Greek Chicken Gyros Tzatziki

This authentic Greek Chicken Gyros recipe transports me back to my travels through Greece where street vendors crafted these delicious handheld meals. The fragrant marinade combines zesty lemon with aromatic herbs that infuse the chicken with Mediterranean flavors while the cool tzatziki creates the perfect balance.

I first made these gyros after returning from Athens and desperately missing the street food. My family now requests them weekly and even my picky eaters devour them without complaint.

Ingredients

• Chicken breast provides the perfect lean protein base and absorbs the marinade beautifully
• Olive oil helps tenderize the meat while adding authentic Mediterranean flavor
• Fresh lemon juice brightens the entire dish and helps tenderize the chicken
• Garlic cloves add essential aromatic depth look for firm bulbs with tight skin
• Dried oregano is quintessentially Greek choose Mediterranean oregano if possible
• Salt enhances all the flavors kosher salt works best
• Black pepper adds gentle heat freshly ground provides the best flavor
• Pita breads choose thick Greek style pitas that can hold fillings without tearing
• Tzatziki sauce adds cooling creaminess homemade is best but quality store bought works
• Crisp lettuce provides fresh crunch romaine offers the best texture
• Juicy tomatoes add sweet acidity choose ripe vine tomatoes
• Red onion delivers sharp bite slice paper thin for best texture

How To Make Greek Chicken Gyros with Lemon-Herb Marinade

Prepare the marinade

Combine olive oil lemon juice minced garlic dried oregano salt and pepper in a glass bowl and whisk thoroughly until emulsified. The acid from the lemon will help tenderize the chicken while the herbs infuse it with flavor.

Marinate the chicken

Slice chicken breast into thin strips about half inch thick and place in the marinade making sure each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or ideally overnight. The longer it marinates the more flavorful your gyros will be.

Cook the chicken

Heat a heavy skillet or grill pan over medium high heat until very hot. Remove chicken from marinade letting excess drip off and cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes turning occasionally until golden brown with slight charring and internal temperature reaches 165°F.

Warm the pita

While the chicken rests for a few minutes warm your pita breads on the same grill or in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds per side until soft and pliable but not crisp. Cover with a clean kitchen towel to keep warm.

Assemble the gyros

Lay each warm pita flat and spread with a generous spoonful of tzatziki. Add a portion of the cooked chicken strips down the center then top with lettuce tomatoes and thinly sliced red onion. Fold the bottom up slightly then roll from one side creating a secure wrap.

My absolute favorite part of this recipe is the tzatziki sauce. I remember watching my Greek friend's grandmother make it by hand straining yogurt overnight and grating cucumber at her kitchen table. While my version might be simplified her technique of adding a tiny pinch of dried mint is something I always include as my secret touch.

Make-Ahead Tips

The components of these gyros can be prepared in advance for easy assembly. Marinate and cook the chicken up to two days ahead and store in the refrigerator. Tzatziki actually improves after sitting for a day as the flavors meld together. When ready to serve simply reheat the chicken gently in a skillet warm the pitas and assemble your gyros for a lightning fast meal.

Perfect Tzatziki

The key to authentic tzatziki is properly draining the cucumber. After grating it place in a clean kitchen towel and squeeze out all excess moisture. This prevents watery sauce that will make your gyros soggy. Use full fat Greek yogurt for the creamiest texture and add a small clove of garlic grated on a microplane rather than chopped for even distribution of flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Transform your gyros into a complete Greek feast by serving alongside a classic Greek salad with chunks of feta lemon roasted potatoes or a simple side of warm pita triangles with hummus. For drinks a crisp white wine like Assyrtiko or a light beer complements the flavors perfectly. If serving for a casual gathering set up a gyro bar where guests can assemble their own with various toppings.

Cultural Context

Gyros became popular in Greece in the 1970s though similar rotating meat dishes existed throughout the Middle East and Mediterranean for centuries. The word "gyro" comes from the Greek word meaning "turn" referring to the traditional vertical rotisserie method. While authentic Greek gyros often use pork chicken has become increasingly popular as a lighter alternative particularly in American Greek restaurants.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Yes, chicken thighs work wonderfully and often result in even juicier gyros. They may require slightly longer cooking time (7-9 minutes per side) but provide more flavor due to their higher fat content.

→ How long can I marinate the chicken?

While 30 minutes is the minimum, marinating for 4-24 hours in the refrigerator will yield the most flavorful results. Don't exceed 24 hours as the lemon juice can begin to break down the chicken texture too much.

→ Can I make my own tzatziki sauce?

Absolutely! Combine 1 cup Greek yogurt, 1/2 cucumber (grated and squeezed dry), 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, and fresh dill. Season with salt and let it chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

→ What can I serve with Greek chicken gyros?

Greek salad, lemon rice, roasted potatoes with oregano, or a simple cucumber and tomato salad make excellent sides. For a complete Greek-inspired meal, consider adding hummus and warm pita triangles as appetizers.

→ How do I store and reheat leftover gyro meat?

Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water to maintain moisture. Assemble with fresh vegetables and tzatziki just before serving.

→ Can I make this dish ahead for a party?

Yes! Marinate and cook the chicken in advance, then set up a gyro bar with warmed pita, tzatziki, and toppings. Guests can assemble their own gyros, making it perfect for casual entertaining.