Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken thighs (or breasts) into a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 4-6 hours for maximum flavor.
Step 2: Make the Tzatziki Sauce
- Prepare the Cucumber: Grate the cucumber using a box grater or a food processor. Place the grated cucumber into a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth, twist, and squeeze out excess water to ensure the tzatziki isn’t too watery.
- Mix the Sauce: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the strained cucumber, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, fresh dill, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until well combined. Adjust seasoning as necessary—add more dill, garlic, or lemon juice to taste.
- Refrigerate the Sauce: For the best flavor, refrigerate the tzatziki sauce for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Grill or Cook the Chicken:
- Grilling: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/75°C).
- Pan-Seared: Heat a grill pan or regular skillet over medium-high heat with a little olive oil. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Rest the Chicken: Once the chicken is done, remove it from the heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips or bite-sized pieces.
Step 4: Assemble the Gyros
- Warm the Pita: Warm the pita bread in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 1 minute per side, or wrap them in foil and heat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.
- Assemble the Gyros: Lay a warm pita on a plate and add a generous amount of sliced chicken in the center. Top with sliced tomatoes, red onions, and shredded lettuce (if using).
- Drizzle with Tzatziki: Spoon a generous amount of the cucumber tzatziki sauce over the top of the chicken and vegetables.
- Optional Garnishes: Sprinkle with feta cheese and fresh parsley, and add more tzatziki sauce on the side for dipping.
Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!
Serve your Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki immediately while everything is fresh and warm. These gyros are perfect for a quick and satisfying weeknight meal, a weekend gathering, or even a fun family dinner. The tangy tzatziki sauce and savory grilled chicken are the perfect pair, making this dish a crowd-pleaser every time.
Tips for Success
- Chicken Choice: Chicken thighs are the best choice for gyros because they stay juicy and flavorful when grilled. If you prefer chicken breasts, be careful not to overcook them, as they can become dry.
- Tzatziki Texture: Make sure to remove excess water from the cucumber to prevent the sauce from becoming too runny. Squeezing the grated cucumber ensures the tzatziki stays thick and creamy.
- Customizing the Fillings: Feel free to add other traditional gyro fillings, such as Kalamata olives, cucumber slices, or bell peppers, for extra crunch and flavor.
- Make-Ahead Option: You can make the chicken and tzatziki sauce ahead of time. The chicken can be marinated overnight, and the tzatziki sauce can be prepared 1-2 days in advance to allow the flavors to deepen.
Why You’ll Love Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki
These Greek Chicken Gyros bring all the amazing flavors of Greece right to your kitchen. With marinated chicken grilled to perfection, topped with a creamy cucumber tzatziki sauce, fresh vegetables, and wrapped in soft pita, each bite is a burst of flavor and texture. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a weeknight dinner, these gyros are a fun and flavorful meal everyone will love!