best for that tangy kick.
- Extra virgin olive oil – Enhances marinade moisture and flavor.
- Dried oregano – A must-have herb for authentic Greek taste.
- Salt – Essential for seasoning to bring out flavors.
- Black pepper – Use to your taste for a peppery hint.
For the Tzatziki
- Cucumbers – Grated and squeezed to make the tzatziki refreshingly cool.
- Full fat Greek yogurt – Creamy base that makes tzatziki irresistible.
- Lemon juice – A splash brightens the tzatziki beautifully.
- Extra virgin olive oil – Adds richness to the sauce.
- Garlic clove – Minced to infuse delicious garlic flavor in the tzatziki.
- Salt – Just a pinch to elevate the overall taste.
- Black pepper – Enhances the tzatziki with mild heat.
For the Salad
- Tomatoes – Deseeded and diced for freshness and crunch.
- Cucumbers – Diced for a crisp bite in the salad.
- Red Spanish onion – Finely chopped for a sweet and sharp flavor contrast.
- Fresh parsley leaves – Optional, but adds a burst of color and flavor.
- Salt and pepper – To season the salad to your liking.
For Serving
- Pita breads or flatbreads – Warm them up for the perfect wrap experience.
Now get ready to savor these amazing Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce that will transport your taste buds straight to the Mediterranean!
Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a ziplock bag, combine minced garlic, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Add the boneless, skinless chicken thighs to the bag, seal it, and massage gently to ensure every piece is coated. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.
Step 2: Prepare the Tzatziki
While the chicken marinates, prepare the tzatziki sauce. Grate the cucumbers and squeeze out excess moisture. In a mixing bowl, combine the grated cucumber with full fat Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Stir well, cover, and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 3: Make the Salad
In a large bowl, combine diced tomatoes, diced cucumbers, finely chopped red onion, and fresh parsley leaves if using. Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste, and gently toss it together. This vibrant salad will add a fresh crunch to your Greek Chicken Gyros, perfectly complementing the seasoned chicken and creamy tzatziki.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
Preheat your outdoor grill to medium-high heat or heat olive oil in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge, shaking off the excess marinade. Cook the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until they are golden brown and fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Step 5: Rest the Chicken
Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for about 5 minutes, loosely covered with foil. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite of your Greek Chicken Gyros is tender and juicy. If the thighs are particularly large, consider cutting them into strips before serving.
Step 6: Assemble the Gyros
Warm the pita breads or flatbreads slightly on the grill or in a toaster. Lay a piece of bread flat, spoon a generous amount of the prepared salad down the center, add slices of chicken, and top with a dollop of the refreshing tzatziki sauce. Roll up the wrap tightly and secure it with parchment or foil for easy handling.
What to Serve with Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce
Enhance your dinner experience with delightful sides that perfectly complement the vibrant flavors of your gyro creation.
-
Creamy Feta Dip: This tangy dip pairs beautifully with gyros, offering a rich yet refreshing balance that will elevate your meal.
-
Crispy Greek Fries: Lightly seasoned with herbs and served with a sprinkle of feta, these fries bring a satisfying crunch alongside your gyros.
-
Herbed Quinoa Salad: A light and fluffy salad full of Mediterranean flavors, quinoa adds a wholesome grain that rounds out your dinner perfectly.
-
Lemon Roasted Vegetables: The zesty flavors of lemon and oregano on these roasted veggies enhance the herbaceous notes in the gyros, creating a delightful harmony.
-
Stuffed Grape Leaves (Dolmas): These vine-wrapped rice and herb bundles provide a unique texture and flavor, making each bite a delightful surprise.
-
Sparkling Mint Lemonade: Refreshing and light, this drink complements the dish's richness while enhancing its Mediterranean flair.
-
Baklava: For dessert, this sweet, flaky pastry drenched in honey will leave you with a satisfying end to a flavorful meal. The combination of nuts and honey provides a sweet contrast to the savory gyros.
How to Store and Freeze Greek Chicken Gyros
Fridge: Store leftover Greek Chicken Gyros in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the tzatziki separate until ready to enjoy.
Freezer: For best quality, freeze cooked chicken without the salad and tzatziki. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil or use a freezer-safe bag; it will last up to 3 months.
Reheating: To reheat, thaw in the fridge overnight, then warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until heated through. Refresh the pita bread in a toaster or on the grill.
Tzatziki Storage: Tzatziki can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days. Keep it in a sealed container to maintain its freshness and flavor.
