Dinner

Greek Chicken Gyros With Creamy Tzatziki Recipe

Name: Greek Chicken Gyros With Creamy Tzatziki Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 2 h 35 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1/2 cup Greek yogurt; 1/2 lemon (juiced); 1 tbsp red wine vinegar; 3 garlic cloves (minced); 1 tbsp paprika; 1 tbsp cumin powder; 1/2 tsp cinnamon powder (optional); 1 tbsp dried oregano; Pepper to taste; 1 tsp salt; 2 tbsp olive oil; 10 boneless, skinless chicken thighs; 3 Lebanese cucumbers; 2 ripe tomatoes; 1/2 red onion (thinly sliced); 6 pita breads; 1 batch tzatziki sauce

ByHugo Harnd March 31, 2026March 31, 2026

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Introduction

Discover the vibrant flavors of Greece with this family recipe for Greek Chicken Gyros with Creamy Tzatziki. Juicy marinated chicken thighs are grilled to perfection and wrapped in warm pita bread with fresh vegetables and a cooling tzatziki sauce. It’s perfect for a flavorful, satisfying meal any day of the week.

A close-up of a pita wrap held by a woman's hand, wrapped at the bottom with crinkled silver foil. The wrap shows several layers: soft light tan pita bread on the outside, loaded with grilled chicken pieces that have a crispy golden-brown and slightly charred texture in the middle. Mixed with the chicken are fresh diced vegetables including bright green cucumbers, red tomatoes, and thin slices of purple onions. The filling is topped with white creamy sauce peeking through the edges. The background is a white marbled texture with a tiled wall pattern. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/2 cup Greek yogurt (see notes)
1/2 lemon (juiced)
1 tbsp red wine vinegar (see notes)
3 garlic cloves (minced)
1 tbsp paprika
1 tbsp cumin powder
1/2 tsp cinnamon powder (optional)
1 tbsp dried oregano
Pepper to taste
1 tsp salt
2 tbsp olive oil
10 chicken thighs (boneless and skinless, see notes)
3 Lebanese cucumbers (see notes)
2 ripe tomatoes (see notes)
6 pitas
1 batch tzatziki
1/2 red onion (thinly sliced)

Instructions

Step 1: To make the marinade, combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, paprika, cumin, cinnamon (if using), dried oregano, pepper, salt, and olive oil in a large mixing bowl. Stir well to blend all ingredients.
Step 2: Add the chicken thighs to the marinade and toss until fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or overnight for best flavor.
Step 3: Preheat your oven broiler or grill function on the highest setting and let it heat for 10 minutes. Place a foil-lined baking tray near the top rack of the oven.
Step 4: Arrange the marinated chicken on the tray and grill for 10 minutes, until lightly charred. Flip the chicken using tongs and grill for another 10 minutes until cooked through (internal temperature should reach 75°C / 165°F).
Step 5: Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest on a chopping board for 10 minutes. Then, chop into rough bite-sized pieces.
Step 6: Prepare the fillings by washing and drying cucumbers and tomatoes. Slice each in half and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Dice the seeded vegetables into small cubes and place in a bowl. Thinly slice the red onion.
Step 7: To assemble each gyro, lay a pita on a large piece of aluminum foil. Spread a generous scoop of tzatziki or Greek yogurt onto the pita, leaving space at the edges and bottom.
Step 8: Add the diced tomato, cucumber, red onion, and chopped chicken on top of the sauce. Fold the bottom edge of the pita over the fillings, then fold one side over the bottom, and finally fold the other side to enclose the gyro. Use the foil to hold the wrap securely.
Step 9: Serve immediately while warm and enjoy your authentic homemade Greek chicken gyros!

Tips & Variations

Use full-fat Greek yogurt for a richer marinade and creamier tzatziki.
Substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts if you prefer leaner meat, but thighs stay more tender and juicy.
For extra flavor, add a pinch of smoked paprika or chili flakes to the marinade.
Try adding fresh dill or mint to your tzatziki for a fragrant twist.
Warm the pita bread briefly in the oven or on a skillet to make them more pliable for wrapping.

Storage

Store any leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep tzatziki and fresh vegetables separate to prevent sogginess. Reheat the chicken in a skillet or oven before assembling additional gyros. It’s best to assemble and eat the gyros fresh for optimal texture.

How to Serve

Three thick pita wraps partially wrapped in shiny silver foil lie stacked on a white plate with small speckles, set on a white marbled surface. Each pita contains a creamy white sauce spread as the base layer, topped with chunks of grilled chicken with a dark charred texture, bright red diced tomatoes, green cucumber pieces, and thin slices of purple onion. The layers are visible at the open ends of the pitas, showing a colorful mix of textures and freshness. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use regular yogurt instead of Greek yogurt?

Greek yogurt is recommended because of its thick, creamy texture which helps the marinade stick to the chicken and provides a rich base for tzatziki. If you use regular yogurt, strain it through a cheesecloth for a few hours to thicken it before use.