If you are craving a delicious and fresh Mediterranean meal, look no further than this Greek-Style Chicken Gyros with Homemade Tzatziki and Greek Salad Recipe. This dish combines tender, marinated chicken with a creamy, garlicky tzatziki sauce and a vibrant Greek salad, all wrapped up in warm pita bread for the perfect balance of textures and flavors. It’s a crowd-pleaser that brings the essence of Greece right to your table in under an hour!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in creating an authentic and mouthwatering experience. From juicy chicken to zesty lemon, fresh herbs, and crisp vegetables, these simple components come together beautifully to elevate the flavor and texture of your homemade gyros.
- 2 lbs. Chicken Breast: Choose fresh, boneless chicken breasts for tender, juicy meat that absorbs the marinade perfectly.
- 1/4 cup Greek Yogurt: Adds creaminess and helps tenderize the chicken during marination.
- 3 Tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice: Brings brightness and balances richness in the marinade and tzatziki.
- 2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Essential for that authentic Mediterranean flavor and moist cooking.
- 1 Tablespoon Red Wine Vinegar: Adds tang and depth to both marinade and tzatziki sauce.
- 1 1/2 teaspoons Salt and 1 teaspoon Pepper: Fundamental seasonings to enhance all flavors evenly.
- 2 teaspoons Oregano: Provides that unmistakable Greek herbaceous note.
- 1 1/2 cups Greek Yogurt (for Tzatziki): Thick, creamy base for the classic cucumber-garlic sauce.
- 1 Tablespoon Fresh Dill, diced (for Tzatziki): Brightens the tzatziki with a fresh, slightly sweet herbal aroma.
- 3 Garlic Cloves, finely diced (for Tzatziki): Adds a pungent kick that’s balanced perfectly by yogurt.
- 1 Cucumber, grated and drained (for Tzatziki): Provides crispness and freshness, with moisture carefully removed to keep sauce thick.
- 3 Tomatoes, diced (for Salad): Sweet and juicy, they brighten up the salad.
- 2 Cucumbers, peeled and diced (for Salad): Cool and crunchy texture to complement the tomatoes.
- 1/4 Red Onion, diced (for Salad): Adds a mild sharpness and color contrast.
- 2 Tablespoons Fresh Italian Parsley, diced (for Salad): Adds a fresh herbal note and vibrant green color.
- 1 Tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil (for Salad): Lightly coats the salad, enhancing flavor without overpowering.
- Feta Cheese: Crumbled on top for creamy saltiness and authenticity.
- 4-6 Greek Pita Breads, Naan, or Flatbread: Soft and warm, perfect for wrapping and holding all the delicious components.
How to Make Greek-Style Chicken Gyros with Homemade Tzatziki and Greek Salad Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by placing the chicken pieces into a large resealable bag. Add Greek yogurt, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, pepper, and oregano. Seal the bag and massage the marinade into the chicken. This step is crucial—it tenderizes the meat and infuses it with vibrant flavors. Ideally, let it marinate for 2 to 4 hours, but overnight is best for maximum depth.
Step 2: Prepare the Homemade Tzatziki
While the chicken marinates, prepare the tzatziki sauce. In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, salt, freshly diced dill, and minced garlic. Gently fold in the grated cucumber after squeezing out excess moisture. The creamy, garlicky tzatziki is what truly makes these gyros shine, adding moisture and a refreshing tang.
Step 3: Make the Greek Salad
Next, combine diced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and fresh Italian parsley in a salad bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything gently. This simple salad adds a fresh, crunchy element alongside the rich tzatziki and savory chicken, balancing the entire meal with its bright, herbaceous flavors.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
You can grill the marinated chicken on skewers over medium heat for 5 to 7 minutes on each side until thoroughly cooked and lightly charred. Alternatively, cook it in a hot skillet with a splash of olive oil, turning occasionally until golden brown and done through. The beautifully cooked chicken is juicy and flavorful—the heart of your gyros.
Step 5: Warm Your Bread and Assemble
Warm your pita bread or flatbread to make it soft and pliable. To assemble the gyros, place a generous handful of cooked chicken onto the bread, spoon over a good dollop of homemade tzatziki, add a scoop of Greek salad, and finish with a sprinkle of crumbled feta. Wrap it up and get ready to enjoy a little slice of Greece!
How to Serve Greek-Style Chicken Gyros with Homemade Tzatziki and Greek Salad Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your presentation and flavor, garnish your gyros with fresh lemon wedges, extra sprigs of dill or parsley, and a light drizzle of olive oil. A few cracked black peppercorns on top can add a subtle kick, making the dish feel restaurant-worthy right at home.
