Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe with Tzatziki

Greek Chicken Gyros represent the epitome of culinary refinement, where bold flavors meet delicate textures. This dish brings together marinated chicken, aromatic herbs, and the cooling tang of tzatziki, creating a superbly balanced meal. What sets this gyros apart is not just its complexity of flavors, but also its elegant simplicity, making it a perfect choice for both casual gatherings and sophisticated dining.

Why Make This Recipe

• Effortless Yet Elegant: Easy to prepare, yet impressive on the table.
• Minimal Ingredients: Stripped back to essentials, allowing each flavor to shine.
• Impressive Flavor: A harmonious blend of spices, fresh herbs, and creamy tzatziki enhances your palate.

This gyros elevates the ordinary with a carefully curated marinade and a homemade tzatziki, transporting you to the sun-soaked shores of Greece with every bite.

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (ensure they are fresh)
• 4 cloves garlic, minced (for robust flavor)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil (use high-quality extra virgin)
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano (preferably Greek)
• Juice of 1 lemon (freshly squeezed)
• Salt and pepper to taste (season liberally)

For the Tzatziki Sauce

• 1 cup Greek yogurt (thick and creamy)
• 1 cucumber, finely grated and squeezed dry (for crunch)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (adds depth)
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped (enhances freshness)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin recommended)
• Salt to taste (adjust to preference)

For Serving

• Pita bread (soft, warm)
• Sliced tomatoes (ripe for sweetness)
• Red onions, thinly sliced (layered for a sharp bite)
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

How to Make Greek Chicken Gyros

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, olive oil, dried oregano, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add chicken thighs, ensuring they are completely coated. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes, but ideally for several hours in the refrigerator.
2. Make the Tzatziki Sauce: In a medium bowl, mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, fresh dill, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Adjust seasoning to taste. Chill in the refrigerator for maximum flavor infusion.
3. Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken thighs and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, until golden brown and fully cooked. The chicken should caramelize beautifully, developing a flavorful crust.
4. Rest and Slice: Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring tender bites.

How to Serve Greek Chicken Gyros

Warm pita bread serves as a delicate vessel for the chicken. Layer sliced chicken, tzatziki, and garnishes of tomatoes and red onions in the center, folding the pita neatly. For an elevated presentation, plate each filled pita on a rustic wooden board, accompanied by extra tzatziki and a sprinkle of fresh parsley.

How to Store Greek Chicken Gyros

To retain the dish’s appealing texture and flavor, wrap leftovers tightly in plastic wrap or place in an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to preserve moisture, ensuring that the chicken remains succulent.

Tips to Make Greek Chicken Gyros

• Marinate the chicken overnight for an intense infusion of flavor.
• For a smokier taste, grill the chicken over charcoal instead of frying.
• Use a microplane for the garlic and cucumber for a finer texture in the tzatziki.
• Serve with a side of Greek salad for a complete meal experience.
• Drizzle a touch of honey over the tzatziki for a unique flavor twist.

Variation

For a gourmet twist, consider using lamb instead of chicken for a richer taste. Adding a sprinkle of feta cheese over the filled gyros introduces a delightful creaminess. Alternatively, serve the dish in lettuce wraps for a refreshing, low-carb presentation.

FAQs

How can I make tzatziki less garlicky?

Adjust the amount of garlic based on your taste preference. Start with one clove and increase gradually.

Can this recipe be made ahead of time?

Yes, the chicken can be marinated the night before and cooked the next day for convenience.

What sides pair well with Greek Chicken Gyros?

Consider serving alongside Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or crispy fries for a delightful contrast of textures.

Conclusion

The Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki is a harmonious blend of sophistication and simplicity, showcasing a medley of vibrant flavors. Each ingredient plays its role in a culinary symphony that is truly majestic. Share your thoughts in the comments below, and don’t hesitate to spread the word about this elegant dish. How would you make this dish your own?

Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

• Author: chef-ava
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: None

Print Recipe

Description

Delicious Greek Chicken Gyros featuring marinated chicken, fresh herbs, and a creamy tzatziki sauce, perfect for any occasion.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 cucumber, finely grated and squeezed dry
• 2 cloves garlic, minced (for tzatziki)
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for tzatziki)
• Pita bread
• Sliced tomatoes
• Red onions, thinly sliced
• Fresh parsley, chopped

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. In a bowl, combine minced garlic, olive oil, dried oregano, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add chicken thighs and marinate for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator.
2. In a medium bowl, mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, fresh dill, olive oil, and a pinch of salt. Chill in the refrigerator.
3. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook marinated chicken thighs for 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked.
4. Remove from heat, let chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips.
5. Warm pita bread and layer with sliced chicken, tzatziki, tomatoes, red onions, and parsley.

Notes

Marinate the chicken overnight for enhanced flavor. For a smokier taste, consider grilling instead of frying.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Pan-frying
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 gyros
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg