Name: Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 3 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar; 1 tablespoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 4–6 pita breads; 1 cup shredded lettuce; 1 cup sliced cucumber; 1 cup diced tomato; 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced; 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese; 1 cup tzatziki sauce

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If you’ve ever wanted to capture the sunny flavors of the Mediterranean in a single, hand-held meal, Greek Chicken Gyros are your delicious answer. Tender, marinated chicken wrapped in warm pita, layered with crisp veggies, a shower of feta, and finished with cool, creamy tzatziki—each bite is an explosion of freshness and bold spice. These gyros are not only simple to make at home but guaranteed to make your kitchen feel like a bustling Greek taverna. Let’s dive into everything you need to master this classic.

Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Great Greek Chicken Gyros come from honest, bright ingredients. Each brings its own flavorful spark—whether it’s a creamy tang, smoky warmth, or a fresh, crunchy finish. Here’s what you’ll need and why it matters:

Boneless Skinless Chicken Thighs: Juicy and tender, these hold flavor beautifully, making every bite irresistibly succulent.
Olive Oil: Adds richness to the marinade and helps the chicken char perfectly on the grill or skillet.
Plain Greek Yogurt: Tenderizes the chicken and adds a signature creamy, tangy base for the marinade.
Garlic (minced): Essential for that classic Mediterranean punch—don’t skimp!
Lemon Juice: Cuts through the richness and lifts all the flavors with bright acidity.
Red Wine Vinegar: Gives the marinade depth and a gentle, zippy tang.
Dried Oregano: A true Greek essential for earthy, savory notes.
Ground Cumin: Brings subtle warmth and layers of flavor.
Paprika: Adds smokiness and beautiful color to the finished chicken.
Salt: Pulls everything together and enhances each layer.
Black Pepper: Brings just the right amount of heat.
Pita Breads: Soft, chewy, and perfect for wrapping up all these flavors.
Shredded Lettuce: Brings fresh crunch and a gentle bite to contrast the savory chicken.
Sliced Cucumber: Crisp and cooling, cucumber balances the spices and richness.
Diced Tomato: Juicy and sweet, tomatoes brighten every mouthful.
Red Onion (thinly sliced): Adds sharpness and a beautiful hint of color.
Feta Cheese (crumbled): Salty, creamy, and oh-so-Greek—a must-have finishing touch.
Tzatziki Sauce: Classic cucumber-yogurt sauce delivers tang, creaminess, and refreshment in every gyro.

How to Make Greek Chicken Gyros

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start your Greek Chicken Gyros journey by making a simple yet powerful marinade. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken thighs, making sure they’re completely coated in this gorgeous mixture. Let them chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour, though overnight is even better for deep, delicious flavor.

Step 2: Grill or Sear the Chicken

Preheat your grill or a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook each thigh for 5–6 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through and beautifully charred on the outside. The vivid spices will caramelize just right, sealing in those Greek flavors.

Step 3: Rest and Slice

Once the chicken is done, transfer it to a plate and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This gentle pause keeps the chicken juicy. After resting, slice each piece into strips—perfect for tucking inside those fluffy pitas.

Step 4: Warm the Pitas

While the chicken rests, warm the pita breads either in a clean, dry skillet or directly on the grill for a minute or two. Warm pitas are more flexible and infinitely more delicious, making them ideal for wrapping up all those fillings.

Step 5: Assemble Your Greek Chicken Gyros

Spread a generous spoonful of tzatziki onto each warmed pita. Top with a handful of lettuce, cucumber, tomato, red onion, sliced chicken, and a sprinkling of crumbled feta. Fold or wrap the pita, and your homemade Greek Chicken Gyros are ready to enjoy.

How to Serve Greek Chicken Gyros

Garnishes

Don’t hold back on the garnishes! A sprinkle of extra chopped fresh parsley or dill, even an extra squeeze of lemon over the top, will elevate the flavors and appearance. Sometimes, a pinch of sumac or additional feta is all you need for that final flourish.

Side Dishes

Serve Greek Chicken Gyros alongside classics like Greek salad, roasted potatoes, or crispy oven fries. A handful of kalamata olives or a wedge of lemon on the side channels that taverna feel, and roasted vegetables add comforting earthiness to balance the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, deconstruct the gyros into a bowl: layer rice or greens, add the marinated chicken, veggies, feta, and drizzle with tzatziki. Hosting a party? Set up a Greek Chicken Gyros bar and let everyone assemble their own wraps for a crowd-pleasing, interactive dinner.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Greek Chicken Gyros fillings can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the chicken, veggies, feta, and sauces apart to maintain freshness and the best possible texture for each component.

Freezing

For longer storage, freeze the cooked, sliced chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to two months. Hold off on freezing the pitas and fresh toppings, as they’ll lose their charm in the freezer. Thaw frozen chicken overnight in the refrigerator for easy meal prep throughout the week.

Reheating

To reheat, warm chicken strips in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave until just heated through. For best results, toss with a tiny splash of olive oil or lemon juice to revive the juiciness, then assemble your gyro with fresh toppings as usual.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for Greek Chicken Gyros?

Absolutely! While chicken thighs give a juicier result, chicken breast works well—just be careful not to overcook it, as it can dry out more quickly. You might also want to marinate breast meat a little longer for extra tenderness.

Is it okay to grill the chicken ahead of time for meal prep?

Yes, grilling the chicken in advance is a brilliant way to save time. Store the cooked, sliced chicken separately in the fridge and assemble your Greek Chicken Gyros fresh for meals or packed lunches all week long.

What’s the best way to warm pita bread so it stays soft?

Warming pita in a dry skillet or wrapped in foil in the oven for a few minutes brings them back to life. Just a tiny splash of water before reheating helps regain softness. Avoid microwaving for too long to prevent toughness.

How can I make Greek Chicken Gyros gluten-free?

Simply swap out regular pita for your favorite gluten-free alternative. The chicken, veggies, and tzatziki are naturally gluten-free, so the dish easily adapts for those avoiding gluten!

Is homemade tzatziki necessary, or can I use store-bought?

You can definitely use store-bought tzatziki for convenience—it’s still delicious! If you have a few extra minutes, though, homemade tzatziki adds an unmatched freshness to Greek Chicken Gyros that’s totally worth the effort.

Final Thoughts

Greek Chicken Gyros are a hands-down favorite for their lively spices, fresh veggies, and that creamy tzatziki magic. Whether you’re making dinner for family or just craving something vibrant and comforting, give this recipe a try. One bite, and you’ll see why this classic is always worth coming back to—opa!

Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe

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4.9 from 30 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes (plus marinating)
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Greek Chicken Gyros are a delicious Mediterranean-inspired meal featuring grilled marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, creamy tzatziki sauce, and crumbled feta cheese, all wrapped in warm pita bread.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons lemon juice
2 teaspoons red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper

For Serving:

4–6 pita breads
1 cup shredded lettuce
1 cup sliced cucumber
1 cup diced tomato
1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1 cup tzatziki sauce

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Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, vinegar, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and coat well. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or overnight.
Grill the Chicken: Preheat grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until fully cooked and lightly charred. Rest, then slice into strips.
Assemble the Gyros: Warm the pita bread. Spread tzatziki onto each pita, then top with lettuce, cucumber, tomato, onion, chicken, and feta. Fold or wrap and serve.