If you’re craving the bright, bold flavors of the Mediterranean, Greek Chicken Gyros with Lemon-Herb Marinade and Tzatziki will instantly transport you to a sunny taverna in Greece. Tender, marinated chicken wrapped in soft pita, fresh vegetables, and topped with creamy tzatziki sauce—every bite bursts with freshness and zest. I tried grilling the chicken on a cast-iron pan instead of an outdoor grill, and it turned out just as delicious with that perfect charred flavor. These gyros are easy to make, healthy, and versatile—ideal for a satisfying lunch, dinner, or meal prep. If you love Mediterranean food, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Greek Chicken Gyros recipe combines simplicity and incredible flavor. The lemon-herb marinade infuses the chicken with brightness, while the tzatziki adds cool creaminess. Every component works together perfectly—juicy chicken, crisp veggies, soft pita, and tangy sauce. It’s a restaurant-quality meal you can make effortlessly at home. Plus, it’s high in protein, naturally wholesome, and can easily be customized to suit your taste or dietary preferences.
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Greek Chicken Gyros with Lemon-Herb Marinade and Tzatziki – A Taste of the Mediterranean at Home
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 4 gyros
- Diet: Halal
Description
Greek Chicken Gyros with Lemon are a bright and flavorful Mediterranean dish made with tender, lemon-marinated chicken wrapped in warm pita bread and topped with fresh veggies and creamy tzatziki sauce. Perfect for lunch or dinner, they bring all the classic gyro flavors with a zesty twist.
Ingredients
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 pita breads or flatbreads
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/2 cup tzatziki sauce
- Fresh dill or parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
- Add chicken and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 6 hours for deeper flavor).
- Preheat grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 5–7 minutes per side, until golden and fully cooked.
- Let chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
- Warm pita breads in a dry skillet or oven until soft and pliable.
- Assemble gyros: add sliced chicken to pita, then top with tomatoes, cucumber, onion, feta, and a generous drizzle of tzatziki sauce.
- Garnish with fresh dill or parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon before serving.
Notes
- For extra zest, marinate the chicken overnight.
- Use Greek yogurt-based tzatziki for authentic flavor.
- Try serving with a side of Greek salad or roasted potatoes.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 20 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilled
- Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken Breast or Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs work well. Thighs stay extra juicy and flavorful, while breasts cook quickly and evenly.
Greek Yogurt: Used in the marinade to tenderize the chicken and in the tzatziki sauce for its creamy, tangy texture.
Lemon Juice: Adds the perfect touch of acidity and brightness to the marinade and sauce.
Olive Oil: Essential for richness and to help the marinade coat the chicken evenly. Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for authentic Mediterranean flavor.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives both the marinade and tzatziki a bold, aromatic base.
Dried Oregano: The star herb in Greek cuisine, adding earthy, savory depth.
Fresh Dill: A must for authentic tzatziki, offering a light and refreshing herbal note.
Cucumber: Grated cucumber gives tzatziki its cooling crunch and texture.
Red Onion: Thinly sliced for sharpness and a pop of color in the gyro.
Tomatoes: Fresh, juicy tomatoes balance the savory and tangy flavors perfectly.
Pita Bread: Soft, warm pita is the perfect vessel for wrapping all the delicious ingredients together.
Salt and Pepper: Enhance every flavor while keeping the dish balanced.
Feta Cheese (optional): Adds a salty, creamy finish that elevates each bite.
Directions
Begin by preparing the marinade. In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth, then add the chicken pieces, ensuring they’re evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 6 hours for deeper flavor).
While the chicken marinates, prepare the tzatziki sauce. Grate cucumber and squeeze out excess moisture with a clean towel. In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and fresh dill. Stir well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Preheat a grill, grill pan, or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing thinly.
Warm your pita bread either on the grill or in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side until soft and pliable. To assemble, spread a layer of tzatziki on the pita, add sliced chicken, tomatoes, and onions, and finish with crumbled feta if desired. Roll up the pita, wrap it in parchment paper for easy eating, and enjoy!
Essential Equipment :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
9×13-inch baking dish – Ideal size to fit your rolled cabbage leaves snugly and prevent them from unraveling.
knife – A sharp, durable kitchen knife perfect for slicing, chopping, and dicing with ease.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes 4–6 gyros.
Prep time: 20 minutes
Marinating time: 1 hour
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Perfect for serving 4 people as a satisfying meal.
Storage/reheating
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Tzatziki can be stored separately for 3–4 days. Reheat chicken gently in a skillet or microwave, then reassemble gyros when ready to serve. The components also make excellent meal prep bowls—just keep the pita, chicken, and sauce separate until serving.
Variations and Customizations
Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of chili flakes or cayenne to the marinade for extra heat.
Vegan Option: Replace chicken with marinated grilled tofu or chickpeas and use dairy-free yogurt for tzatziki.
Herb Explosion: Add fresh mint or parsley for extra aromatic flavor.
Garlic Lovers’ Twist: Double the garlic in both marinade and sauce for a bolder taste.
Low-Carb Version: Skip the pita and serve the ingredients over a bed of lettuce or cauliflower rice.
Extra Creamy Sauce: Mix in a spoonful of mayonnaise or sour cream into the tzatziki for a richer texture.
Mediterranean Feast: Add kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, or hummus for a more indulgent platter.
Grilled Veggie Add-In: Include grilled zucchini, bell peppers, or eggplant for a vegetarian twist.
Feta Upgrade: Try marinated feta cubes or whipped feta for an elevated topping.
Mini Party Gyros: Use mini pita rounds or flatbreads for easy serving at parties.
FAQs
1. Can I use store-bought tzatziki?
Yes, but homemade tzatziki offers a fresher and more authentic flavor.
2. How long should I marinate the chicken?
At least 1 hour, but 4–6 hours gives the best flavor.
3. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs are juicier and even more flavorful.
4. Can I grill the chicken outdoors?
Absolutely! Outdoor grilling adds a wonderful smoky flavor.
5. What type of yogurt should I use?
Use full-fat Greek yogurt for the best texture and taste.
6. Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, marinate the chicken and prepare tzatziki in advance. Cook and assemble when ready.
7. Can I bake the chicken instead?
Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20–25 minutes until fully cooked.
8. How do I make it gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pita or serve as a gyro bowl over rice or salad.
9. What can I serve with gyros?
Greek salad, roasted potatoes, or couscous make great side dishes.
10. How long does tzatziki last in the fridge?
It stays fresh for up to 3–4 days when stored in an airtight container.
Conclusion
Greek Chicken Gyros with Lemon-Herb Marinade and Tzatziki are a delicious, fresh, and satisfying meal that captures the spirit of Mediterranean cuisine. The tender, flavorful chicken pairs perfectly with crisp veggies and cool, creamy tzatziki—all wrapped in warm pita for the perfect handheld meal. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, these gyros bring a taste of Greece straight to your table with minimal effort and maximum flavor. It’s a dish you’ll want to make again and again.