If you’re looking for a savory, vibrant dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or summer get-together, Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki should top your list. Combining grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, pillowy pita bread, and a cool, garlicky cucumber yogurt sauce, this dish captures the heart of Mediterranean cuisine in every bite
Whether you’re new to Greek cooking or a seasoned home chef, this guide walks you through everything you need to know to make authentic chicken gyros at home — from ingredients to storage tips, and even a few international fusion twists.
What Makes a Chicken Gyro “Greek”?
The gyro is a beloved staple of Greek street food, traditionally made with layers of meat slow-cooked on a vertical spit. The chicken variation is lighter but no less flavorful. It’s marinated in lemon juice, olive oil, oregano, and garlic, which gives the meat that unmistakable Mediterranean depth.
The Greek twist comes from:
- Use of herbs like oregano, thyme, and mint
- Marinating techniques that tenderize and infuse the meat
- Accompaniments like tzatziki, tomatoes, onions, and pita
Cucumber Tzatziki: The Cool Companion
Tzatziki sauce is a creamy cucumber-yogurt dip that adds a tangy, refreshing element to the savory richness of chicken gyros. It’s traditionally made with:
- Greek yogurt (for its rich texture and probiotic benefits)
- Grated cucumber, squeezed dry
- Minced garlic
- Fresh dill or mint
- Lemon juice and olive oil
This sauce isn’t just a flavorful dressing — it’s packed with health benefits too. According to Greek yogurt is high in protein, supports gut health, and is lower in lactose than regular yogurt, making it a smart addition to your diet.
Ingredients Breakdown & Smart Substitutions
Here’s what you’ll need to make both the chicken gyros and tzatziki sauce:
Chicken Gyros:
- Boneless chicken thighs or breasts
- Greek-style pita bread
- Olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, oregano, salt, pepper
Tzatziki Sauce:
- Greek yogurt
- Cucumber
- Fresh dill
- Garlic
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Salt and pepper
Toppings:
- Sliced red onions
- Chopped tomatoes
- Shredded lettuce
- Crumbled feta cheese
Smart substitutions:
- Use coconut yogurt for a dairy-free version of tzatziki
- Try naan or lavash if you can’t find Greek pita
- Replace chicken with tempeh or grilled portobello for a vegetarian twist
Step-by-Step: How to Make Greek Chicken Gyros
1. Marinate the Chicken
- Combine oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and salt in a bowl.
- Add chicken and coat well. Marinate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best flavor).
2. Grill or Sear the Chicken
- Use a hot grill or skillet to cook the chicken until golden and fully cooked.
- Rest before slicing to preserve juices.
3. Make the Tzatziki
- Grate cucumber, then squeeze out excess water.
- Mix with Greek yogurt, garlic, dill, lemon juice, salt, and olive oil.
- Chill for at least 15 minutes for flavors to meld.
4. Assemble the Gyros
- Warm the pita.
- Add chicken, spoon over tzatziki, then top with veggies and feta.
Serving Suggestions: More Than Just a Wrap
Greek Chicken Gyros are versatile and can be served:
- As full wraps for a handheld meal
- In bowls with rice or quinoa
- Deconstructed as part of a mezze platter
Pair them with traditional sides like:
- Greek salad
- Dolmas (stuffed grape leaves)
- Lemon roasted potatoes
And for drinks?
- Sparkling water with lemon and mint
- A crisp white wine (like Assyrtiko or Sauvignon Blanc)
- Ouzo for a more traditional touch
Health Benefits & Dietary Adaptations
Greek Chicken Gyros with tzatziki are not just delicious—they’re a great fit for balanced eating:
Nutritional perks:
- High in lean protein
- Rich in probiotics (from yogurt)
- Contains healthy fats from olive oil
Dietary tweaks:
- Go gluten-free with corn tortillas or lettuce wraps
- Make it low-carb by skipping the pita entirely
- Use plant-based yogurt for a dairy-free option
For more on how this fits into a healthy lifestyle,
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
Tzatziki and chicken gyros make great leftovers! Here’s how to keep them fresh:
- Store tzatziki in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
- Cooked chicken keeps for 3-4 days refrigerated
- Keep pita in a zip bag at room temp or freeze for longer storage
Reheating tip: Warm chicken gently in a skillet or oven to avoid drying out. Add tzatziki fresh after reheating.
Creative Twists & Global Variations
Why stick to tradition when you can have fun with fusion?
- Gyro Tacos: Use small tortillas and add a tzatziki drizzle
- Gyro Bowls: Swap pita for grains like rice or farro
- Spicy Sriracha Tzatziki: Add a dash of heat for an East-meets-West flavor bomb
- Greek Nachos: Use pita chips, chicken, tzatziki, and olives as toppings
FAQs: Quick Answers to Common Questions
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes! Just be careful not to overcook breast meat — it can dry out quickly.
How long does homemade tzatziki last?
Up to 4 days in the refrigerator in an airtight container.
What’s the difference between gyro and souvlaki?
Gyros are thinly sliced meat cooked on a rotisserie, while souvlaki is typically grilled chunks of skewered meat.
Can I make tzatziki dairy-free?
Absolutely! Use coconut or almond milk yogurt and reduce the lemon to balance the tang.
How do you pronounce “gyro”?
In Greek, it’s pronounced “yee-roh,” not “jai-roh.”