Greek Chicken Gyros with Homemade Tzatziki
Description
These Greek chicken gyros with homemade tzatziki are packed with juicy marinated chicken, crisp vegetables, and a creamy garlic-cucumber tzatziki sauce wrapped in warm pita bread. This Mediterranean favourite is fresh, flavourful, and surprisingly easy to make at home. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, these gyros deliver restaurant-quality flavour in every bite.
Servings
- Serves: 4
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Marinating Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp cumin
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- ½ cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- Salt to taste
For Serving
- 4 pita breads
- Lettuce leaves
- Sliced tomatoes
- Red onion slices
- Cucumber slices
Instructions
Step 1
Combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Toss with chicken and marinate for at least 1 hour.
Step 2
Mix all tzatziki ingredients in a bowl and refrigerate until ready to use.
Step 3
Grill or pan-sear chicken over medium-high heat for 6–7 minutes per side until fully cooked.
Step 4
Rest chicken for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
Step 5
Warm pita breads.
Step 6
Fill each pita with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, sliced chicken, and a generous spoonful of tzatziki sauce.
Step 7
Serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Chicken thighs provide the juiciest result.
- Fresh dill greatly improves the tzatziki flavour.
- Allowing the chicken to marinate longer enhances the taste.
Tips
Make tzatziki a day ahead for deeper flavour.
Add crumbled feta cheese for extra richness.
Grill pitas lightly before serving.
Serve with roasted potatoes or a Greek salad.
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 420
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 24g
- Fat: 20g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
Approximate values.
Benefits
- High in lean protein.
- Rich in probiotics from Greek yoghurt.
- Contains heart-healthy olive oil.
- Loaded with fresh vegetables and Mediterranean flavours.
Q&A
Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, both work well.
Q: How long does tzatziki last?
Up to 3 days refrigerated.
Q: Can I make this low-carb?
Serve the chicken and toppings in lettuce wraps instead of pita.
Q: Can I cook the chicken in an air fryer?
Yes, cook at 380°F (193°C) for 12–15 minutes.