Authentic Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe with Tzatziki Sauce

If you’ve ever strolled through the streets of Athens or visited a Greek restaurant, chances are you’ve caught a whiff of that irresistible aroma wafting from sizzling chicken gyros. Juicy, tender, and marinated to perfection, Greek chicken gyros are one of the most beloved street foods in the Mediterranean. Paired with creamy, refreshing tzatziki sauce and wrapped in warm pita bread, this dish is a true comfort food that also bursts with vibrant flavors.

In this guide, we’re diving into the authentic way to prepare chicken gyros at home—marinated with traditional spices and herbs, grilled or pan-seared to juicy perfection, and served with homemade tzatziki sauce that adds that perfect cooling balance. Whether you’re planning a family dinner, a meal prep idea for the week, or just want to bring the flavors of Greece into your kitchen, this recipe is one you’ll keep coming back to.

What Are Greek Chicken Gyros?

The word “gyro” comes from the Greek word meaning “to turn,” referring to the way the meat is traditionally cooked on a vertical rotisserie. In Greece, gyros are often made with pork or chicken, seasoned with a blend of herbs, and served inside fluffy pita bread along with fresh vegetables and tzatziki sauce.

The version we’re making today is chicken gyros, which are lighter than the red meat versions but equally satisfying. With the right marinade and cooking technique, the chicken becomes incredibly flavorful and juicy, offering that authentic Greek taste right from your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic flavor – The marinade uses traditional Greek ingredients like olive oil, garlic, oregano, and lemon juice.
• Healthy and balanced – Packed with lean protein, fresh veggies, and probiotic-rich tzatziki.
• Versatile – Serve as a wrap, over a salad, or in a grain bowl.
• Meal-prep friendly – Marinated chicken keeps well and tastes even better the next day.

Ingredients for Authentic Greek Chicken Gyros

Here’s everything you’ll need to make the most authentic-tasting chicken gyros at home:

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (you can also use chicken breasts, but thighs stay juicier)
• 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Juice of 2 lemons (about 1/4 cup)
• 5 garlic cloves, finely minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon plain Greek yogurt (optional, for extra tenderness)

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (whole milk yogurt works best for creaminess)
• 1 cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For Serving:

• Warm pita bread
• Sliced red onions
• Fresh tomatoes, diced
• Crisp lettuce or shredded cabbage
• Crumbled feta cheese (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and mix until fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but preferably overnight. This allows the chicken to absorb all those wonderful Mediterranean flavors.

Pro tip: The yogurt in the marinade helps tenderize the chicken, giving it that melt-in-your-mouth texture.

2. Make the Tzatziki Sauce

While the chicken is marinating, prepare the tzatziki. Grate the cucumber, squeeze out as much liquid as possible, and mix it with Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, dill, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve. This cooling sauce is essential for balancing the spices in the chicken.

3. Cook the Chicken

You have a few options for cooking:

• Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat. Cook chicken thighs for 6–7 minutes per side until golden brown and fully cooked.
• Stovetop: Heat a cast-iron skillet with a little olive oil and sear chicken for about 6 minutes per side.
• Oven: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, turning once halfway.

Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice it into thin strips.

4. Assemble the Gyros

Warm your pita bread, spread a generous amount of tzatziki sauce, add sliced chicken, top with tomatoes, onions, and lettuce, then sprinkle with feta cheese if desired. Wrap it up and enjoy the explosion of flavors in every bite.

Tips for Perfect Gyros

• Use chicken thighs for maximum juiciness and authentic flavor.
• Don’t skip the resting time—letting the chicken sit after cooking keeps it tender.
• Warm the pita bread before serving—it makes a huge difference in texture and flavor.
• Customize your toppings—add kalamata olives, roasted red peppers, or fresh parsley for variety.

Serving Ideas

While the classic way to serve gyros is wrapped in pita bread, there are plenty of creative ways to enjoy them:

1. Gyro Bowls – Serve the chicken over rice, quinoa, or couscous, with tzatziki and fresh veggies.
2. Salad Gyros – Skip the pita and serve the chicken over a crisp Greek salad.
3. Party Platter – Make mini pita gyros for appetizers at a gathering.
4. Meal Prep – Store the cooked chicken and tzatziki separately, then assemble fresh wraps throughout the week.

Nutritional Benefits

Greek chicken gyros aren’t just delicious—they’re also nutritious. The chicken provides lean protein, while olive oil and yogurt supply healthy fats. Fresh vegetables add fiber and vitamins, and the tzatziki sauce contributes probiotics for gut health. This dish is a balanced meal that’s filling without being heavy.

Why Homemade Gyros Are Better Than Takeout

While you can easily find gyros at Greek restaurants, making them at home gives you complete control over the ingredients. You can ensure the chicken is fresh, the oil is high-quality, and the tzatziki is free from preservatives. Plus, the satisfaction of creating an authentic meal from scratch is unmatched.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make gyros ahead of time?
Yes! The chicken can be marinated up to 24 hours in advance. Cooked chicken also reheats beautifully, making it great for meal prep.

2. What can I use instead of chicken?
Lamb, beef, or even shrimp can be used for variation. Simply adjust the cooking times accordingly.

3. How do I store leftovers?
Store chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Tzatziki lasts about 3 days when refrigerated.

4. Can I freeze the chicken?
Yes, you can freeze the marinated chicken before cooking for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and cook as usual.

Conclusion

There’s something magical about biting into an authentic Greek chicken gyro with tzatziki sauce. The tangy marinade, the smoky char from the grill, the creaminess of the yogurt sauce, and the crunch of fresh veggies all come together in perfect harmony. With this recipe, you can bring the flavors of Greece into your home, no plane ticket required.

Whether served as a quick weeknight meal, a fun weekend dinner, or a make-ahead lunch option, these gyros are guaranteed to become a staple in your kitchen. Once you try them, you’ll see why this Greek street food is loved all over the world.

So, grab your ingredients, whip up that marinade, and get ready to enjoy the best homemade Greek chicken gyros with tzatziki sauce you’ve ever tasted!