Yogurt-Marinated Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki

Name: Yogurt-Marinated Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 60 min
Yield: 4 gyros
Cuisine: Greek-inspired
Ingredients: 700 g boneless skinless chicken thighs; 100 g plain Greek yogurt; 2 tbsp olive oil; 2 tbsp lemon juice; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp ground paprika; 1/2 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 4 whole pita breads; 1 whole tomato, sliced; 1/2 whole cucumber, sliced; 1/2 whole red onion, thinly sliced; 150 g tzatziki

Yogurt-marinated chicken tucked into warm pita with tomato, cucumber, red onion and tzatziki.

By Hez ArslanUpdated October 2, 2026

Total 1 hrMakes 4 gyros

Jump to Recipe

These chicken gyros are a home-style take on Greek street-food flavours, using lemon, garlic, oregano and yogurt to season the chicken. The source offers either chicken or beef without separate methods, so this version chooses boneless chicken thighs for a single clear recipe. Marinate under refrigeration, cook in a hot skillet or grill pan and slice after resting. Serve in warm pita with tomato, cucumber, onion and tzatziki. The recipe is inspired by gyro flavours and does not claim to reproduce traditional spit-roasted meat. Mix yogurt, olive oil, lemon, garlic, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt and pepper. Coat chicken, cover and refrigerate 30 minutes to 8 hours. Preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove excess marinade.

Yogurt-Marinated Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki

How to tell when it is ready

Chicken is browned and reaches 74°C (165°F) at its thickest point.

Tips

Marinate chicken only under refrigeration.
Remove excess marinade before searing.
Avoid crowding the pan.
Rest chicken before slicing.

Troubleshooting

If the mixture is too thick, add liquid a little at a time.
If browning too quickly, lower the heat and cover loosely.

Substitutions

Use a similar neutral cooking oil.
Choose a suitable dairy-free alternative where practical.

Variations

Adjust the seasoning to taste.
Add a suitable seasonal ingredient without changing the cooking cues.

Serving suggestions

Serve with Greek salad.
Add lemon potatoes.
Offer olives and feta.
Serve extra tzatziki on the side.

Make ahead

Prepare suitable components ahead and store them safely. Refrigerate cooked chicken separately from fresh toppings up to 3 days.

Storage

Refrigerate cooked chicken separately from fresh toppings up to 3 days.

Food safety

Marinate chicken in the refrigerator and cook to 74°C (165°F). Keep raw poultry separate from salad vegetables and tzatziki.

Frequently asked questions

Can I make this ahead?

Prepare suitable components ahead, chill them promptly and finish the dish shortly before serving.

How should I store chicken gyros with tzatziki?

Refrigerate cooked chicken separately from fresh toppings up to 3 days.

Serve with Greek salad. Refrigerate cooked chicken separately from fresh toppings up to 3 days.

About the author

Hez Arslan

Hez Arslan owns feastdelights.com and also writes practical recipes for everyday home cooking, from familiar Ukrainian dishes to meals inspired by kitchens around the world. His clear, step-by-step guidance helps home cooks approach each recipe with confidence.

Yogurt-Marinated Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki