Taste the Mediterranean with our Greek Chicken Gyros recipe—a zesty, tender, and effortless dish perfect for weeknight dinners. This vibrant recipe combines marinated juicy chicken, fragrant herbs, and the soft embrace of warm pita bread. Layered with crisp veggies and a creamy homemade tzatziki sauce, it captures the authentic flavors of Greece right in your kitchen. Whether you’re craving a quick family meal or a flavorful wrap to share with friends, this Greek Chicken Gyros recipe brings rustic charm and irresistible taste to your table.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic flavors: Bursting with classic Greek herbs and spices that transport you to the Mediterranean coast.
- Quick and easy: A straightforward recipe designed for busy weeknights with minimal preparation time.
- Customizable: Easily adapted with your favorite toppings or dietary preferences without losing its signature taste.
- Healthy and satisfying: Lean chicken combined with fresh vegetables and yogurt-based sauce offers a balanced meal.
- Perfect for gatherings: Wraps and slices that are easy to serve and enjoy at casual get-togethers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Simple yet essential ingredients come together beautifully in this Greek Chicken Gyros recipe. Each item contributes texture, flavor, or color to make the dish shine with Mediterranean authenticity.
- Chicken thighs or breasts: Choose juicy, tender cuts for flavorful and moist meat after marinating.
- Garlic: Adds a pungent, aromatic depth to the marinade and sauce.
- Lemon juice: Provides bright acidity that tenderizes the chicken and lifts the overall flavor.
- Oregano: A classic herb that gives the gyros its unmistakable Greek personality.
- Greek yogurt: Essential for creamy tzatziki sauce and tenderizing the meat.
- Cucumber: Fresh, crunchy, and key for the cooling tzatziki condiment.
- Pita bread: Soft and warm, perfect for wrapping the chicken and toppings.
- Tomatoes and red onions: Add vibrant color and a mild bite for contrast.
- Olive oil: Brings richness and helps the marinade coat the chicken evenly.
- Salt and pepper: Balanced seasoning to enhance all flavors naturally.
Variations for Greek Chicken Gyros recipe
Feel free to make this Greek Chicken Gyros recipe entirely your own! Whether you’re adjusting for dietary needs or switching up flavors, it’s easy to customize while keeping that delicious Mediterranean spirit.
- Spicy kick: Add cayenne pepper or smoked paprika to the marinade for a bold twist.
- Vegetarian-friendly: Swap chicken for grilled portobello mushrooms or halloumi cheese.
- Whole wheat pita: Use whole wheat or gluten-free pita options to suit dietary preferences.
- Extra crunch: Include sliced radishes or pickled jalapeños for texture and zing.
- Dairy-free tzatziki: Replace Greek yogurt with coconut or cashew-based yogurt alternative.
How to Make Greek Chicken Gyros recipe
Step 1: Prepare the marinade
In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. This mixture creates a fragrant marinade that will infuse the chicken with traditional Greek flavors.
Step 2: Marinate the chicken
Slice the chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces for even cooking and soak them in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least an hour, preferably 4 hours or overnight, to let the seasoning penetrate deeply into the meat.
Step 3: Make the tzatziki sauce
Grate cucumber and squeeze out excess moisture. Mix it with Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, fresh dill, and a pinch of salt. Chill this creamy sauce until it’s time to assemble the gyros, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.
Step 4: Cook the chicken
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken pieces until they are golden brown and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes per side depending on thickness, ensuring tender and juicy results.
Step 5: Warm the pita bread
Gently warm pita bread on the grill or in a dry skillet until soft and pliable. This step enhances flavor and makes wrapping easier.
Step 6: Assemble the gyros
Layer warm pita with cooked chicken, a generous dollop of tzatziki, sliced tomatoes, red onions, and fresh lettuce or herbs if desired. Roll it up tightly and serve immediately for the best taste experience.
Pro Tips for Making Greek Chicken Gyros recipe
- Marinate longer: For maximum flavor, marinate the chicken overnight to deepen the taste.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Cook chicken in batches to ensure it browns properly instead of steaming.
- Use fresh herbs: Fresh oregano or dill elevates the flavor significantly over dried versions.
