If you’re craving a dish that bursts with Mediterranean sunshine and vibrant flavors, you’re going to adore this Homemade Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki and Flatbreads Recipe. Imagine tender, marinated chicken grilled to juicy perfection, wrapped in soft, pillowy flatbreads and topped with cool, creamy tzatziki alongside fresh veggies. This recipe is not just about making a meal; it’s about creating an experience filled with warmth, zest, and comforting textures that will make you feel like you’re dining in a Greek taverna.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple, but each one plays a crucial role in building the depth of flavor, freshness, and texture that make the dish so irresistible.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Adds richness and helps infuse the marinade with a fruity undertone.
- Dried oregano: A classic herb that brings authentic Greek flavor and earthy aroma.
- Red wine vinegar: Provides a subtle tang that balances the richness of the chicken.
- Fresh lemon juice: Brightens the marinade and tzatziki with fresh citrus zing.
- Garlic (crushed and granules): Infuses both the chicken and sauce with aromatic intensity.
- Sea salt and black pepper: Enhances and rounds out all the flavors beautifully.
- Chicken thighs (skinless, boneless): The star protein—juicy and tender when grilled.
- Strong white bread flour: The foundation for soft, slightly chewy flatbreads with great structure.
- Warm water: Activates the dough and brings ingredients together smoothly.
- Natural yogurt: Makes the tzatziki sauce creamy and cooling.
- English cucumber: Adds crunch and freshness to the tzatziki after being grated and drained.
- Fresh dill: A fragrant herb that lifts the tzatziki with its light, citrusy notes.
- Shredded lettuce, red onion, cherry tomatoes: These fresh toppings add color, texture, and crunch to every bite.
How to Make Homemade Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki and Flatbreads Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by creating a marinade that will soak into the chicken thighs, imparting flavor and tenderness. Mix together extra virgin olive oil, dried oregano, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, and crushed garlic, then season with sea salt and black pepper. Cut your chicken into large chunks for even grilling, then coat thoroughly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or ideally longer, to deepen those flavors.
Step 2: Prepare the Flatbread Dough
Flatbreads are wonderfully simple but require a little love. Combine strong white bread flour and sea salt, then add warm water and olive oil. Stir until a dough forms, then knead until smooth and elastic — about five minutes. This makes your flatbreads tender and slightly chewy, perfect for wrapping around the juicy chicken. Let the dough rest, giving gluten time to relax for the best texture.
Step 3: Make the Tzatziki Sauce
Tzatziki is the cooling counterpoint to the smoky chicken and freshly grilled bread. Start by grating cucumber and squeezing out excess water so your sauce won’t be runny. Mix natural yogurt with garlic granules, chopped fresh dill, sea salt, and a squeeze of lemon juice. Fold in the cucumber gently and chill to let the flavors meld — this tzatziki will be creamy, tangy, and incredibly refreshing.
Step 4: Cook the Flatbreads
Divide your rested dough and roll each half out thinly into beautiful circles. Heat a griddle pan until very hot and cook each flatbread for a few minutes per side until golden spots appear and the bread puffs slightly. Keep them warm under a clean towel — nothing beats freshly made, warm flatbreads when sheltering juicy gyros ingredients.
Step 5: Grill the Chicken
Thread the marinated chicken chunks onto skewers and grill over direct heat for about 5 minutes on each side. You’ll want to watch closely for that gorgeous char, sealing in the juices and intensifying flavor. Once cooked through, let the chicken rest briefly before removing from skewers to keep it juicy and tender for assembly.
How to Serve Homemade Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki and Flatbreads Recipe
Garnishes
Shredded lettuce, thinly sliced red onions, and roughly chopped cherry tomatoes make for fresh, crisp garnishes. Their bright colors not only make your gyros pop visually but also add wonderful crunch and freshness that complement the tender grilled chicken and creamy tzatziki beautifully.
Side Dishes
Serve your Homemade Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki and Flatbreads Recipe alongside a Greek salad, roasted potatoes with lemon and herbs, or even crispy falafel to make a Mediterranean feast. These sides bring more variety in textures and flavors, making your meal feel abundant and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, try serving the chicken, tzatziki, and vegetables deconstructed on a platter—letting everyone assemble their own gyros as they like. This interactive meal style is perfect for casual gatherings or family dinners, making each bite personalized and enjoyable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Homemade Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki and Flatbreads Recipe, store the cooked chicken separately in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Keep your flatbreads wrapped in foil or plastic wrap at room temperature or refrigerated to maintain softness, and store tzatziki in a sealed container to preserve freshness.
