If you’re craving a burst of Mediterranean sunshine in every bite, you have to try this Greek Chicken Gyros with Lemon-Herb Marinade and Tzatziki Recipe. It’s packed with juicy, tender grilled chicken soaked in vibrant lemon and herb flavors, layered perfectly inside warm pita bread with fresh veggies and a cooling homemade tzatziki sauce. This recipe brings together simple ingredients that transform into a delightful, colorful dish reminiscent of traditional Greek street food, making it an absolute crowd-pleaser for any occasion.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role, whether adding zest, freshness, or that irresistible tang. With just a handful of staples, you’ll create a dish that’s bursting with authentic flavor and pleasing textures.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein base that absorbs all the bright marinade flavors beautifully.
- Greek pita breads or flatbreads: Soft and pliable, perfect for folding around the fillings without falling apart.
- Red onion: Thinly sliced for a mild crunch and a pop of purple color.
- Chopped lettuce: Adds crispness and a fresh contrast to the grilled chicken.
- Tomatoes: Diced juicy bursts that enhance flavor dimension and moisture.
- Cucumber slices: Their coolness complements the warm spices and creamy tzatziki.
- Olive oil: The foundation of the marinade, bringing richness and helping infuse the herbs.
- Lemon juice: Bright acidity that enlivens the marinade, balancing savory notes.
- Red wine vinegar: Provides depth and sharpness to the marinade’s profile.
- Garlic cloves: Minced for bold aromatic punch in both marinade and sauce.
- Dried oregano: A hallmark Greek herb that lends piney, earthy warmth.
- Dried thyme: Adds a subtle herbal complexity alongside oregano.
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential for seasoning and highlighting all the flavors.
- Greek yogurt: The creamy tang in the homemade tzatziki sauce that ties the whole dish together.
- Grated cucumber (drained): The star of tzatziki for its refreshing crunch and moisture.
- Fresh dill: Bright and slightly grassy herb that gives tzatziki its signature flavor.
How to Make Greek Chicken Gyros with Lemon-Herb Marinade and Tzatziki Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Lemon-Herb Marinade
Start by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This aromatic blend is what transforms plain chicken into a juicy, flavor-packed gyro filling. The lemon brightens while the herbs bring that classic Greek vibe.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in a resealable bag and pour in the marinade. Seal it up and refrigerate for at least one hour—though overnight marinating is even better—to let the chicken soak up all those vibrant flavors. Don’t forget to give the bag a little toss every now and then to coat the chicken evenly.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off excess liquid, then grill for about 6 to 7 minutes each side until fully cooked and slightly charred on the outside. The result should be juicy, tender chicken with a gorgeous golden crust.
Step 4: Make the Tzatziki Sauce
While the chicken rests, combine Greek yogurt, grated and drained cucumber, lemon juice, chopped fresh dill, minced garlic, salt, and freshly ground pepper in a bowl. Mix everything well to form a creamy, tangy sauce that perfectly balances the spices from the chicken and fresh veggies.
Step 5: Warm the Pitas and Assemble
Warm the pita breads on the grill for a minute or two on each side until soft and pliable. Then layer sliced grilled chicken, red onion slices, chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, and cucumber slices on each pita. Come the finishing touch: a generous drizzle of that luscious homemade tzatziki sauce before folding and wrapping for easy handling.
How to Serve Greek Chicken Gyros with Lemon-Herb Marinade and Tzatziki Recipe
Garnishes
Enhance your gyros with some fresh garnishes like a sprinkle of chopped parsley or fresh dill for extra greenery and aroma. A few crumbled feta cheese pieces are also a lovely addition if you want a salty contrast. Don’t underestimate the power of a wedge of lemon on the side to squeeze for that burst of freshness right before eating.
Side Dishes
This Greek Chicken Gyros with Lemon-Herb Marinade and Tzatziki Recipe shines with light and bright side dishes. Think warm orzo pasta tossed in olive oil and herbs, roasted Mediterranean vegetables like zucchini and eggplant, or a simple Greek salad loaded with olives and feta cheese. For something heartier, crispy roasted potatoes with oregano and garlic are a classic choice.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to jazz things up beyond the traditional gyro wrap, try serving the gyros deconstructed on a platter as a meze-style feast. Place grilled chicken, tzatziki, veggies, and pita slices separately so everyone can build their own. Alternatively, turn it into a gyro bowl with a bed of fluffy rice or couscous under all the toppings for a gluten-free twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover grilled chicken and tzatziki separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to three days. Keep the pita breads wrapped in foil or in a sealed bag to maintain softness. This way, everything stays fresh and ready for a quick gyro fix later on.