Side Dishes
Serve these gyros with traditional Greek sides such as fluffy rice pilaf, crispy roasted potatoes with rosemary, or a warm bowl of lentil soup. A chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with lemon slices will complement the bright, citrusy notes perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re hosting, consider a gyro bar where everyone builds their own wrap with bowls of chicken, tzatziki, salad, and toppings laid out. Alternatively, turn the filling into a gyro salad bowl by serving chicken and salad over greens instead of bread for a lighter option that still bursts with flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover grilled chicken, tzatziki, and salad separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This will keep everything fresh and maintain the best texture and flavor for 2 to 3 days. Keeping them separate is key to preventing sogginess.
Freezing
You can freeze the marinated chicken before cooking, but it’s best to freeze cooked chicken instead for convenience. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, and it will keep well for up to 2 months. Tzatziki and salad do not freeze well and are best made fresh.
Reheating
To reheat the chicken, gently warm it in a skillet or oven to prevent drying out. Avoid the microwave if possible. Serve with freshly made or chilled tzatziki and salad for the best experience—even reheated, these gyros feel like they’ve just come off the grill!
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked. The marinade works wonderfully on thighs too and adds great flavor.
How long can I marinate the chicken?
While 30 minutes is the minimum, marinating for 2 to 4 hours is ideal, and overnight will give you the most flavorful and tender results.
Is there a substitute for Greek yogurt?
Greek yogurt is preferred because of its thick texture and tangy taste, but you can use plain yogurt strained through a cheesecloth to thicken it or even labneh if available.
Can I make the tzatziki in advance?
Yes! Tzatziki can be made up to a day ahead and kept refrigerated. This actually allows the flavors to meld beautifully, but be sure to stir it before serving.
What if I don’t have fresh dill?
Dill is signature to tzatziki, but if you don’t have fresh, dried dill can work in a pinch—use about half the quantity and add it cautiously to avoid overpowering the sauce.
Final Thoughts
Trying the Greek-Style Chicken Gyros with Homemade Tzatziki and Greek Salad Recipe is like taking a quick trip to the Mediterranean from your own kitchen. It’s vibrant, fresh, and satisfying—a perfect meal to share with friends or family. I can’t wait for you to experience how simple ingredients and a little love come together to create something truly special!
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Greek-Style Chicken Gyros with Homemade Tzatziki and Greek Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Greek-Style Chicken Gyros recipe features tender marinated chicken breast cooked to perfection on the grill or skillet, served in warm pita bread with homemade creamy tzatziki sauce, fresh Greek salad, and a topping of feta cheese. Ideal for a flavorful Mediterranean meal that is easy to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 2 lbs. Chicken Breast, cut into pieces
- 1/4 cup Greek Yogurt
- 3 Tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice
- 2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 Tablespoon Red Wine Vinegar
- 1 1/2 teaspoon Salt
- 1 teaspoon Pepper
- 2 teaspoons Oregano
Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 1/2 cups Greek Yogurt
- 2 Tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 Tablespoon Lemon Juice
- 1 Tablespoon Red Wine Vinegar
- 1–2 teaspoons Salt
- 1 Tablespoon Fresh Dill, diced
- 3 Garlic Cloves, finely diced
- 1 Cucumber, grated and squeezed to drain
Greek Salad
- 3 Tomatoes, diced
- 2 Cucumbers, peeled and diced
- 1/4 Red Onion, diced
- 2 Tablespoons Fresh Italian Parsley, diced
- 1 Tablespoon Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- Salt and Pepper to taste
Additional
- Feta Cheese, for topping
- 4–6 Greek Pita Breads, Naan, or Flatbread
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken pieces in a sealable bag along with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, pepper, and oregano. Seal the bag and mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes; for best flavor, marinate between 2 to 4 hours or up to 24 hours in the refrigerator.
- Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, salt, diced fresh dill, and finely chopped garlic. Stir well. Add the grated cucumber (make sure it is squeezed to remove excess water) and mix thoroughly. Adjust seasonings as needed to balance flavors.
- Make the Greek Salad: In a medium bowl, combine diced tomatoes, peeled and diced cucumbers, diced red onion, and chopped fresh Italian parsley. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Toss gently to coat ingredients evenly. Adjust seasoning according to taste.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a grill over medium heat or heat a skillet with a bit of olive oil over medium-high heat. If grilling, thread chicken pieces onto skewers and grill for 5-7 minutes per side until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. If using a skillet, cook chicken pieces for 8-10 minutes, turning occasionally until golden brown and cooked thoroughly.
- Assemble the Gyros: Warm the pita bread until soft and pliable. Place the cooked chicken inside each pita, then top generously with homemade tzatziki sauce, followed by a scoop of Greek salad. Finish with a sprinkle of feta cheese if desired. Serve immediately and enjoy the fresh, vibrant flavors of Greek-style chicken gyros.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken longer enhances the flavor and tenderness.
- Ensure cucumber is well-drained for tzatziki to avoid excess moisture.
- If skewers are not available, you can cook chicken pieces directly on the grill or skillet.
- Warm pita breads can be heated on the grill or in a skillet for a few seconds on each side.
- Feel free to add extra toppings like red onion slices or hot sauce to customize your gyros.
