Greek Chicken Gyros with Lemon-Herb Marinade and Tzatziki: A Taste of the Mediterranean at Home

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Few dishes capture the essence of Greek street food like chicken gyros—tender, marinated meat wrapped in warm pita bread and topped with cool, creamy tzatziki. This iconic dish balances bright, herbaceous flavors with rich, savory notes, creating a meal that’s both satisfying and refreshing.

In this ultimate guide, we’ll break down everything you need to make authentic Greek Chicken Gyros at home, including:

  • The history of gyros and how they became a global favorite
  • A step-by-step recipe for perfectly marinated chicken
  • How to make homemade tzatziki from scratch
  • Pro tips for assembling the perfect gyro
  • 5 delicious variations to customize your meal

The History of Gyros: From Greek Street Food to Worldwide Fame

Origins of the Gyro

Gyros (pronounced “YEE-ros”) originated in Greece in the early 20th century, inspired by the Middle Eastern shawarma and Turkish döner kebab. Traditionally, gyros were made with stacked, spit-roasted meat (usually pork or lamb), thinly sliced, and served in pita bread with yogurt sauce, tomatoes, and onions.

Modern Adaptations

Today, chicken gyros have become a popular variation, offering a lighter yet equally flavorful alternative. The key to an authentic taste lies in the marinade—a blend of lemon, garlic, and Mediterranean herbs—and the tzatziki sauce, which adds a cooling contrast.

Why This Recipe Works

✔ Lemon-Herb Marinade – Tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with bright, zesty flavors.
✔ Homemade Tzatziki – Fresh, tangy, and packed with garlic and dill.
✔ Perfectly Grilled Chicken – Juicy on the inside, slightly charred on the outside.
✔ Authentic Assembly – Warm pita, crisp veggies, and just the right amount of sauce.

Greek Chicken Gyros with Lemon-Herb Marinade & Tzatziki

Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the Chicken Marinade:

  • 1.5 lbs (700g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • ¼ cup lemon juice (about 2 lemons)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (optional)

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

  • 1 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat for best texture)
  • ½ English cucumber, grated & drained
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

For Serving:

  • 4 pita breads (or flatbreads)
  • 1 cup sliced tomatoes
  • 1 cup thinly sliced red onion
  • ½ cup chopped lettuce
  • Kalamata olives (optional)
  • Crumbled feta cheese (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken

  1. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
  2. Add chicken thighs, ensuring they’re fully coated.
  3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight for best results).

2. Make the Tzatziki

  1. Grate the cucumber, then squeeze out excess water using a towel.
  2. Mix with yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, dill, salt, and olive oil.
  3. Chill for 30 minutes to let flavors meld.

3. Cook the Chicken

  1. Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Cook chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until internal temp reaches 165°F (74°C).
  3. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.

4. Assemble the Gyros

  1. Warm pita bread on the grill or in a dry pan.
  2. Spread tzatziki on each pita.
  3. Add chicken, tomatoes, onions, lettuce, and optional toppings.
  4. Fold and serve immediately!

5 Delicious Variations

1. Spicy Gyros

  • Add 1 tsp cayenne pepper to the marinade.
  • Top with spicy harissa sauce.

2. Greek Salad Gyros

  • Include chopped cucumbers, bell peppers, and feta.

3. Lamb or Pork Gyros

  • Substitute chicken with lamb shoulder or pork tenderloin.

4. Low-Carb Version

  • Serve in a lettuce wrap instead of pita.

5. Vegan Gyros

  • Use grilled portobello mushrooms or chickpeas instead of chicken.

Pro Tips for the Best Gyros

🔥 Use chicken thighs – They stay juicier than breasts.
🧂 Salt the tzatziki cucumbers – Prevents a watery sauce.
🍞 Warm the pita – Makes it more pliable for folding.
🌿 Fresh herbs matter – Dill and oregano elevate the flavors.

Serving Suggestions

  • Pair with Greek lemon potatoes or a horiatiki salad.
  • Serve with a crisp white wine (Assyrtiko) or iced mint lemonade.

Conclusion: A Mediterranean Feast at Home

These Greek Chicken Gyros bring the vibrant flavors of Athens straight to your kitchen. With tender, marinated chicken, creamy tzatziki, and fresh veggies, every bite is a burst of Mediterranean sunshine.

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