Greek Chicken Gyros with Lemon-Herb Marinade and Tzatziki

Greek Chicken Gyros with Lemon-Herb Marinade and Tzatziki bring the spirit of the Mediterranean right into your kitchen, wrapping tender grilled chicken in pillowy pita and drenching it all in creamy, refreshing tzatziki. Every bite is a harmonious blend of tangy lemon, fragrant herbs, and garlicky depth, balanced by crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, cool cucumbers, and a sharp bite of red onion. These gyros are the perfect way to shake up your usual dinner routine, turning an ordinary weeknight into a flavorful celebration. With an intermediate difficulty level and a total cooking time of just 15 minutes (plus marinating and resting), this recipe strikes that sweet spot between simple and impressive, making it ideal for busy cooks who crave big, bold flavors. Each gyro comes in at roughly 450 calories, which feels like a small price to pay for a mouthful of sunshine and zest.

I still remember the first time I marinated chicken for homemade gyros. It was one of those golden summer evenings when the sun hovered low and everything smelled of olive groves and distant seas. I whisked together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, and thyme, and the kitchen instantly felt alive with possibilities. After a lazy hour (and, confession time, sometimes I’ve let it sit overnight for extra punch), I fired up my grill pan, poured myself a glass of something cold and bubbly, and set to work. By the time the chicken rested and I sliced it thin, the anticipation was almost too much to bear. Wrapping those first gyros in warm pita and topping them with homemade tzatziki felt like a private feast, as if I’d smuggled a bit of Greek taverna magic right onto my dinner table. Trust me, once you taste that interplay of bright citrus, aromatic herbs, and cool yogurt sauce, you’re going to be hooked forever.

KEY INGREDIENTS IN GREEK CHICKEN GYROS WITH LEMON-HERB MARINADE AND TZATZIKI

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role, from the juicy, marinated chicken to the creamy, herby tzatziki that ties it all together. Here’s what you’ll need and why each element matters:

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: Lean and tender, these soak up the lemon-herb marinade beautifully, ensuring each slice is bursting with flavor.
• Greek pita breads or flatbreads: Soft yet sturdy, they cradle the fillings and give that authentic gyro feel.
• Red onion: Thinly sliced for a spicy crunch that cuts through the richness of the chicken and sauce.
• Chopped lettuce: Adds bright, refreshing crispness and a pop of color.
• Diced tomatoes: Juicy sweetness that balances the tang of the marinade and tzatziki.
• Sliced cucumber: Cool, refreshing bites that complement the warm chicken.
• Olive oil: The smooth base of the marinade that helps distribute lemon juice and herbs evenly.
• Lemon juice: Provides vibrant acidity to both the marinade and tzatziki, awakening the palate.
• Red wine vinegar: Deepens the tangy notes and balances the garlic’s punch.
• Garlic cloves: Minced to infuse every bite with savory warmth and depth.
• Dried oregano: Earthy herb that’s quintessentially Greek, lending an aromatic touch.
• Dried thyme: Subtle, woodsy flavor that complements oregano and garlic.
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance all other flavors.
• Greek yogurt: Thick and creamy, it forms the silky base of the homemade tzatziki sauce.
• Grated and drained cucumber: Adds moisture and a refreshing crunch to the tzatziki.
• Fresh dill: Bright, fragrant herb that lifts the yogurt sauce with its grassy notes.

HOW TO MAKE GREEK CHICKEN GYROS WITH LEMON-HERB MARINADE AND TZATZIKI

Let’s dive into the step-by-step magic that turns these simple ingredients into a crave-worthy dish. Follow these detailed instructions to build layers of flavor, from marinating the chicken to assembling perfectly loaded gyros.

1. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper to prepare the marinade. Take your time to combine everything into a smooth emulsion so every tender strip of chicken gets coated evenly.

2. Place chicken breasts in a large resealable bag and pour the marinade over. Seal the bag tightly and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight, turning the bag occasionally so each piece marinates in those vibrant flavors.

3. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat until it’s hot enough to create perfect grill marks without burning the outside.

4. Remove chicken from the marinade, shake off excess, and grill for about 6–7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through and the internal temperature reads 165°F (75°C). Resist the urge to press down, preserving juicy, tender meat.

5. Let the chicken rest on a cutting board for 5 minutes before slicing it thinly; this step locks in all those delicious juices.

6. To make the tzatziki sauce, in a separate bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated and drained cucumber, lemon juice, dill, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well until creamy and set aside in the fridge for the flavors to meld.

7. Warm pita breads on the grill for about 1–2 minutes per side, until they’re soft and heated through but still pliable.

8. To assemble the gyros, place a layer of sliced chicken on each warm pita. Top with sliced red onions, chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, and cucumber slices for a textural contrast.

