Craving the incredible flavor of authentic Greek street food right in your own kitchen? This Greek Chicken Gyros recipe is your answer. We’ve developed the perfect, easy-to-follow guide that delivers tender, juicy, and flavor-packed chicken wrapped in warm, fluffy pita bread. Forget takeout; this is so much better.
We’ve streamlined the process without sacrificing a single drop of that classic Mediterranean taste. You get all the satisfaction of a restaurant-quality meal with simple ingredients and straightforward steps. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a weekend feast with friends and family.
Why You’ll Love This Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe
This isn’t just another chicken recipe; it’s a complete culinary experience. The magic starts with a simple yet powerful marinade that infuses the chicken with lemon, garlic, and classic Greek herbs. When paired with our creamy, homemade tzatziki sauce, fresh veggies, and soft pita, it’s a combination that’s truly hard to beat.
Incredibly Flavorful: The marinade creates a savory, aromatic crust on the chicken that is simply irresistible.
Quick and Easy: With minimal prep and a quick cooking time, you can have these gyros on the table in under 40 minutes.
Perfectly Balanced: Every bite is a perfect mix of warm, savory chicken, cool and creamy tzatziki, and crisp, fresh vegetables.
Versatile: Serve it as a classic gyro, a platter with rice, or over a fresh salad.
What’s In a Greek Chicken Gyro?
A traditional Greek Chicken Gyro is a masterpiece of textures and flavors. At its heart is seasoned chicken, cooked to perfection and thinly sliced. This is layered onto a warm pita, generously topped with tzatziki sauce, and finished with fresh toppings like tomato, onion, and lettuce. While some versions include fries inside the wrap, we’re keeping it fresh and classic.
Layering up the flavor before the first delicious bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
We’re using simple, fresh ingredients to build maximum flavor. Here’s what you’ll need to gather.
For the Greek Chicken Marinade
Chicken: We recommend boneless, skinless chicken thighs for the most tender and juicy results, but chicken breasts also work well.
Olive Oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil as the base of the marinade.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed is always best for that bright, citrusy punch.
Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides a sharp, aromatic flavor.
Herbs: Dried oregano is essential, with a touch of smoked paprika for color and depth.
Seasoning: Simple salt and freshly cracked black pepper are all you need.
Cucumber: Grated and thoroughly squeezed to remove excess water. This is key to a thick sauce!
Lemon Juice: Adds a necessary tang to balance the richness of the yogurt.
Fresh Dill: The signature herb of tzatziki. Finely chopped.
Garlic: Just a small clove, minced, so it doesn’t overpower the sauce.
For Assembly
Pita Bread: Look for soft, fluffy Greek-style pitas.
Toppings: Sliced red onion, chopped tomatoes, and crisp lettuce are classic choices.
Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Greek Chicken Gyros
Follow these simple steps for perfect homemade gyros every time. The process is straightforward and yields delicious results.
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
First, slice your chicken thighs into thin, bite-sized strips. In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken strips to the bowl and toss until every piece is thoroughly coated. For the best flavor, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
Step 2: Make the Tzatziki Sauce
While the chicken marinates, prepare the tzatziki. Grate the cucumber and place it in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth. Squeeze firmly to remove as much liquid as possible. In a small bowl, combine the squeezed cucumber, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, fresh dill, and minced garlic. Stir until well combined, then season with a pinch of salt. Cover and refrigerate until you’re ready to serve. Making the sauce ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Looking for a similar creamy dressing? Try this delicious cucumber ranch salad dressing.
The perfect combination of juicy chicken and creamy tzatziki sauce.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. Add a touch of olive oil. Once the pan is hot, add the marinated chicken in a single layer, being careful not to overcrowd the pan (work in batches if necessary). Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through. The edges should be slightly crispy.
Step 4: Assemble Your Gyros
Warm the pita bread in a dry skillet, the oven, or the microwave for a few seconds until soft and pliable. Lay a warm pita flat and spread a generous layer of tzatziki sauce down the middle. Top with a hearty portion of the cooked chicken, followed by sliced red onion, chopped tomatoes, and lettuce. Fold the bottom of the pita up and then fold the sides over to create the classic gyro shape. Serve immediately!
