These juicy, marinated chicken gyros are a flavorful take on a classic Greek street food favorite. Tender grilled chicken thighs, seasoned with Mediterranean spices, are served in warm pita bread alongside crisp vegetables and a refreshing, creamy homemade tzatziki sauce. Whether enjoyed for a casual dinner or meal prep, these gyros are a satisfying and wholesome option full of vibrant taste and texture.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe combines bold, aromatic spices with the richness of marinated chicken and the freshness of tzatziki for a perfectly balanced meal. Easy to prepare and customize, these chicken gyros bring restaurant-quality Greek flavors to your kitchen. With minimal prep and simple ingredients, it’s ideal for busy weeknights, outdoor grilling, or family gatherings. Plus, it’s high in protein and can be adapted to various dietary preferences.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Gyros:
- 2 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1 red onion, sliced
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and drained
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Serving:
- 4 pita breads, warmed
- Sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Directions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cinnamon (if using).
- Add the chicken thighs and sliced red onion to the marinade. Mix to coat thoroughly, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
- Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from the marinade and grill for 6–7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
- Let the cooked chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
- For the tzatziki sauce, combine Greek yogurt, grated and drained cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and chopped dill in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
- Warm pita breads and layer each with sliced chicken, fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce.
- Drizzle with tzatziki sauce and serve immediately.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cooking Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes (plus marinating time)
Variations
- Grill Alternative: Use an oven or air fryer if grilling isn’t an option.
- Protein Swap: Substitute with lamb, beef, or tofu for a different protein base.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve in lettuce wraps or over a salad instead of pita.
- Extra Toppings: Add feta cheese, kalamata olives, or pickled onions for more flavor.
- Spicy Tzatziki: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the sauce for heat.
Storage/Reheating
Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Tzatziki can be refrigerated separately for up to 4 days. Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave before assembling gyros. Pita can be warmed in the oven or on a dry skillet. Avoid freezing assembled gyros; freeze marinated raw chicken or cooked chicken alone if needed.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but thighs are preferred for juiciness and flavor. If using breasts, pound them evenly to ensure uniform cooking.
Do I need to marinate overnight?
While 1 hour is sufficient, marinating overnight enhances flavor and tenderness.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free yogurt for the tzatziki, such as coconut or almond-based alternatives.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, if served with gluten-free pita or over a salad. Check all packaged ingredients to ensure they are certified gluten-free.
Can I cook the chicken in the oven?
Yes. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes or until fully cooked, then broil briefly for color.
How do I grate and drain the cucumber for tzatziki?
Grate the cucumber and place it in a clean cloth or paper towel. Squeeze out excess moisture to prevent a watery sauce.
What type of yogurt is best?
Full-fat Greek yogurt provides the best texture and flavor for tzatziki.
Can I use store-bought tzatziki?
Yes, but homemade offers fresher flavor and allows customization.
What’s the best way to warm pita bread?
Wrap in foil and warm in the oven, or heat on a dry skillet for 1–2 minutes per side.
Can I meal prep this dish?
Absolutely. Prepare the chicken and tzatziki ahead of time and assemble gyros just before serving for a quick, flavorful meal.
Conclusion
These chicken gyros with creamy homemade tzatziki are a delightful fusion of bold Mediterranean spices, juicy grilled meat, and cool, tangy yogurt sauce. Quick to make and endlessly customizable, they’re perfect for casual dinners, family meals, or meal prepping throughout the week. Enjoy a taste of Greek street food made simply in your own kitchen.
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Marinated Chicken Gyros
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Juicy, Marinated Chicken Gyros are bursting with Mediterranean flavor, featuring tender grilled chicken thighs seasoned with lemon, garlic, and spices, wrapped in warm pita bread and topped with crisp veggies and a creamy homemade tzatziki sauce. A wholesome, high-protein meal perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs chicken thighs, boneless and skinless
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon (optional)
- 1 red onion, sliced
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and drained
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Serving:
- 4 pita breads, warmed
- Sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and lettuce
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and cinnamon.
- Add chicken thighs and red onion to the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight is best).
- Preheat grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 6–7 minutes per side until fully cooked. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
- For tzatziki: mix yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, dill, salt, and pepper. Chill until serving.
- Assemble gyros with sliced chicken, fresh veggies, and tzatziki in warm pita. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Chicken can also be cooked in the oven or air fryer.
- Add feta cheese or kalamata olives for extra Greek flavor.
- Tzatziki can be made a day ahead for deeper flavor.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish, Dinner
- Method: Grilling, Pan-Frying
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
