Name: Greek Chicken Gyros with Lemon-Herb Marinade and Tzatziki Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 45 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 4 pita breads; 1 cup tzatziki sauce; 1 cup chopped lettuce; 1/2 cup diced tomatoes; 1/4 cup sliced red onion

Jump to Recipe· 4.3 from 39 reviews

If you’ve ever dreamed of capturing the bright, fresh flavors of the Mediterranean right in your own kitchen, then this Greek Chicken Gyros with Lemon-Herb Marinade and Tzatziki Recipe is exactly what you need. Juicy chicken strips soaked in a vibrant blend of lemon, garlic, and oregano, paired with cooling, creamy tzatziki and nestled in warm, soft pita bread create a perfect harmony of tangy, savory, and refreshing. It’s one of those dishes that instantly transports you to a sun-drenched Greek taverna, and it’s unbelievably simple to make at home!

Ingredients You’ll Need

On a white plate with a white marbled surface beneath, there is one round flat tortilla as the base. On top of the tortilla, there are several grilled strips of seasoned chicken stacked thick in the center, showing a mix of light brown, dark grill marks, and juicy textures. Above the chicken is a generous layer of creamy white sauce with green herb pieces mixed inside, spread unevenly but covering most of the chicken. Sitting on the sauce is a pile of fresh tomato salsa made of bright red, chopped tomato pieces mixed with small slices of purple onion and finely chopped green herbs, giving a fresh, colorful look. The lighting highlights the moistness and texture of each layer. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a crucial role in balancing the flavors, textures, and colors that make Greek Chicken Gyros utterly irresistible. These simple pantry staples and fresh produce work together to deliver a taste that’s anything but ordinary.

1 lb chicken breast: Lean and tender, perfect for absorbing the lemon-herb marinade deeply.
2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps keep the chicken juicy during cooking.
2 tablespoons lemon juice: Brings bright acidity that livens up the dish and tenderizes the chicken.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the marinade with bold savory notes that complement the lemon perfectly.
1 teaspoon dried oregano: A classic Greek herb that adds earthy, aromatic flavor.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors beautifully without overpowering.
1/2 teaspoon black pepper: Adds just a touch of subtle heat and complexity.
4 pita breads: Soft, warm, and perfect for wrapping all the delicious fillings.
1 cup tzatziki sauce: Creamy cucumber yogurt sauce that cools and complements the zesty chicken.
1 cup chopped lettuce: Adds crisp freshness and crunch.
1/2 cup diced tomatoes: Bursts of sweet juiciness to balance the savory ingredients.
1/4 cup sliced red onion: Sharp and slightly sweet, it adds a wonderful bite and color contrast.

How to Make Greek Chicken Gyros with Lemon-Herb Marinade and Tzatziki Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Flavor-Packed Marinade

The first step is where the magic starts—mixing olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to create a marinade bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors. This simple mix is what will infuse your chicken with the zesty, herbaceous notes that make this gyro so special. Trust me, letting the chicken soak in the marinade for at least 30 minutes is well worth the wait.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Slice your chicken breast into strips to ensure every bite is wonderfully coated and flavorful. Place the strips into the marinade and toss well. If you have time, leaving it to marinate overnight in the fridge allows the flavors to develop even deeper, creating an insanely delicious result.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken to Perfection

Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat and cook the marinated chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side until nicely charred and fully cooked. The olive oil in the marinade helps keep the chicken juicy, while the lemon and herbs create a beautiful, golden exterior that’s packed with taste.

Step 4: Warm the Pita Breads

Giving your pita breads a quick warm-up on the grill or in a hot pan helps make them soft and pliable, the perfect vessel to hold all those amazing fillings without cracking or tearing. It also adds a subtle toasted note that enhances the whole experience.

Step 5: Assemble Your Gyros

Now comes the fun part—layering the cooked chicken onto the warm pita, then adding a generous dollop of creamy tzatziki, followed by crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and tangy slices of red onion. Each bite offers a little of everything: savory, creamy, crunchy, and fresh, making these gyros truly unforgettable.

How to Serve Greek Chicken Gyros with Lemon-Herb Marinade and Tzatziki Recipe

The image shows a stack of grilled chicken pieces with char marks, placed on a round flatbread on a white plate. Under the chicken, there is a layer of sliced red tomatoes, yellow bell pepper, and some finely cut red onion, adding bright colors at the base. On top of the grilled chicken, there is a generous dollop of white creamy sauce with visible green herbs mixed inside, giving a fresh look. The white plate sits on a white marbled surface, and the scene is captured in close-up, showing the juicy texture and seasoning on the chicken. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Enhance your gyro experience with a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese or a few Kalamata olives for an added salty punch. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving can brighten the flavors even further. These small touches elevate your dish and bring an authentic Greek flair right to your table.

Side Dishes

These gyros pair perfectly with a side of crispy pita chips or a fresh Greek salad loaded with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and olives tossed in a light vinaigrette. You can also keep it simple with roasted potatoes or a bowl of your favorite hummus to dip and enjoy alongside.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re serving a crowd, consider assembling a gyro bar where everyone can customize their own pita with toppings and sauces. Alternatively, wrap the gyros in foil to keep them warm and make them easy to eat on the go—ideal for picnics or casual gatherings. Presentation is part of the fun and keeps everyone coming back for seconds!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, store leftover cooked chicken and pita separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. This helps maintain the best texture of both the chicken and the bread so your gyros won’t feel soggy or dry when you eat them later.

Freezing

You can freeze the cooked marinated chicken strips for up to 2 months. Freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet first, then transfer to a freezer-safe bag or container. Avoid freezing the pita or tzatziki, as their texture may not withstand freezing well.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through, adding a splash of water or olive oil if needed to keep it moist. Warm the pita breads separately in a hot pan or toaster oven to revive their softness before assembling your gyro again.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs tend to be a bit juicier and more forgiving when cooking, so they work beautifully with this lemon-herb marinade. Just adjust the cooking time as needed since thighs can take a little longer to cook through.

How long should I marinate the chicken for best flavor?

At least 30 minutes is sufficient to infuse the chicken with flavor, but if you can plan ahead, marinating overnight will deepen the taste and tenderize the meat even more.

Is tzatziki sauce difficult to make from scratch?

Not at all! Traditional tzatziki combines Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and fresh herbs like dill or mint. It’s quick to make and gives you full control over freshness and flavor, but store-bought versions are great for saving time too.

Can I grill the chicken instead of cooking it on a skillet?

Yes! Grilling adds a lovely smoky char to the chicken that pairs nicely with the marinade. Just make sure your grill is preheated to medium-high and watch carefully so the chicken cooks evenly without drying out.

What other toppings can I add to my gyros?

Feel free to get creative! Besides the classic lettuce, tomato, and red onion, try adding sliced cucumbers, feta cheese, kalamata olives, or even pickled peppers for some extra tang and texture.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a fun, flavorful meal that’s both fresh and satisfying, the Greek Chicken Gyros with Lemon-Herb Marinade and Tzatziki Recipe really hits the spot. It’s a beautiful way to enjoy Mediterranean cuisine at home, and once you try it, you’ll want to make it again and again. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you!