Freezing
You can freeze the grilled chicken pieces by placing them in a freezer-safe container or bag for up to two months. Flatbreads freeze well too—wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing. For best flavor and texture, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating or serving.
Reheating
To reheat chicken, gently warm it on the stovetop or in a microwave until just heated through—avoid overcooking as it can dry out. For flatbreads, heat them briefly in a hot skillet or oven wrapped in foil to keep them tender. Keep tzatziki chilled and fresh by only adding it right before serving again.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breast works fine if you prefer leaner meat, but be careful not to overcook it as it can dry out faster than thighs. Marinating thoroughly and grilling quickly will help keep it juicy.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
At minimum, 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate. For best results, marinate for a few hours or overnight in the fridge. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful your chicken will be.
Can I make the tzatziki sauce ahead of time?
Yes, tzatziki actually tastes better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours or overnight as the flavors meld together beautifully. Just be sure to squeeze out excess cucumber juice to keep it from becoming watery.
Do I need skewers to cook the chicken?
While skewers make grilling easier and give that classic presentation, you can also cook chicken chunks directly on the griddle or grill pan. Just be careful when turning pieces to avoid them falling through the grates.
Can I buy flatbread instead of making it?
You can, of course. Store-bought flatbreads or pita can be used for convenience. However, homemade flatbreads add freshness and a personal touch that elevates the Homemade Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki and Flatbreads Recipe to a whole new level.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki and Flatbreads Recipe is a truly rewarding project that brings together simple ingredients into a vibrant, comforting dish perfect for sharing. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, it’s guaranteed to impress and satisfy. Don’t hesitate to dive in and make this flavorful journey your own—you’ll be hooked from that very first bite!
Print
Homemade Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki and Flatbreads Recipe
- Prep Time: 45 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: 4 to 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Description
Delicious Homemade Chicken Gyros featuring tender marinated chicken souvlaki, freshly made flatbreads, and a refreshing tzatziki sauce, assembled with crisp lettuce, red onion, and tomatoes for an authentic Greek-inspired meal perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Souvlaki:
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp red wine vinegar
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 large garlic clove (crushed)
- Freshly ground sea salt and black pepper, to taste
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken thighs
For the Flatbreads:
- 200g (7 oz) strong white bread flour
- Large pinch of sea salt
- 100ml (5 1/2 tbsp) warm water
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1/4 English cucumber (grated)
- 125g (4 1/2 oz) natural yogurt
- 1/4 tsp garlic granules
- 1 tsp finely chopped fresh dill
- Sea salt to taste
- Squeeze of fresh lemon juice
For Assembly:
- Large handful of shredded lettuce
- 1/2 small red onion (thinly sliced)
- Large handful of cherry tomatoes (roughly chopped)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, combine 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tbsp dried oregano, 1 tsp red wine vinegar, juice of 1 lemon, and 1 crushed garlic clove. Season generously with sea salt and black pepper. Cut 4 skinless, boneless chicken thighs into sizeable chunks and immerse them in the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover and let marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for enhanced flavor.
- Prepare the Flatbread Dough: In a large mixing bowl, mix 200g strong white bread flour with a large pinch of sea salt. Create a well in the flour and pour in 100ml warm water and 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil. Stir with a fork until a dough forms, then knead on a clean surface for about 5 minutes until smooth. Cover and let rest while preparing the other components.
- Make the Tzatziki Sauce: Grate 1/4 English cucumber and squeeze out excess liquid. In a small bowl, combine 125g natural yogurt, 1/4 tsp garlic granules, 1 tsp finely chopped fresh dill, and a pinch of sea salt. Fold in the grated cucumber and add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Refrigerate to chill.
- Cook the Flatbreads: Divide the dough into two equal halves and roll each into thin circles. Heat a griddle pan over high heat and cook each flatbread for 2-3 minutes per side until golden brown and slightly puffed. Keep warm by covering with a towel.
- Grill the Chicken: Thread the marinated chicken chunks onto skewers. Grill on the hot griddle pan for about 5 minutes per side until cooked through with a charred golden exterior. Remove from skewers and let rest briefly.
- Assemble the Gyros: Place grilled chicken pieces on the warm flatbreads. Top with shredded lettuce, thinly sliced red onion, roughly chopped cherry tomatoes, and a generous spoonful of tzatziki sauce. Wrap and serve immediately for a delightful homemade chicken gyro experience.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight intensifies the flavors.
- Use a high-quality natural yogurt for a creamier tzatziki.
- Grated cucumber should be squeezed well to avoid a watery sauce.
- You can substitute skinless chicken breasts if preferred, but thighs remain juicier.
- Keep flatbreads covered with a clean towel to stay warm and soft before serving.
