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If you’re craving a vibrant, mouthwatering meal that transports you straight to the sun-drenched streets of Greece, this Greek Chicken Gyros with Lemon-Herb Marinade and Tzatziki Recipe is a total game-changer. Tender, juicy chicken marinated in zesty lemon and aromatic herbs pairs perfectly with cool, creamy tzatziki, all tucked into soft, warm pita bread. Every bite bursts with freshness from crisp veggies and the tangy sauce, creating a perfect harmony of flavors that’s as satisfying as it is irresistible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the ingredients right is the secret to making these gyros unforgettable. Each one plays its part in bringing together the complex but balanced flavors and textures you’ll love in this dish.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The star protein that soaks up the marinade beautifully for juicy, flavorful bites.
- 4 Greek pita breads or flatbreads: Soft and warm, they cradle all the delicious fillings perfectly.
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced: Adds a sharp, slightly sweet crunch to brighten the gyro.
- 2 cups chopped lettuce: For fresh, crisp texture and vibrant color.
- 2 tomatoes, diced: Juicy and sweet, these add a refreshing burst of flavor.
- 1 cucumber, sliced: Cool and crisp, balancing the warm spices of the chicken.
- Lemon-Herb Marinade Ingredients: Olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and freshly ground black pepper — these bring bright, savory, and herbaceous notes that soak deep into the chicken.
- Homemade Tzatziki Sauce Ingredients: Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, fresh dill, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper — all combining for that creamy, tangy sauce that pulls every element together.
How to Make Greek Chicken Gyros with Lemon-Herb Marinade and Tzatziki Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Lemon-Herb Marinade
Start by whisking together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, thyme, salt, and freshly ground black pepper. This bright, herby blend will be the magic potion that infuses the chicken with Mediterranean sunshine and depth.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Place your chicken breasts in a resealable bag and pour the marinade over them. Seal it tightly and refrigerate for at least one hour. If you have extra time, marinating overnight makes the flavors even more intense and the chicken incredibly tender. Remember to occasionally turn the bag so every piece is coated evenly.
Step 3: Grill to Perfection
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat—this will give your chicken those gorgeous char marks and lock in moisture. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off, and grill for 6 to 7 minutes on each side, until the internal temperature hits 165°F (75°C). The aroma at this point is an absolute teaser for what’s to come.
Step 4: Rest and Slice the Chicken
After grilling, let your chicken rest for about 5 minutes so the juices redistribute and the meat remains succulent. Then slice it thinly, perfect for layering in your gyros.
Step 5: Whip Up the Tzatziki Sauce
In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt with grated and drained cucumber, lemon juice, chopped fresh dill, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Stir it all together until smooth and luscious. Setting this aside allows the flavors to meld beautifully while you finish the other steps.
Step 6: Warm the Pitas
Pop your pita breads on the grill for 1 to 2 minutes per side, just until they’re soft, lightly toasted, and pliable—ready to embrace all the tasty fillings.
Step 7: Assemble Your Gyros
Layer the sliced chicken onto each pita bread, then top with thinly sliced red onions, crisp lettuce, diced tomatoes, and cucumber slices. Don’t be shy—drizzle generously with the homemade tzatziki sauce for that signature creamy tang.
Step 8: Wrap and Enjoy
Fold over the pita to encase your filling, then wrap it in foil or parchment paper for an easy-to-handle, on-the-go feast that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
How to Serve Greek Chicken Gyros with Lemon-Herb Marinade and Tzatziki Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten your gyros with fresh garnishes like extra dill sprigs, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese. These small touches elevate the dish with bursts of fresh flavor and visual appeal that make every bite special.
Side Dishes
Serve your gyros alongside traditional Greek sides like crispy roasted potatoes, a simple Greek salad, or warm lentil soup to round out the meal and complement the savory chicken with variety and texture.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling playful? Try serving the chicken and tzatziki as a platter for DIY gyros at your next gathering. Set out pita bread, veggies, sauces, and plenty of sides so everyone can create their own delicious combinations. It’s fun, interactive, and sure to impress your guests!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chicken gyros can be kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the fillings and tzatziki sauce separate from the pita to prevent sogginess and maintain freshness.
Freezing
You can freeze the marinated uncooked chicken breasts in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. Once cooked and assembled, it’s best to enjoy immediately rather than freezing, as the textures won’t hold up as well after thawing.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the sliced chicken in a skillet or microwave until heated through, and warm the pita separately. Add fresh veggies and tzatziki afterward to keep the flavors crisp and vibrant.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of chicken for this Greek Chicken Gyros with Lemon-Herb Marinade and Tzatziki Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully if you prefer juicier meat, just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked through without drying out.
Is there a substitute for Greek yogurt in the tzatziki sauce?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt on hand, plain thick yogurt can work as a substitute, but Greek yogurt’s creamy thickness and tang are what make the tzatziki truly authentic and luscious.
How long can I marinate the chicken for?
While one hour is great for flavor, marinating overnight really allows the lemon-herb marinade to penetrate deeply, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken.
Can I make the tzatziki sauce ahead of time?
Yes! Tzatziki actually tastes better after sitting for a few hours or overnight because the flavors have time to meld. Just keep it refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No worries! You can use a grill pan, cast iron skillet, or even bake the marinated chicken in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20–25 minutes until fully cooked.
Final Thoughts
This Greek Chicken Gyros with Lemon-Herb Marinade and Tzatziki Recipe is more than just a meal—it’s a celebration of fresh flavors and wholesome ingredients coming together in a way that delights every sense. Whether for a weeknight treat or a weekend gathering, it’s sure to become a recipe you reach for again and again. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll be hooked!
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Greek Chicken Gyros with Lemon-Herb Marinade and Tzatziki Recipe
- Prep Time: 1h
- Cook Time: 15m
- Total Time: 1h 15m
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Halal
Description
Authentic Greek Chicken Gyros featuring tender grilled chicken breasts marinated in a zesty lemon-herb blend, served with fresh vegetables and creamy homemade tzatziki sauce, all wrapped in warm pita bread. Perfect for a fresh, flavorful Mediterranean meal.
Ingredients
Chicken and Pita
- 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
Lemon-Herb Marinade
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Homemade Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cucumber, grated and drained
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to create a bright and flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts into a large resealable bag and pour in the marinade. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight, turning occasionally to ensure even flavor penetration.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat, preparing it to cook the chicken evenly and develop those signature grill marks.
- Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off any excess, and grill each breast for about 6 to 7 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is fully cooked.
- Rest and Slice the Chicken: Let the grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes to retain its juices before slicing it thinly for assembling the gyros.
- Make the Tzatziki Sauce: In a separate bowl, mix together Greek yogurt, grated and drained cucumber, lemon juice, chopped fresh dill, minced garlic, salt, and pepper until well combined. Set aside to allow flavors to meld.
- Warm the Pitas: Place the pita breads on the grill and warm for 1 to 2 minutes per side until soft and heated through, making them pliable for wrapping.
- Assemble the Gyros: Lay sliced chicken onto each warmed pita, then add layers of sliced red onion, chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, and cucumber slices for freshness and crunch.
- Add Tzatziki Sauce: Generously drizzle the homemade tzatziki over the fillings to add a creamy, tangy finish.
- Wrap and Serve: Fold the pita over the fillings and optionally wrap each gyro in foil or parchment paper for easier handling and neat presentation.
Notes
- For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
- If grilling is not available, chicken can be cooked on a grill pan or broiled in the oven.
- Make sure to drain the grated cucumber well to prevent watery tzatziki sauce.
- Adjust garlic and dill in the tzatziki to taste for a milder or stronger flavor.
- Gyros can be customized with additional toppings like feta cheese or olives if desired.
