Try this Greek-inspired pizza that combines the bold flavors of chicken gyros with the comfort of homemade pizza. Perfect for four people!
Key highlights:
- Ready in under 1 hour with store-bought pizza dough
- Features homemade tzatziki sauce and marinated chicken
- Combines classic Greek and Italian flavors
- Great for pizza night or entertaining friends
What Makes This Recipe Special
Ever wished you could combine your favorite Greek gyro with a classic pizza? This recipe brings together juicy marinated chicken, creamy tzatziki sauce, and melty mozzarella cheese on a perfectly crispy crust. It’s an irresistible meal that serves four people generously.
Time Needed
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4
Equipment Needed
- Large mixing bowl
- Small mixing bowl
- Pizza stone or large baking sheet
- Pizza peel or flat baking sheet
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Grater
- Food processor or blender (for tzatziki)
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 2 large chicken breasts (about 1 pound)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Tzatziki:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 cucumber, grated and drained
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Pizza:
- 1 pound store-bought pizza dough
- 2 cups shredded mozzarella cheese
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Fresh oregano for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparation (15-20 minutes before starting)
- Remove pizza dough from refrigerator and let it rest at room temperature
- Place dough in a lightly oiled bowl
- Cover with a clean kitchen towel
- This makes the dough easier to stretch later
- Gather and prepare all ingredients
- Set out all equipment you’ll need
- Measure all ingredients before starting
- Clear and clean your workspace
Prepare the Chicken (20-25 minutes)
- Prepare the chicken breasts
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels
- Place on cutting board
- Cut into 1-inch cubes using a sharp knife
- Try to keep pieces uniform in size for even cooking
- Make the marinade
- In a large bowl, measure 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Add 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Peel and mince 3 cloves of garlic (or use 1.5 teaspoons pre-minced)
- Add 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- Measure 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper
- Whisk all ingredients together with a fork
- Marinate the chicken
- Add chicken cubes to marinade bowl
- Stir gently to coat all pieces
- Cover bowl with plastic wrap
- Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes (up to 2 hours)
- Cook the chicken
- Heat a large pan over medium-high heat
- Add 1 tablespoon olive oil to pan
- Once oil shimmers (about 1 minute), add chicken
- Spread pieces evenly in pan
- Cook 3-4 minutes without stirring
- Stir and cook another 3-4 minutes until no pink remains
- Check largest piece – cut in half to ensure it’s cooked through
- Transfer to a clean plate to cool
- Once cooled, chop into smaller, bite-sized pieces
Make the Tzatziki (15 minutes)
- Prepare the cucumber
- Wash cucumber and cut off ends
- Grate cucumber using the large holes of a box grater
- Place grated cucumber in clean kitchen towel
- Gather towel corners and squeeze over sink to remove water
- Keep squeezing until very little water comes out
- Mix the sauce
- In a medium bowl, add 1 cup Greek yogurt
- Add drained cucumber
- Peel and mince 2 cloves garlic (or use 1 teaspoon pre-minced)
- Add 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Chop fresh dill (should make about 1 tablespoon)
- Add 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon pepper
- Mix everything together with a spoon
- Taste and add more salt/pepper if needed
- Cover and refrigerate until needed
Prepare Pizza Toppings (10 minutes)
- Prepare vegetables
- Cut red onion in half, then slice very thinly
- Cut cherry tomatoes in half
- Chop fresh oregano if using
- Prepare cheeses
- Measure 2 cups mozzarella
- Measure 1/2 cup crumbled feta
- Keep refrigerated until needed
Assemble and Bake Pizza (20 minutes)
- Preheat the oven
- Place pizza stone or baking sheet in oven
- Set temperature to 450°F (230°C)
- Let preheat for at least 20 minutes
- Prepare work surface
- Sprinkle flour on clean counter or large cutting board
- Have all toppings ready and within reach
- Keep pizza peel or baking sheet nearby
- Shape the dough
- Place dough on floured surface
- Press outward from center with fingertips
- Lift and stretch gently, rotating as you go
- Aim for 14-inch circle
- If dough resists, let rest 5 minutes and try again
- Make sure thickness is even
- Create slight rim around edge for crust
- Add toppings (work quickly)
- Spread 1/2 cup tzatziki sauce evenly, leaving 1/2 inch border
- Sprinkle mozzarella cheese evenly
- Add cooked chicken pieces
- Add sliced red onions
- Place halved tomatoes
- Finish with crumbled feta
- Transfer and bake
- Ensure pizza moves freely on surface (add flour if needed)
- Slide pizza onto preheated stone/sheet
- If using baking sheet, remove preheated sheet with oven mitts
- Quickly transfer pizza
- Close oven immediately
- Bake 12-15 minutes
- Look for golden brown crust and melted cheese
- Rotate halfway through if browning unevenly
- Finish and serve
- Remove pizza with peel or spatula
- Place on cutting board
- Let rest 5 minutes
- Sprinkle with fresh oregano
- Cut into 8 slices
- Serve immediately
- Offer extra tzatziki sauce on side
Troubleshooting Tips
- If dough springs back while stretching: Let rest 10 minutes and try again
- If toppings slide off: Use less tzatziki sauce
- If crust is soggy: Pre-bake crust for 5 minutes before adding toppings
- If cheese browns too quickly: Lower oven rack position
Variations
- Use naan bread or pita for individual pizzas
- Swap chicken for lamb or shrimp
- Add spinach or bell peppers
- Try different cheeses like provolone or Gouda
Storage and Reheating
- Store leftovers in airtight container for up to 3 days
- Reheat in 350°F oven for 10 minutes
- Not recommended for freezing
Safety Notes
- Ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C)
- Use oven mitts when handling hot pizza stone
- Let pizza cool 5 minutes before cutting
- Keep raw chicken separate from other ingredients
Pro Tips
- Room temperature dough stretches easier
- Pat chicken dry before cooking for better browning
- Make tzatziki ahead for better flavor
- Use pre-shredded cheese to save time