- Reserve marinade: Brush leftover marinade onto the chicken while cooking for extra moisture and seasoning.
- Rest the chicken: Let the cooked chicken rest a few minutes before assembling to keep juices locked in.
How to Serve Greek Chicken Gyros recipe
Garnishes
Add fresh parsley, extra dill, or a sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese for an authentic finishing touch and added texture that complements the main ingredients perfectly.
Side Dishes
Pair your gyros with classic Mediterranean sides like lemon roasted potatoes, Greek salad, or a light tabbouleh for a well-rounded meal bursting with fresh flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve gyros as builds-your-own wraps with all toppings laid out in bowls or slice the chicken gyros and plate it over a bed of rice or greens as a hearty gyro salad.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover cooked chicken and tzatziki sauce in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store pita separately to maintain freshness and texture.
Freezing
Freeze cooked marinated chicken in a sealed package for up to 2 months. Tzatziki sauce is best made fresh, but you can freeze it if needed; expect some texture changes when thawed.
Reheating
Reheat gyros chicken gently in a skillet or microwave until warm to avoid drying out. Warm pita separately to keep it soft and pliable before assembling.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work well; just be careful not to overcook since they’re leaner and can dry out faster than thighs.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
The chicken and tzatziki are naturally gluten-free, but traditional pita contains gluten. Swap for gluten-free pita or lettuce wraps to suit your needs.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
For the best flavor, marinate for at least one hour, but overnight marinating enhances tenderness and depth of taste.
Can I make tzatziki sauce ahead of time?
Yes, tzatziki can be made up to 24 hours ahead and refrigerated, which actually helps the flavors blend more beautifully.
What can I use instead of pita bread?
You can substitute whole lettuce leaves, flatbreads, or even wraps to create a different texture or meet dietary preferences.
Final Thoughts
This Greek Chicken Gyros recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that effortlessly combines fresh, vibrant ingredients with classic Mediterranean flair. Once you make it at home, you’ll discover how fun and satisfying it is to recreate this much-loved street food in your own kitchen. Gather friends, fire up the grill, and enjoy the incredible flavors and warmth that come with every bite.
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Greek Chicken Gyros recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Pan-frying
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten-free option available
Description
Taste the Mediterranean with this Greek Chicken Gyros recipe—a zesty and tender dish combining marinated chicken with fragrant herbs, fresh vegetables, and creamy homemade tzatziki, all wrapped in warm pita bread. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or casual gatherings, this recipe delivers authentic Greek flavors with ease and flexibility.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1 lb chicken thighs or breasts, thinly sliced
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and excess moisture squeezed out
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- Pinch of salt
For Assembly
- 4 pita breads, warmed
- 1 medium tomato, sliced
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- Fresh lettuce or herbs (like parsley or extra dill), optional
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to create a fragrant marinade full of traditional Greek flavors.
- Marinate the chicken: Slice the chicken into thin strips or bite-sized pieces and soak them in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 4 hours or overnight, to absorb the seasoning deeply.
- Make the tzatziki sauce: Grate the cucumber and squeeze out any excess moisture. In a bowl, mix the cucumber with Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, fresh dill, and a pinch of salt. Chill until ready to use to allow the flavors to meld.
- Cook the chicken: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken pieces until golden brown and cooked through, about 5 to 7 minutes per side depending on thickness, ensuring tender and juicy results.
- Warm the pita bread: Gently warm pita breads on the grill or in a dry skillet until soft and pliable, enhancing their flavor and making them easier to wrap.
- Assemble the gyros: Layer each warm pita with cooked chicken, a generous dollop of tzatziki, sliced tomatoes, red onions, and fresh lettuce or herbs if desired. Roll up tightly and serve immediately for the best taste experience.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor.
- Cook chicken in batches to prevent overcrowding and ensure proper browning.
- Use fresh oregano and dill where possible for the best aroma and taste.
- Reserve some marinade to brush on chicken during cooking for extra moisture.
- Allow cooked chicken to rest a few minutes before assembling to keep it juicy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 gyro (with pita and toppings)
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg