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 tablespoons lemon juice; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar; 1 tablespoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon paprika; Salt and pepper, to taste; 4 pita or flatbreads; 1 cup diced tomatoes; 1/2 cup sliced red onion; 1 cup shredded lettuce or chopped cucumber; 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese; 1 cup tzatziki sauce

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If you’re craving an easy homemade meal that absolutely bursts with flavor and fresh Mediterranean vibes, you’re in for a treat with Greek Chicken Gyros. Marinated, juicy chicken, a colorful tangle of veggies, creamy tzatziki, and fluffy pita bread unite for a street food classic that’s unbelievably satisfying. This recipe is all about robust flavors, vibrant toppings, and that unmistakable Greek comfort—all in the palm of your hand. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or crafting a special weeknight dinner, Greek Chicken Gyros deliver on taste and sheer joy every single time.

Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gather these simple yet essential ingredients to build authentic Greek Chicken Gyros at home. Each one plays a starring role, lending its own flavor, texture, and even visual pop to your meal.

Boneless skinless chicken thighs (1 1/2 pounds): The dark meat stays super juicy and tender after marinating and grilling.
Olive oil (3 tablespoons): Brings richness and helps distribute the marinade flavors into every bite of chicken.
Plain Greek yogurt (3 tablespoons): Tenderizes the chicken and adds a tangy flavor to the marinade.
Lemon juice (3 tablespoons): Bright citrus lifts the marinade and infuses the chicken with classic Greek zing.
Garlic, minced (3 cloves): Fresh garlic gives the marinade deep Mediterranean aroma and flavor.
Red wine vinegar (1 tablespoon): Adds tartness and balances out the richness of the chicken and yogurt.
Dried oregano (1 tablespoon): A must-have for Greek flavor—earthy, herbal, and unmistakably Mediterranean.
Ground cumin (1 teaspoon): Contributes a subtle warmth that rounds out the marinade.
Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Adds color and a hint of smokiness to the finished chicken.
Salt and pepper: Season the marinade to taste for perfectly balanced flavor.
Pitas or flatbreads (4): The soft, pillowy vehicle that hugs all the fillings together.
Tomatoes, diced (1 cup): For bursts of freshness and juiciness in every bite.
Red onion, sliced (1/2 cup): Adds crunch and a gentle sharpness that cuts through the richness.
Shredded lettuce or chopped cucumber (1 cup): Pick your favorite for a cool, refreshing crunch and extra color.
Feta cheese, crumbled (1/2 cup): That creamy, salty finish gives Greek Chicken Gyros their unmistakable character.
Tzatziki sauce (1 cup): The creamy, garlicky classic that pulls every element together.

How to Make Greek Chicken Gyros

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Begin by whisking together olive oil, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, red wine vinegar, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Toss the chicken thighs in this aromatic marinade, making sure every piece is well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour (overnight is even better), letting all those bold Mediterranean flavors really soak into the chicken.

Step 2: Grill or Sear to Perfection

Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge and lay each thigh flat on the hot surface. Grill or sear for 5 to 6 minutes per side, until the chicken is cooked through and has tempting golden, slightly charred edges. That bit of char makes all the difference!

Step 3: Rest and Slice the Chicken

Let the cooked chicken thighs rest for five minutes—this locks in the juices. Then, slice each piece into long strips that will tuck perfectly inside your pita or flatbread.

Step 4: Warm the Pitas

Warm your pitas or flatbreads in a dry skillet, oven, or even wrapped in a towel in the microwave for a minute. Warm bread makes assembling (and eating) your Greek Chicken Gyros so much more satisfying.

Step 5: Assemble the Gyros

On each pita, layer the sliced chicken with tomatoes, red onion, lettuce or cucumber, crumbled feta, and a very generous spoonful of tzatziki sauce. Folding up your gyro might get a little messy, but every bite is worth it!

How to Serve Greek Chicken Gyros

Garnishes

Finish your Greek Chicken Gyros with extra crumbled feta, a sprinkle of fresh dill or parsley, and a squeeze of fresh lemon. These bright garnishes add color, boost freshness, and pull all the flavors together in each handheld wrap.

Side Dishes

Keep the Mediterranean spirit going with some classic sides. A crisp Greek salad, roasted lemon potatoes, or even oven-baked fries are all fantastic choices. If you want something lighter, sliced olives or a side of extra tzatziki for dipping pairs perfectly alongside your gyros.

Creative Ways to Present

Hosting a casual dinner or feeding a group? Turn Greek Chicken Gyros into a DIY wrap bar! Arrange all the fillings and toppings in bowls and let everyone build their own. For a modern twist, serve the ingredients deconstructed as a gyro bowl over rice or greens, and sprinkle pita chips on top for crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have extra chicken and toppings, stash them in separate airtight containers in the fridge. The marinated chicken will keep beautifully for up to 3 days, so you can reassemble fresh Greek Chicken Gyros any time you get a craving.

Freezing

Freeze cooked chicken strips in a single layer on a tray, then transfer to a zip-top bag for up to 2 months. The marinade helps the chicken stay juicy once thawed. For best results, freeze only the cooked chicken; the fresh veggies and sauce are best enjoyed fresh when assembling later.

Reheating

To reheat, warm the chicken strips gently in a skillet over low heat or in short bursts in the microwave. Wrap your pita in a damp towel and heat briefly to soften, then pile on your fillings for a hot-off-the-grill taste any day of the week.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?

Absolutely! While chicken thighs give that classic juicy flavor, chicken breast works well too—just keep an eye on cook time to avoid drying out the meat.

Is homemade tzatziki better than store-bought?

Making tzatziki at home lets you control the garlic, salt, and herbs for your ideal flavor, but store-bought tzatziki is perfectly tasty and makes Greek Chicken Gyros even quicker to assemble on busy days.

What’s the best way to reheat the pitas?

For pillowy-soft pita, warm each one in a skillet for about 30 seconds per side, or wrap them together in aluminum foil and heat in a 350°F oven until warm and flexible.

Can I make this recipe low-carb?

Definitely! Skip the pita and serve your seasoned chicken and toppings over shredded lettuce or as a vibrant salad bowl for a low-carb take on Greek Chicken Gyros.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinating for at least 1 hour gives good flavor, but if you can marinate overnight, your chicken will be even more tender and packed with that irresistible Greek taste.

Final Thoughts

Now that you’ve got the full scoop on making the ultimate Greek Chicken Gyros, I hope you fire up your grill (or skillet) and try this recipe soon. There’s just something joyful about tucking all those savory, fresh flavors into a warm pita and taking the first bite. Give this homemade favorite a try—you’re going to love how festive, comforting, and downright delicious it is!

Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe

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4.8 from 22 reviews

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

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Description

These Greek Chicken Gyros are a delicious and satisfying meal featuring marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, feta cheese, and creamy tzatziki sauce all wrapped in warm pita bread. Perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner!

Ingredients

Scale

Marinated Chicken:

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

Assembly:

4 pita or flatbreads
1 cup diced tomatoes
1/2 cup sliced red onion
1 cup shredded lettuce or chopped cucumber
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1 cup tzatziki sauce

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Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, red wine vinegar, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
Cook the Chicken: Grill or cook chicken in a skillet until fully cooked and slightly charred. Let rest, then slice into strips.
Assemble the Gyros: Warm pitas, then layer with chicken, tomatoes, red onion, lettuce or cucumber, feta cheese, and tzatziki sauce. Fold and serve warm.