If you have been craving a meal that burst with vibrant Mediterranean flavors and satisfies that hunger in the most delightful way, then this Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe is exactly what you need. With tender, marinated chicken grilled to perfection, creamy homemade tzatziki, fresh crisp vegetables, and a sprinkle of salty feta all wrapped up in warm pita bread, this dish brings a taste of Greece right into your kitchen. It’s a perfect blend of juicy, tangy, and herby notes that’ll make you wonder why you haven’t been making this sooner.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe is simple yet essential, playing a unique role in creating the perfect harmony of flavors and textures that make Greek chicken gyros so irresistible. From the rich garlic and oregano-marinated chicken to the refreshing cucumber-studded tzatziki, every component shines in its own way.
- Chicken thighs or breasts (1 ½ lbs): Choose boneless and skinless for easy grilling and tender bites.
- Olive oil (3 tablespoons): Adds moisture and a silky texture while helping flavors meld beautifully.
- Fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon): Imparts brightness and balances the richness with citrusy zing.
- Garlic (3 cloves minced, plus 1 clove for sauce): A bold and aromatic flavor cornerstone of Greek cooking.
- Red wine vinegar (1 tablespoon): Offers a subtle tang that amplifies the marinade’s depth.
- Plain Greek yogurt (1 tablespoon for marinade, 1 cup for tzatziki): Provides creaminess and tenderizes the chicken wonderfully.
- Dried oregano (1 tablespoon): Infuses classic Mediterranean herbal notes.
- Salt (1 teaspoon) and black pepper (½ teaspoon): Essential seasonings that bring out natural flavors.
- Cucumber (½ grated and drained): Gives cooling crunch and freshness in the tzatziki sauce.
- Olive oil for sauce (1 tablespoon): Adds smoothness and richness.
- Fresh dill or mint (1 tablespoon chopped): Brightens every bite with herbal freshness.
- Pita or flatbreads (4 to 6): Soft, warm, and perfect to wrap all the delicious ingredients.
- Cherry tomatoes (1 cup halved): Juicy bursts of sweetness contrast beautifully with the savory chicken.
- Red onion (½ thinly sliced): Adds a sharp bite and crisp texture.
- Shredded lettuce (1 cup): Fresh crunch that balances every mouthful.
- Crumbled feta cheese (½ cup): Salty and creamy, the ideal finishing touch.
How to Make Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by mixing olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, Greek yogurt, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper in a bowl or zip-top bag. Add your chicken thighs or breasts and make sure each piece is fully coated in this fragrant marinade. This step is pure magic as it allows the chicken to soak up all those beautiful flavors and tenderize overnight or at least for an hour.
Step 2: Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce
While the chicken marinates, whip up the creamy, zesty tzatziki sauce by combining Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (well squeezed to remove excess water), lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and fresh dill or mint. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate this sauce to let the flavors meld until you’re ready to serve. This sauce is the soul of the gyros, cooling and complementing the grilled chicken perfectly.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from the marinade and cook it for about 5–6 minutes on each side until it’s beautifully charred and cooked through. Don’t rush this part; a nice sear locks in juices while adding a smoky depth. Once cooked, let the chicken rest a few minutes before slicing it into strips — this keeps it tender and juicy.
Step 4: Assemble Your Gyros
Warm your pita or flatbreads in a dry skillet or oven until soft and pliable. Lay down a bed of shredded lettuce, then add sliced chicken strips, halved cherry tomatoes, thin slices of red onion, and a generous dollop of that luscious tzatziki sauce. Sprinkle crumbled feta on top and fold the pita around the filling. Serve immediately while everything is warm and fresh for the ultimate Greek chicken gyros experience.
How to Serve Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes like extra fresh dill, a few lemon wedges, or a sprinkle of smoked paprika can elevate your gyros to restaurant quality. These touches add not just visual appeal but also layers of flavor that make each bite exciting. Feel free to add sliced olives for an extra briny kick.
Side Dishes
Greek chicken gyros go wonderfully with light and Mediterranean-inspired sides such as a simple Greek salad, roasted lemon potatoes, or even a crisp cucumber and tomato salad. These sides complement the robust flavors in the gyros while keeping the meal balanced and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Looking to impress? Serve the gyros deconstructed on a beautiful platter allowing everyone to build their own wraps. Or create a gyro bowl by layering all ingredients over a bed of rice or quinoa. Presentation matters and adding pickled vegetables or tzatziki drizzled artistically will make your meal feel extra special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chicken and tzatziki can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keep the pita bread stored separately in a sealed bag to maintain freshness. This way, you can quickly reassemble fresh gyros anytime without compromising flavor or texture.
Freezing
While the chicken can be frozen after cooking, the tzatziki sauce does not freeze well due to its yogurt base. If you want to freeze your cooked chicken, wrap it tightly and use within 2 months. Thaw slowly in the refrigerator for best results.
Reheating
Reheat the grilled chicken gently in a skillet or microwave to avoid drying it out. Warm the pita separately in a skillet or oven so it stays soft and fresh. Add fresh tzatziki after reheating to keep that signature cool creaminess intact.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well here; just be careful not to overcook them since they tend to dry out faster than thighs. Marinating and careful grilling will keep them tender and flavorful.
Is it okay to use store-bought tzatziki?
Yes, if you’re short on time, a quality store-bought tzatziki can work wonderfully. However, homemade tzatziki adds a fresher taste and allows you to adjust herbs and garlic to your preference.
What other proteins can I use in place of chicken?
Lamb is a classic alternative that offers a richer flavor. For a vegetarian option, falafel makes a fantastic gyro filling. Feel free to experiment and find your favorite!
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For the best flavor and tenderness, marinate for at least 1 hour. Overnight marinating is even better and worth the wait if you have time.
Can I prepare the components ahead of time?
Yes, preparing the marinade, tzatziki, and chopping vegetables ahead of time makes assembly quick and stress-free, especially for gatherings or busy weeknights.
Final Thoughts
This Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe brings the vibrant spirit of Greek street food right to your table, combining simple ingredients into a mouthwatering, unforgettable meal. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, the flavors, textures, and ease of preparation will make this recipe a steadfast favorite to return to time and time again. Go ahead, give it a try and watch those smiles light up!
Print
Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including marinating)
- Yield: 4–6 gyros
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Description
This Greek Chicken Gyros recipe features tender, marinated grilled chicken served with refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce, fresh vegetables, and crumbled feta cheese wrapped in warm pita bread. Perfect for a flavorful Mediterranean main course that’s easy to prepare and delightful to eat.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill or mint, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembly:
- 4–6 pita or flatbreads
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl or zip-top bag, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, Greek yogurt, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken thighs or breasts and coat them well with the marinade. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: While the chicken marinates, mix together the Greek yogurt, grated and drained cucumber, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, and chopped dill or mint in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper to your taste. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve to let the flavors meld.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the hot pan. Cook for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side until the chicken is fully cooked through and has a nice char. Remove from heat and let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.
- Warm the Pita: Heat the pita or flatbreads briefly in a dry skillet or warm them in the oven, so they’re soft and pliable for wrapping.
- Assemble the Gyros: Lay each warmed pita flat and layer with shredded lettuce, sliced grilled chicken, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce, and crumbled feta cheese. Fold the pita around the fillings and serve the gyros warm.
Notes
- Store-bought tzatziki sauce can be used to save time.
- For variety, substitute chicken with lamb or falafel.
- These gyros are great for meal prep and are crowd-pleasing for dinner wraps.
- Marinating the chicken overnight develops deeper flavors.
- Make sure to squeeze excess water from the cucumber for a thick tzatziki sauce.