Freezing
Grilled marinated chicken freezes well. Slice it first, then place it in freezer bags with marinade juices to lock in moisture. Tzatziki sauce does not freeze well due to its yogurt base, so it’s best to make a fresh batch or keep small portions refrigerated only.
Reheating
Gently reheat the chicken in a skillet or oven rather than the microwave to preserve juiciness and texture. Warm pita breads covered with foil in the oven to avoid drying out. Add fresh cucumber slices and lettuce when assembling again for crispness since reheated veggies may lose their crunch.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs offer a bit more fat and juiciness, which many find delicious in gyros. Just adjust grilling time accordingly since thighs can be thicker and need to cook through fully.
Is there a substitute for Greek yogurt in tzatziki?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt, strained plain yogurt or labneh work as good alternatives. The key is using thick, creamy yogurt to achieve that rich texture and tangy flavor.
How long can I marinate the chicken?
While one hour is the minimum for good flavor, marinating overnight is ideal for deeper infusion. Avoid going longer than 24 hours as the lemon juice can start to “cook” the chicken and change texture.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Yes! Swap the chicken for grilled vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or halloumi cheese for a delicious vegetarian version while keeping all the traditional elements.
Is this recipe spicy?
This Greek Chicken Gyros with Lemon-Herb Marinade and Tzatziki Recipe is not spicy by default, but you can add chili flakes or a dash of cayenne to the marinade if you want a little heat kick.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly irresistible about this Greek Chicken Gyros with Lemon-Herb Marinade and Tzatziki Recipe that makes it perfect for sharing and savoring. It combines the comforting warmth of grilled chicken with the fresh zest of Mediterranean herbs and the creamy tang of tzatziki in every bite. Once you try this recipe, it’s sure to become a go-to favorite for gatherings, quick dinners, or whenever you want a taste of Greece in your home kitchen.
Print
Greek Chicken Gyros with Lemon-Herb Marinade and Tzatziki Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Greek Chicken Gyros recipe features tender, marinated chicken breasts grilled to perfection and served in warm pita breads with fresh vegetables and a creamy homemade tzatziki sauce. The lemon-herb marinade imparts bright, zesty flavors complemented by the cool cucumber-dill yogurt sauce, creating an authentic and delicious Greek street food experience that can be enjoyed at home.
Ingredients
Chicken and Bread
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 4 Greek pita breads or flatbreads
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 cups chopped lettuce
- 2 tomatoes, diced
- 1 cucumber, sliced
Lemon-Herb Marinade
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Homemade Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cucumber, grated and drained
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper to create the flavorful lemon-herb marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large resealable bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or preferably overnight, turning occasionally to ensure even coating and maximum flavor absorption.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off any excess. Grill the chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
- Rest and Slice Chicken: Allow the grilled chicken to rest for 5 minutes to retain its juices, then slice it thinly for assembling the gyros.
- Make Tzatziki Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated and drained cucumber, lemon juice, chopped dill, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well and set aside to let the flavors meld.
- Warm the Pita Breads: Place pita breads on the grill for 1-2 minutes per side until softened and heated through, making them pliable for wrapping.
- Assemble the Gyros: On each warm pita, layer sliced grilled chicken followed by sliced red onions, chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, and cucumber slices.
- Add Tzatziki Sauce: Drizzle a generous amount of homemade tzatziki sauce over the assembled ingredients to add a creamy, tangy flavor.
- Wrap and Serve: Fold the pita over the fillings and wrap with foil or parchment paper to make it easier to handle and enjoy immediately.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight enhances flavor and tenderness.
- Ensure the cucumber in the tzatziki is well-drained to avoid watery sauce.
- Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness to prevent under or overcooking the chicken.
- Optional: add feta cheese or olives inside the gyro for extra Mediterranean flavor.
- You can substitute grill cooking with a grill pan or stovetop skillet if an outdoor grill is unavailable.
