Greek Chicken Gyros are a delicious and easy-to-make meal featuring marinated chicken, fresh veggies, and creamy tzatziki sauce, all wrapped in warm pita bread. This classic Mediterranean dish is packed with bold flavors and makes for a perfect lunch or dinner option.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Mediterranean flavors – A perfect blend of Greek-inspired spices and fresh ingredients.
- Easy to prepare – Simple marinating and grilling make this an effortless yet flavorful dish.
- Healthy and nutritious – Packed with lean protein, fresh veggies, and a light yogurt-based sauce.
- Customizable – Adjust the toppings and spices to suit your taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- For the chicken marinade:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- Greek yogurt
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Garlic, minced
- Dried oregano
- Ground cumin
- Ground coriander
- Paprika
- Salt and pepper
- For the gyros:
- Pita bread or flatbread
- Roma tomatoes, sliced
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Cucumber, sliced
- Feta cheese, crumbled
- Fresh lettuce
- For the tzatziki sauce:
- Greek yogurt
- Cucumber, grated and drained
- Garlic, minced
- Lemon juice
- Fresh dill or mint, chopped
- Olive oil
- Salt and pepper
Directions
- Prepare the marinade – In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, coriander, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate the chicken – Coat the chicken in the marinade and let it sit for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours for best flavor).
- Cook the chicken – Grill the chicken over medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes per side until fully cooked. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Make the tzatziki sauce – Combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, dill, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix well and refrigerate until serving.
- Assemble the gyros – Warm the pita bread, then layer with lettuce, sliced chicken, tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, and feta cheese. Drizzle with tzatziki sauce.
- Serve and enjoy! – Wrap the pita around the filling and enjoy your homemade Greek chicken gyros.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Marinating Time: 30 minutes to 24 hours
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Version – Add cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the marinade for extra heat.
- Grilled Vegetable Gyro – Swap chicken for grilled eggplant, zucchini, or mushrooms for a vegetarian option.
- Dairy-Free Alternative – Use coconut yogurt in the marinade and tzatziki.
- Different Proteins – Try lamb, beef, or even shrimp instead of chicken.
- Low-Carb Option – Serve the gyro filling over a salad instead of in pita bread.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Keep leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Store tzatziki separately.
- Reheating: Warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave for 30-60 seconds.
- Freezing: You can freeze the marinated raw chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw before grilling.
FAQs
Can I cook the chicken in the oven instead of grilling?
Yes! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
What’s the best type of pita bread for gyros?
Soft, fluffy Greek-style pita works best, but any flatbread will do.
Can I make gyros ahead of time?
You can prep the chicken and tzatziki a day in advance for quick assembly.
How do I prevent my gyro from falling apart?
Don’t overfill the pita, and wrap it tightly in parchment paper or foil.
Can I use store-bought tzatziki?
Yes, but homemade has a fresher and richer flavor.
What’s a good side dish for gyros?
Try Greek salad, hummus with pita chips, or roasted potatoes.
Can I grill the chicken on a stovetop?
Yes, use a grill pan or a regular skillet over medium-high heat.
How do I make the tzatziki thicker?
Drain the grated cucumber well or strain the yogurt for a thicker consistency.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful.
How do I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pita or serve the gyro filling in a lettuce wrap.
Conclusion
Greek Chicken Gyros are a flavorful, easy-to-make meal that brings the taste of the Mediterranean to your kitchen. Whether you’re making them for a quick weeknight dinner or a casual gathering, these gyros are sure to be a hit. Try them out and enjoy a fresh, homemade Greek feast!
PrintGreek Chicken Gyros Recipe
A classic Greek street food dish featuring tender marinated chicken, warm pita bread, and fresh toppings, all wrapped up with a creamy homemade tzatziki sauce. Perfect for a quick lunch or dinner!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Chill Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 55 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 gyros 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling / Pan-frying
- Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh dill or mint, chopped
- ¼ tsp salt
For Serving:
- 4–6 pita breads
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup lettuce, chopped (optional)
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
Instructions
-
Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor).
-
Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, dill, and salt. Stir well.
- Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
-
Cook the Chicken:
- Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and slightly charred.
- Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
-
Assemble the Gyros:
- Warm the pita bread in a dry skillet or microwave.
- Add sliced chicken, tomatoes, red onion, and lettuce (if using).
- Drizzle with tzatziki sauce and sprinkle with feta cheese.
- Wrap up and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- For extra crispy chicken, grill over an open flame or use a cast-iron skillet.
- Swap out chicken for lamb, beef, or grilled veggies for a different variation.
- Use store-bought tzatziki for a quicker version.