Tips for the Best Homemade Gyros
A few expert tips can take your Greek Chicken Gyros from great to absolutely spectacular.
Don’t Skip the Marinade Time: Even 30 minutes makes a huge difference in tenderizing the chicken and infusing it with flavor.
Get a Good Sear: Ensure your pan is hot before adding the chicken. This creates a delicious caramelized crust.
Squeeze That Cucumber: Watery tzatziki is a common mistake. Squeezing the moisture out of the grated cucumber is the secret to a thick, creamy sauce.
Warm Your Pitas: Soft, warm pitas are essential. It makes them more flavorful and easier to fold without breaking.
While these Greek Chicken Gyros are a complete meal on their own, they also pair wonderfully with a variety of sides. Consider serving them with a simple Greek salad, lemon-herb roasted potatoes, or a side of seasoned rice. For another fantastic chicken dish, check out our popular creamy herb chicken recipe.
Storage and Make-Ahead Tips
To save time, you can marinate the chicken and prepare the tzatziki sauce up to 24 hours in advance and store them in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Leftover cooked chicken can be stored for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently in a skillet with a splash of water or broth to keep it from drying out. For best results, assemble the gyros just before serving to prevent the pita from becoming soggy.
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are highly recommended because they are more tender and flavorful and less likely to dry out during cooking. However, chicken breasts will also work well with this recipe.
Yes! You can marinate the chicken and prepare the tzatziki sauce up to 24 hours in advance. Store them in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator. Cook the chicken and assemble the gyros just before serving for the best texture.
The main difference is in the preparation of the meat. Gyro meat is traditionally cooked on a vertical rotisserie and shaved off in thin slices. Souvlaki consists of small cubes of meat that are marinated and cooked on a skewer.
Using chicken thighs is the best way to ensure juicy results. Additionally, marinating the chicken helps to tenderize it. Be careful not to overcook the chicken; cook it on medium-high heat just until it’s golden brown and cooked through.
You can warm pitas for a few seconds on each side in a dry skillet over medium heat, wrap them in a damp paper towel and microwave for 20-30 seconds, or wrap them in foil and place them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-7 minutes until warm and soft.
More Delicious Recipes to Try
Loved this recipe? We have a whole collection of dinner ideas waiting for you. From hearty pastas to quick weeknight meals, there’s always something new to discover on our blog.
The Best Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe
FL Recipes
Greek Chicken Gyros (The Easiest, Most Flavorful Recipe!)
This easy Greek Chicken Gyros recipe delivers tender, juicy chicken packed with authentic flavor. Learn to make the best homemade gyros with a simple marinade and creamy tzatziki sauce for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner.
In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, 4 cloves of minced garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the thinly sliced chicken and toss to coat completely. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
While the chicken marinates, make the tzatziki sauce. Squeeze all excess moisture from the grated cucumber using a clean kitchen towel. In a separate bowl, combine the squeezed cucumber, Greek yogurt, fresh dill, 1 tbsp of lemon juice, and 1 clove of minced garlic. Season with a pinch of salt. Stir well and refrigerate.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken in a single layer (work in batches if needed). Cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown, slightly charred, and cooked through.
Warm the pitas. Spread a generous amount of tzatziki sauce on each pita. Top with the cooked chicken, sliced red onion, chopped tomato, and lettuce. Fold and serve immediately.
Nutrition
Calories: 580kcalProtein: 45gFat: 28gFiber: 4g
Notes
For the most tender chicken, use thighs and don't skip the marinating time. Ensure you squeeze the cucumber very well to avoid a watery tzatziki sauce. Store leftover components separately in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Get ready to make the best Greek Chicken Gyros right at home!
Hi, I’m Emily Carter, and welcome to FL Recipes! I share simple, healthy recipes that make cooking easy, fun, and delicious for everyone. more about me »
