If you’ve ever craved the mouthwatering flavors of a Greek street cart meal, Greek Chicken Gyros are your answer. Tender, aromatic chicken wrapped in warm pita, topped with fresh veggies, tangy feta, and cool tzatziki — it’s a Mediterranean adventure in every bite. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just spicing up your weeknight dinner, this recipe brings authentic Greek flavors to your kitchen with minimal fuss and maximum satisfaction.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Greek Chicken Gyros lies in its simple, everyday ingredients that come together to create something extraordinary. Each component plays a special role, from the creamy yogurt marinade to the zesty toppings, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor, crunch, and color.
- Chicken thighs or breasts: Use 1 ½ pounds of boneless, skinless chicken sliced into strips for the juiciest, most flavorful base.
- Olive oil: With 3 tablespoons, this helps tenderize the chicken and adds a fruity richness to the marinade.
- Plain Greek yogurt: Three tablespoons provide creaminess and help the marinade penetrate deeply for moist, succulent meat.
- Lemon juice: Two tablespoons of fresh lemon juice brighten everything up with a citrusy zing that makes the flavors pop.
- Garlic: Three cloves, minced, bring that unmistakable Mediterranean kick and depth to the marinade.
- Red wine vinegar: One tablespoon adds tang and complexity, balancing out the richness.
- Dried oregano: Two teaspoons for that classic Greek herbaceous aroma that fills your kitchen as it cooks.
- Ground cumin: A teaspoon lends subtle warmth and earthiness that ties the marinade together.
- Paprika: Half a teaspoon brings a gentle smokiness and a hint of color to the chicken.
- Salt: Half a teaspoon is just enough to make all the flavors sing.
- Black pepper: A quarter teaspoon for a mild kick and aromatic finish.
- Pita or flatbreads: Four to six pieces, perfect for wrapping and soaking up all those incredible juices.
- Sliced cucumber: Adds cool crunch and freshness to each gyro.
- Red onion: Thin slices give a sharp bite and vibrant color.
- Tomato: Juicy slices bring sweetness and a burst of color.
- Crumbled feta cheese: The salty, creamy finishing touch that makes these gyros irresistible.
- Tzatziki sauce: Creamy, garlicky, and refreshing — don’t skip this essential condiment!
How to Make Greek Chicken Gyros
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together the olive oil, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Add the chicken strips and toss to coat every piece evenly. Let the chicken soak up all those flavors in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or up to 8 hours if you want to prep ahead). The longer you marinate, the deeper the flavor!
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat your grill, grill pan, or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the marinated chicken, letting any excess drip off, and lay the strips on the hot surface. Cook for about 4–5 minutes per side until the chicken is beautifully browned and fully cooked through. The aroma will make it nearly impossible to wait!
Step 3: Warm the Pitas
While your chicken cooks, give your pita or flatbreads a quick warm-up. You can do this on the grill, in a dry skillet, or even wrapped in foil in the oven for a couple of minutes. Warm pitas are softer and more pliable, making them perfect for wrapping all those delicious fillings.
Step 4: Assemble the Greek Chicken Gyros
Now comes the fun part! Lay a warm pita flat and start with a generous layer of tzatziki sauce. Pile on the cooked chicken, then top with cucumber slices, tomato, red onion, and a good sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese. Wrap it up and get ready for a flavor explosion.
How to Serve Greek Chicken Gyros
Garnishes
Don’t be shy with the garnishes! A sprinkle of fresh parsley, a squeeze of lemon, or an extra dollop of tzatziki can take your Greek Chicken Gyros from great to unforgettable. For a little heat, add sliced pepperoncini or a pinch of chili flakes.
Side Dishes
Pair your gyros with classic Greek sides like lemon roasted potatoes, a crisp Greek salad, or even some homemade hummus and olives. These sides not only round out the meal but also add even more color and texture to your table.
Creative Ways to Present
Hosting a gathering? Try setting up a build-your-own gyro bar! Lay out all the toppings and let everyone customize their Greek Chicken Gyros to their taste. Or, cut the assembled gyros into halves or thirds for easy-to-eat party bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with extra chicken, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the toppings and pita separate to prevent things from getting soggy, and assemble fresh when you’re ready to eat.
Freezing
Greek Chicken Gyros are freezer-friendly! Freeze the cooked chicken (without the toppings) in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating and assembling your gyros.
Reheating
To keep the chicken juicy, reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave with a splash of water to prevent drying out. Warm the pita separately, then assemble your Greek Chicken Gyros as usual.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Both chicken thighs and breasts work beautifully in Greek Chicken Gyros. Thighs are naturally juicier, but breasts will still turn out tender and flavorful thanks to the marinade.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No grill? No problem. You can cook the chicken in a grill pan or a regular nonstick skillet on your stovetop. Just make sure the pan is hot to get that lovely sear.
Can I make Greek Chicken Gyros ahead of time?
Definitely. Marinate the chicken up to 8 hours in advance, and you can even cook it ahead of time. Store the cooked chicken and toppings separately, then assemble fresh for the best texture.
Is there a vegetarian option?
Yes! Swap the chicken for roasted vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers for a delicious vegetarian twist on classic Greek Chicken Gyros.
What’s the best way to keep pitas soft?
To keep your pita or flatbread soft, warm them just before serving and cover with a clean kitchen towel to trap steam until ready to assemble your gyros.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something special about homemade Greek Chicken Gyros — from the sizzling chicken to the tangy tzatziki and fresh toppings, every bite is pure Mediterranean joy. Don’t wait for your next restaurant visit to enjoy these flavors; bring them to your own kitchen and share the love with family and friends!
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Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4–6 gyros
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling or Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Greek Chicken Gyros recipe features tender, marinated chicken thighs grilled to perfection and wrapped in warm pita bread with fresh cucumber, tomato, red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and tangy tzatziki sauce. A delicious and authentic Mediterranean street food experience you can make at home, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, sliced into strips
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For Serving
- 4–6 pita or flatbreads
- Sliced cucumber
- Red onion, thinly sliced
- Tomato, sliced
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Tzatziki sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl or zip-top bag, whisk together olive oil, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the sliced chicken to the marinade and toss so each piece is fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours to infuse flavors.
- Preheat the Cooking Surface: Heat a grill, grill pan, or skillet over medium-high heat until hot and ready for cooking.
- Cook the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Cook the chicken strips for about 4 to 5 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through and nicely browned.
- Warm the Pita Bread: Lightly warm the pita or flatbreads either on the grill or in a skillet to make them pliable and slightly charred for extra flavor.
- Assemble the Gyros: Layer each warm pita with cooked chicken strips, a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce, sliced cucumber, tomato, red onion, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Serve: Serve the gyros immediately while warm for the best taste and texture experience.
Notes
- For extra flavor, lightly grill the pita breads before assembling the gyros to add smoky char and softness.
- You can substitute chicken with lamb, beef, or roasted vegetables to create different gyro variations.
- Store leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Marinating the chicken longer enhances the flavor and tenderizes the meat.
- Use fresh homemade tzatziki for an authentic taste, or use store-bought as a convenient alternative.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 gyro
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