9. Drizzle generously with chilled tzatziki sauce, letting it cascade over the filling for that signature tangy finish.

10. Fold the pita over the filling and wrap with foil or parchment paper for easier handling and a neat presentation, perfect for grabbing on the go.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR GREEK CHICKEN GYROS WITH LEMON-HERB MARINADE AND TZATZIKI

Once your gyros are assembled and oozing with that dreamy tzatziki, it’s time to think about the perfect accompaniments and presentation. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or treating yourself, these ideas will elevate every bite.

• Pair with a vibrant Greek salad of cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil to echo the Mediterranean vibes and provide an extra burst of freshness.
• Serve alongside warm, crispy fries dusted with sea salt and oregano for a playful twist that soaks up any extra tzatziki sauce.
• Garnish with a sprinkle of crumbled feta and a few sprigs of fresh parsley or oregano for a pop of color and tangy richness on the plate.
• Offer lemon wedges on the side so diners can add an extra squeeze of citrus brightness just before digging in, enhancing the lemon-herb character of the chicken.

HOW TO STORE GREEK CHICKEN GYROS WITH LEMON-HERB MARINADE AND TZATZIKI

If you find yourself with leftovers, proper storage ensures every component stays as fresh and flavorful as the day you cooked it. Here are some tips to maintain texture, taste, and quality:

• Store sliced chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep it separate from vegetables and pita to avoid sogginess.
• Keep tzatziki in a sealed jar or container, stirring well before serving. It will stay fresh for 2–3 days but may need a quick whisk if any liquid separates.
• Wrap leftover pita breads in foil or plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to 2 days; reheat briefly in a warm skillet or oven to restore softness.
• For longer storage, freeze grilled chicken slices in a freezer-safe bag, squeezing out excess air. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat gently to preserve juiciness.

CONCLUSION

Bringing Greek Chicken Gyros with Lemon-Herb Marinade and Tzatziki to your table is like opening a window to the Mediterranean and letting the bright flavors of Greece sweep you away. From the lively marinade that infuses the chicken with lemony zing and herbaceous depth, to the silky, herby tzatziki that cools and complements every savory bite, this recipe is a celebration of contrasts—warm and cool, tangy and soothing, soft pita and crisp veggies. It’s perfect for an intimate dinner or a vibrant gathering, with an intermediate difficulty level that challenges home cooks just enough to feel accomplished. You’ll love how quickly the prep comes together, and how simple it is to assemble these hand-held delights that leave everyone asking for seconds. Don’t forget that you can print this article and save it for later—your future self will thank you when that craving for grilled Mediterranean goodness strikes.

I’ve laid out each step, from whisking the marinade to wrapping up the finished gyros, so you can follow along without missing a beat. Feel free to customize with a pinch of cumin in the marinade or substitute lamb or pork for an exciting twist on the classic gyro. You can also find a FAQ below to help troubleshoot any questions, and I’d love to hear your thoughts if you try this recipe. Drop a comment with your favorite serving suggestion, ask any burning questions, or share your own gyro-making stories. Your feedback and experiences make this cooking adventure even more delicious!

Print Recipe

Greek Chicken Gyros with Lemon-Herb Marinade and Tzatziki

Author: Emily Roberts Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 1 hr Cook Time 15 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 1 hr 20 mins

Calories: 450

Description

Bursting with zesty lemon-herb marinade and paired with a creamy tzatziki sauce, these Greek Chicken Gyros will transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 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

• For Lemon-Herb Marinade:

• ¹⁄₄ cup olive oil

• 3 tablespoons lemon juice

• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar

• 4 cloves, minced

• 1 tablespoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon dried thyme

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

• For Homemade Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt

• 1 cucumber, grated and drained

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped

• 2 cloves, minced

• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper to prepare the marinade.
2. Place chicken breasts in a large resealable bag and pour the marinade over. Seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight, turning occasionally.
3. Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
4. Remove chicken from marinade, shake off excess, and grill for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
5. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing it thinly.
6. To make the tzatziki sauce, in a separate bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, dill, minced garlic, salt, and pepper. Mix well and set aside.
7. Warm pita breads on the grill for about 1-2 minutes per side, or until soft and heated through.
8. To assemble the gyros, place a layer of sliced chicken on each pita bread. Top with sliced onions, chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, and cucumber slices.
9. Drizzle generously with tzatziki sauce.
10. Fold the pita over the filling and wrap with foil or parchment paper for easier handling.

Note

• The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it becomes.
• Make sure to drain the grated cucumber properly to avoid a watery tzatziki.
• You can add a pinch of cumin to the marinade for an additional depth of flavor.
• These gyros are great for outdoor gatherings and perfect for a Mediterranean-themed dinner party.
• Feel free to substitute chicken with pork or lamb for a different take on the classic gyro.

Keywords: Greek chicken gyros, tzatziki sauce, lemon-herb marinade, Mediterranean recipes, easy dinner, grilled chicken