Make Ahead Options
These Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce are fantastic for meal prep enthusiasts! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, allowing the flavors to deepen while saving time during a busy weeknight. The tzatziki sauce can also be prepared up to 3 days ahead; just store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain its freshness. For the salad, you can chop the tomatoes and cucumbers up to 3 days in advance—just add a pinch of salt to keep everything crisp. When you’re ready to serve, simply grill the marinated chicken, assemble your gyros, and enjoy restaurant-quality results with minimal effort!
Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce Variations
Explore delightful ways to make this dish your own and add your personal twist to each bite!
-
Dairy-Free: Use coconut yogurt instead of Greek yogurt for a creamy texture without the dairy.
-
Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the marinade for an extra kick that tantalizes the taste buds.
-
Herb Swap: Experiment with fresh herbs like dill or mint in the tzatziki for a unique flavor profile that dances on your palate.
-
Add Crunch: Incorporate crunchy radishes or bell peppers into the salad for additional texture and a burst of color that pleases the eye.
-
Grain-Free: Swap pita for large lettuce leaves to create a low-carb option that’s just as satisfying and refreshing.
-
Zesty Twist: Replace lemon juice with lime juice in both the marinade and tzatziki for a tangy twist that brings a new brightness.
-
Baked Version: Bake the marinated chicken in the oven for a hands-off approach, while still achieving juicy and flavorful results.
-
Vegan Option: Substitute the chicken with marinated tempeh or grilled portobello mushrooms for a hearty vegetarian alternative.
Expert Tips for Greek Chicken Gyros
Marination Matters: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 2 hours, but ideally up to 24 hours for the most flavorful Greek Chicken Gyros.
Grate and Squeeze: When preparing tzatziki, make sure to squeeze out all excess liquid from cucumbers. This keeps the sauce thick and prevents it from becoming watery.
Cook with Care: Avoid overcrowding the pan or grill when cooking the chicken. This ensures even cooking and helps achieve a nice golden crust.
Rest the Chicken: Don't skip the resting step after cooking! Letting the chicken sit for 5 minutes keeps it juicy and prevents dry bites.
Fresh Is Best: Use fresh ingredients for all components—especially the tzatziki— to maximize flavor and make your Greek Chicken Gyros truly refreshing.
Customize Your Wraps: Feel free to add your favorite toppings like feta cheese or olives for an extra Mediterranean twist!
Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe FAQs
What kind of chicken is best for gyros?
I recommend using boneless, skinless chicken thigh fillets for Greek Chicken Gyros. They are juicier and more flavorful compared to chicken breasts, making them perfect for grilling and ensuring each bite is tender and succulent.
How can I store leftover gyros?
Leftover Greek Chicken Gyros can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To maintain freshness, keep the tzatziki sauce separate until you’re ready to enjoy them again.
Can I freeze the chicken and tzatziki?
Absolutely! For freezing, wrap cooked chicken tightly in plastic wrap and foil or place it in a freezer-safe bag. It will last up to 3 months. Tzatziki should not be frozen, but it can be kept in the fridge in a sealed container for up to 5 days.
What if my tzatziki is too watery?
If your tzatziki turns out watery, it could be due to excess cucumber juice. To fix this, you can strain the tzatziki through a fine mesh sieve or cheesecloth, letting it drain for about 15-20 minutes. This should thicken it nicely!
How do I know if my chicken is cooked properly?
To check if the chicken is done, use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have one, cut into a piece of chicken; it should be opaque and no longer pink inside.
Can I customize the gyros with other ingredients?
The more the merrier! Feel free to add your favorite toppings like feta cheese, olives, or even pickled veggies for an extra flavor boost in your Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce!
Juicy Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce You’ll Love
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a ziplock bag, combine minced garlic, white wine vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken thighs, seal it, and massage gently. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours, or up to 24 hours.
- While the chicken marinates, prepare the tzatziki. Grate cucumbers and squeeze out excess moisture. Combine with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and let rest in the fridge for at least 20 minutes.
- In a large bowl, combine diced tomatoes, diced cucumbers, chopped onion, and parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then gently toss.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or heat olive oil in a frying pan. Remove chicken from the fridge, shaking off excess marinade. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Once cooked, transfer chicken to a plate and let it rest for about 5 minutes. Optionally, cut into strips before serving.
- Warm pita breads or flatbreads. Lay a piece flat, spoon salad down the center, add slices of chicken, and top with tzatziki. Roll up tightly and secure for easy handling.
Leave a Reply