Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki
Why Make This Recipe
Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki is a delicious and savory dish that brings the flavors of Greece right to your kitchen. It is easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a get-together with friends. The tender, marinated chicken pairs beautifully with the fresh and creamy tzatziki sauce, making it a crowd-pleaser. It’s a fun dish to assemble, letting everyone customize their own gyros to their taste.
How to Make Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki
Ingredients:
- 2 lb / 1 kg chicken thigh fillets (boneless skinless)
- 3 large garlic cloves (minced, ~3 tsp)
- 1 tbsp white wine vinegar (or red wine or apple cider vinegar)
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tbsp Greek yogurt (preferably full fat)
- 1 1/2 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- Black pepper
- 2 cucumbers (to make about 1/2 – 3/4 cup grated cucumber after squeezing out juice)
- 1 1/4 cups Greek yogurt (preferably full fat)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (or more if you want richer)
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 1/4 tsp salt
- Black pepper
- 3 tomatoes (deseeded and diced)
- 3 cucumbers (diced)
- 1/2 red Spanish onion (peeled and finely chopped)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves (optional)
- Salt and pepper
- 4 to 6 pita breads or flatbreads
Directions:
- Place the marinade ingredients (chicken thigh fillets, garlic, vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, Greek yogurt, oregano, salt, and black pepper) in a ziplock bag.
- Massage the bag to mix the marinade well.
- Add the chicken into the ziplock bag and massage it to cover all the chicken in the marinade.
- Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, preferably 3 hours, ideally 12 hours, and no longer than 24 hours.
- While the chicken is marinating, make the tzatziki sauce. Grate the cucumbers and squeeze out excess juice.
- In a bowl, mix the grated cucumbers with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
- To make the salad, combine diced tomatoes, diced cucumbers, chopped red onion, and parsley (if using). Season with salt and pepper.
- Cook the marinated chicken over medium-high heat on a grill or in a pan until fully cooked and browned.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice it up.
- Assemble your gyros by placing the sliced chicken in a pita bread, adding tzatziki, and topping it with the fresh salad.
How to Serve Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki
Serve the gyros warm, allowing guests to customize their pita with the chicken, tzatziki, and salad. It’s great to have extra tzatziki on the side for dipping. This dish pairs well with some crispy fries or a light Greek salad.
How to Store Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki
To store leftovers, keep the chicken, tzatziki, and salad in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. Warm the chicken before serving, but it’s best to enjoy the gyros fresh. You can store them for up to 3 days.
Tips to Make Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki
- Marinate the chicken overnight for even better flavor.
- Use fresh, full-fat Greek yogurt for a richer tzatziki.
- Feel free to add other toppings like feta cheese or olives for extra flavor.
- Adjust the garlic and herbs in the tzatziki and salad based on your taste preferences.
Variation
You can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breast for a leaner option. Alternatively, you can use lamb or beef for different flavor profiles. For a vegetarian option, grilled vegetables or chickpeas can work great as fillings.
FAQs
1. Can I make the tzatziki sauce ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the tzatziki sauce a day in advance and store it in the fridge. The flavors will meld beautifully overnight.
2. What can I use instead of pita bread?
If you don’t have pita bread, flatbreads or even lettuce wraps make a great alternative for a low-carb option.
3. Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
Absolutely! You can freeze the marinated chicken. Just make sure to thaw it in the fridge before cooking it.