Greek Chicken Gyros are a tasty and satisfying dish that bring together juicy, seasoned chicken, fresh veggies, and creamy tzatziki sauce all wrapped in soft pita bread. The combination of herbs like oregano and garlic with the tender chicken makes every bite full of flavor and just the right amount of zest. If you love Mediterranean food, this is a meal you won’t want to miss.
I like making my chicken gyros with a simple marinade that brings out the best flavors without needing a lot of fuss. One of my favorite parts is mixing up the homemade tzatziki sauce—it adds a cool, refreshing touch that balances perfectly with the warm spices on the meat. Plus, these gyros are great for dinner nights when I want something that feels special but doesn’t take forever to prepare.
I enjoy serving these gyros with a side of crisp cucumber salad or some roasted potatoes for a complete meal. They’re perfect for sharing with family or friends, and I always find that everyone loves customizing their own gyro with different toppings like tomatoes, onions, and a little sprinkle of feta cheese. It’s a fun and tasty way to bring a bit of Greek flavor into our home table.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Thin slices of chicken breast work best for quick, juicy cooking. If you want dark meat, chicken thighs add more flavor and stay tender. Either way, marinate well to boost taste.
Olive Oil & Lemon Juice: These create the base of the marinade, adding richness and brightness. If you’re out of lemon, vinegar (red wine or white) can also work.
Greek Yogurt: The star of the tzatziki sauce. Use full-fat for creaminess. If you need dairy-free, try coconut yogurt (unsweetened) but the flavor will change.
Cucumber: Grated and drained cucumber makes tzatziki refreshing without watering it down. Seedless cucumber or cucumber peeled beforehand can help reduce extra moisture.
Pita Bread: Soft pita or flatbreads are key to wrapping your gyro. Warm them just enough to make them flexible. You can also use naan or tortillas as a swap.
Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds saltiness and tang. If you don’t have feta, try a mild goat cheese or leave it out for a lighter option.
How Can I Make My Chicken Tender and Flavorful?
Marinating the chicken is essential. Here’s how to do it right:
- Mix olive oil, garlic, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Add chicken slices and coat completely with the marinade.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, though 2 hours or overnight is best for deeper flavor.
- Cook on medium-high heat to get a nice char without drying the meat. About 3-4 minutes per side usually works.
Rest the chicken a few minutes after cooking so juices redistribute. This keeps meat juicy and tender in every bite.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Skillet or grill pan – I use this to cook the chicken quickly and get a nice char.
- Mixing bowls – perfect for marinating the chicken and preparing the tzatziki sauce.
- Grater – helpful for shredding the cucumber for the sauce without making it watery.
- Sharp knife & cutting board – essential for slicing chicken, veggies, and herbs neatly.
- Oven or toaster oven (optional) – for warming the pita bread to make it soft and pliable.
- Serving plates and spoons – for assembling and serving your gyros easily.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use beef or lamb instead of chicken for a richer flavor; marinate accordingly.
- Top with sliced pickles or olives for extra tang and saltiness.
- Add chopped bell peppers or roasted eggplant inside the gyro for more veggies and flavor.
- Sprinkle with a pinch of cinnamon or sumac in the marinade for a unique taste twist.
Greek Chicken Gyros
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Marinade:
- 2 large chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Gyros:
- 4-6 pita breads or flatbreads
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 large tomato, diced or sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional, for garnish)
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, finely grated and drained
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill or mint, chopped
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt to taste
Time Needed
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare your ingredients, 30 minutes to 2 hours to marinate the chicken, and about 15 minutes to cook and assemble the gyros. Set aside about 1 hour total if you can marinate for longer, but it’s okay to cook after just half an hour for a quicker meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a medium bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add the sliced chicken and toss to coat all pieces evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for best flavor.
2. Make the Tzatziki Sauce
While the chicken marinates, prepare the tzatziki sauce. In a small bowl, mix Greek yogurt, grated and drained cucumber, minced garlic, chopped dill or mint, olive oil, lemon juice, and salt. Stir well and keep it in the fridge until you’re ready to use it.
3. Cook the Chicken
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken slices for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side, until they’re nicely browned and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for a couple of minutes.
4. Warm the Pita Breads
Lightly warm the pita breads in a dry skillet for a minute or two each side, or wrap them in foil and warm in the oven. This makes them soft and flexible for wrapping.
5. Assemble Your Gyros
Place each warm pita on a plate. Add a layer of shredded lettuce, then top with cooked chicken slices. Add the tomato and red onion on top. Spoon a generous amount of tzatziki sauce over everything.
6. Add Feta and Garnish
Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the gyro, and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if you like. Fold the pita around the fillings gently but firmly.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Serve your Greek chicken gyros immediately with your favorite sides like crispy fries or a fresh Greek salad. Enjoy the delicious mix of flavors and textures!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before marinating. Pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture for better browning.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Gyros?
Store any leftover cooked chicken, tzatziki, and toppings separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave, and warm the pita before assembling again.
Can I Substitute Greek Yogurt in the Tzatziki Sauce?
If you don’t have Greek yogurt, plain regular yogurt can work, but strain it through a cheesecloth for 1-2 hours to thicken it and avoid a runny sauce.
How Can I Make This Recipe Vegetarian?
Swap the chicken for grilled vegetables like zucchini, peppers, and mushrooms or use falafel as a delicious vegetarian filling. Keep the tzatziki and other toppings the same for authentic flavor.
