If you love vibrant, mouthwatering meals that burst with authentic Mediterranean flavors, then this Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe is going to be your new favorite go-to dinner. Juicy, tender chicken thighs marinated in a perfect blend of herbs and spices come together with cool, creamy tzatziki sauce and crisp veggies, all wrapped in warm pita bread. It’s a dish that balances freshness and heartiness effortlessly, transporting you straight to a sunlit Greek taverna with every single bite. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or a casual weeknight treat, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy in the best way possible.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple, fresh ingredients make all the difference in this Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe. Each component plays a unique role, adding layers of flavor, texture, and color that bring the whole dish to life. From tender chicken to bright herbs, these ingredients ensure an irresistible result.
- 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Thighs are richer in flavor, but breasts work well if you prefer leaner meat.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Adds moisture and helps tenderize the chicken during marination.
- 3 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt: Contributes tanginess and helps keep the chicken juicy.
- Juice of 1 lemon: A citrusy punch that brightens the marinade.
- 3 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses a classic savory base to both the chicken and sauce.
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar: Adds a subtle acidity to balance flavors.
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano: The herb that screams “Greek” with its earthy aroma.
- 1 teaspoon salt and ½ teaspoon black pepper: The fundamentals that enhance every other ingredient.
- For tzatziki sauce: 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, ½ cucumber (grated and squeezed dry), 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 clove garlic (minced), 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill, salt and pepper to taste.
- For serving: 4–6 pita or flatbreads, 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce, 1 tomato (sliced), ½ red onion (thinly sliced), crumbled feta cheese (optional).
How to Make Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Begin by combining all the marinade ingredients in a large bowl or a zip-top bag: olive oil, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs or breasts and toss until every piece is thoroughly coated. This step is crucial because the marinade tenderizes the chicken and infuses it with all those vibrant Mediterranean flavors. Let it chill in the refrigerator for at least one hour, or up to eight hours for the best taste.
Step 2: Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce
While the chicken marinates, whip up your homemade tzatziki sauce. Combine plain Greek yogurt, grated cucumber that has been squeezed dry of excess moisture, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and fresh dill in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. This sauce brings creamy coolness that perfectly complements the savory chicken, giving the gyros their signature tangy freshness. Chill it until you’re ready to serve.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Preheat your grill, grill pan, or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook it for approximately 5 to 6 minutes per side, or until it’s fully cooked through and boasts a slight char that adds smoky depth. After cooking, allow the chicken to rest for five minutes; this resting period helps retain the juices. Then, slice it into strips perfect for piling into your pita.
Step 4: Assemble Your Gyros
Warm the pita or flatbreads until soft and pliable. Layer them with fresh chopped romaine lettuce, juicy sliced tomatoes, thinly sliced red onions, and the sliced chicken. Generously spoon over your tzatziki sauce and sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese on top if you like. Fold everything up, and you’re ready to savor this classic Greek delight at home.
How to Serve Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes take your Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe to the next level. Add a few sprigs of fresh dill or oregano leaves for a burst of herbal aroma. A squeeze of extra lemon juice over the filling right before serving adds fashionable zestiness. And of course, crumbled feta cheese offers a salty, creamy contrast that elevates each bite magnificently.
Side Dishes
The beauty of gyros is their versatility with sides. Serve this dish alongside crispy baked potatoes or hand-cut fries for a traditional touch. A Greek salad featuring cucumbers, olives, and red onions dressed lightly with olive oil and lemon balances out the meal with freshness. Or enjoy with warm lentil soup for a cozy, wholesome combo.
Creative Ways to Present
For casual gatherings, present the ingredients buffet-style and let everyone build their own gyros—it’s fun and interactive. Wrap the filled gyros in parchment paper or foil for easy handheld eating. Another idea is serving gyro bowls over a bed of rice or quinoa instead of pita, transforming the dish into a gluten-free favorite that still captures all the deliciousness.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have leftovers, store the cooked chicken strips and tzatziki sauce separately in airtight containers. Keeping them apart preserves their textures and flavors. Stored properly, the chicken will stay good in the fridge for up to three days, ready for a quick meal.
Freezing
While the marinade works wonders fresh, you can freeze the cooked chicken for up to two months. Freeze in a sealed container or heavy-duty freezer bag, then thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Avoid freezing the tzatziki sauce though, as the texture can separate and become watery.
Reheating
To reheat the chicken, use a skillet or oven set at medium temperature to warm it gently, ensuring it stays moist and tender without drying out. Add fresh tzatziki sauce after reheating to preserve that creamy texture. Skip the microwave when you can—it tends to make chicken rubbery and less appetizing.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in this Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts are leaner but still work beautifully. Just be mindful to not overcook them since they can dry out quicker than thighs. Marinating helps keep them tender and flavorful.
Is it okay to make the gyros vegetarian?
Yes, for a veggie version, swap out the chicken with grilled halloumi, mushrooms, or seasoned roasted vegetables. The tzatziki and fresh veggies still deliver all the classic gyro vibes.
How long should I marinate the chicken for best results?
At least one hour is necessary for good flavor penetration, but marinating for up to eight hours in the fridge really deepens the taste and tenderness of the chicken.
Can I prepare tzatziki sauce ahead of time?
You can! Tzatziki actually tastes better after a few hours of chilling because the flavors meld. Just keep it refrigerated and consume within two to three days.
What if I don’t have a grill? Can I cook the chicken another way?
No grill? No problem. Cooking the chicken in a hot skillet or broiling it in the oven works well too. Just make sure it gets a nice char for that authentic smoky flavor.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have this fantastic Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe in your culinary repertoire, you’re all set to create a delicious, authentic feast that feels like a vacation on your plate. It’s a recipe full of personality, simplicity, and vibrant layers of flavor that everyone will love. So gather your ingredients, fire up your grill or stove, and dive into the joy of making homemade gyros that taste like they came straight from Greece. Enjoy every bite!
Print
Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus 1-8 hours marinating)
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4–6 gyros
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Description
This Greek Chicken Gyros recipe features tender marinated chicken thighs or breasts grilled to perfection and served with a refreshing homemade tzatziki sauce. Wrapped in warm pita bread and topped with fresh lettuce, tomato, red onion, and optional feta cheese, these gyros deliver authentic Mediterranean flavors that are perfect for a satisfying main course.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- 4–6 pita or flatbreads
- 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce
- 1 tomato, sliced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- Crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl or zip-top bag, combine olive oil, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss until fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 8 hours to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: While the chicken marinates, mix plain Greek yogurt, grated and drained cucumber, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped fresh dill, salt, and pepper in a bowl until well combined. Chill the sauce in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
- Cook the Chicken: Preheat a grill, grill pan, or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook each side for 5–6 minutes until fully cooked through and slightly charred on the edges. Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain juices.
- Assemble the Gyros: Slice the rested chicken into strips. Warm the pita or flatbreads briefly, then layer with chopped romaine lettuce, sliced chicken, tomato slices, thinly sliced red onion, a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce, and crumbled feta cheese if using. Serve immediately while warm and fresh.
Notes
- For convenience, store-bought tzatziki and pre-washed lettuce can be used to reduce prep time.
- Chicken thighs provide more flavor and juiciness, but chicken breasts can be used for a leaner option.
- Adjust garlic and lemon juice amounts in the tzatziki to suit your taste preferences.
- Leftover gyros ingredients make a great salad or rice bowl topping the next day.
