Name: Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts; 3 tablespoons olive oil; juice of 1 lemon; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar; 2 teaspoons dried oregano; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; ½ teaspoon paprika; salt and pepper to taste; 4–6 pita breads; sliced tomatoes; sliced red onion; shredded lettuce or cucumber; crumbled feta cheese; tzatziki sauce

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Brace yourself for a burst of flavor and a breezy escape to the Mediterranean with these Greek Chicken Gyros! Imagine juicy, herby chicken wrapped in pillowy pita, topped with crisp veggies, creamy tzatziki, and a sprinkle of salty feta—every bite is a lively celebration of texture, color, and taste. This homemade version captures all the sunshine and street-food charm of Greece, but with easy, everyday ingredients you probably already have. Whether you’re looking to wow your family or just treat yourself, Greek Chicken Gyros are about to become a new favorite in your dinner rotation.

Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Greek Chicken Gyros is all about fresh, simple ingredients coming together in harmony. Each one brings its own special touch—zesty, savory, crunchy, or creamy—to create serious gyro perfection.

Chicken thighs or breasts: Tender, juicy, and perfectly soak up all those Greek-inspired flavors. Thighs are richer, while breasts are perfect for a leaner meal.
Olive oil: Gives the marinade a luscious texture and that classic Mediterranean depth.
Lemon juice: Adds sunny brightness and helps tenderize the chicken.
Garlic: Three cloves bring bold, unmistakable aroma—don’t skimp!
Red wine vinegar: Offers tangy complexity; just a splash makes a big difference.
Dried oregano: The backbone of Greek herb flavor—earthy, aromatic, and essential.
Ground cumin: Supplies subtle warmth and an inviting smokiness.
Paprika: For a gentle hint of color and very mild spice.
Salt and pepper: Balances and enhances all the other seasonings.
Pita breads: Soft, chewy, and the perfect wrap—it’s gyro’s classic home.
Sliced tomatoes: Juicy and sweet, they bring freshness and gorgeous color.
Sliced red onion: Crisp and sharp, adding crunch and a pop of flavor.
Shredded lettuce or cucumber: Cooling, crunchy, and a great balance to the warm chicken.
Crumbled feta cheese: Briny, tangy, and delightfully creamy—no Greek gyro is complete without it.
Tzatziki sauce: Creamy, garlicky, and full of cucumber—store-bought is fine, but homemade is a revelation!

How to Make Greek Chicken Gyros

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper in a big bowl or a zip-top bag. Now, add your chicken and make sure each piece gets a good coating of this herby, fragrant marinade. For the best flavor, let the chicken chill in the fridge for at least an hour—overnight is even better for maximum zest!

Step 2: Grill or Sear the Chicken

When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill, grill pan, or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off, then place it on the hot surface. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side until the chicken is golden and thoroughly cooked. The aroma will have everyone wandering into the kitchen! Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing into delicious strips.

Step 3: Warm the Pita Breads

Nothing completes Greek Chicken Gyros like fresh, warm pita. Gently heat your pitas in a dry skillet, briefly in the oven, or wrapped in foil on the grill. Just a minute or two makes them soft, pliable, and extra comforting—the perfect vessel for all those fillings.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

Lay out your warm pita breads and start piling on the goodness: a generous portion of sliced chicken, juicy tomatoes, crisp red onion, crunchy lettuce or cucumber, and a happy crumble of feta cheese. Don’t forget a lavish drizzle of cool, tangy tzatziki. Fold, wrap, or roll your Greek Chicken Gyros—however you like it—and dig in while everything is fresh and vibrant!

How to Serve Greek Chicken Gyros

Garnishes

A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley, a handful of extra feta, or even a pinch of sumac will make your Greek Chicken Gyros as eye-catching as they are mouthwatering. A wedge of lemon on the side never hurts for an extra splash of zing!

Side Dishes

Round out your meal with classic Greek accompaniments—think crispy oven-roasted potatoes, a big Greek salad, or marinated olives. A side of dolmades (stuffed grape leaves) or even some simple grilled veggies makes this dish feel like an all-out Mediterranean feast.

Creative Ways to Present

Try making Greek Chicken Gyros into “gyro bowls” by layering all your favorite ingredients over fluffy rice or crisp greens for a fun twist. Hosting a party? Set up a DIY gyro bar so everyone can build their own masterpiece, choosing just the toppings they love.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover chicken, let it cool to room temperature and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the pita, veggies, and tzatziki separate to preserve their freshness and texture.

Freezing

Cooked chicken for Greek Chicken Gyros freezes beautifully! Slice it first, then pop it in a freezer-safe bag or container for up to two months. For best results, freeze the chicken separately from the veggies and sauces—this makes reheating and assembling a snap.

Reheating

To bring back that just-cooked flavor, reheat the chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat, or microwave it in short bursts until warm. Avoid overcooking, as this can dry out the meat. Warm pita in a dry pan or wrapped in foil for a couple minutes.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving, chicken breasts work wonderfully and offer a lighter, leaner option. Just be sure not to overcook them so they stay tender.

What is the best way to make homemade tzatziki?

It’s much easier than you think! Simply mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (squeeze out the water), minced garlic, a splash of lemon juice, and fresh dill. Season with salt and let it chill—the flavor improves the longer it sits.

Can Greek Chicken Gyros be made gluten-free?

They sure can! Serve all the gyro fillings in gluten-free pita bread, or skip the bread and turn this into a gyro bowl over salad greens or rice for a naturally gluten-free meal.

Can I marinate the chicken too long?

Marinating overnight is perfect, but try not to exceed 24 hours—the acidity from the lemon and vinegar can eventually make the chicken a little mushy if left too long.

Are Greek Chicken Gyros suitable for meal prep?

They’re fantastic for meal prep! Cook and slice the chicken ahead, then keep all the components separate in the fridge. When it’s gyro time, quickly warm the chicken and pita, assemble, and enjoy a fresh-tasting meal anytime.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something fresh, healthy, and brimming with flavor, Greek Chicken Gyros truly deliver. They’re perfect for easy weeknight dinners, fun family gatherings, or anytime you want to bring a little Mediterranean magic to your table. Give these a try—you’ll feel like you’ve just taken a delicious trip to Greece!

Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe

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4.7 from 6 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 30 minutes (active time)
Yield: 4–6 gyros 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These homemade Greek Chicken Gyros are a delicious and healthy meal option inspired by Mediterranean flavors. Tender marinated chicken, fresh veggies, and tangy tzatziki sauce all wrapped in warm pita bread make for a satisfying dish that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
3 tablespoons olive oil
juice of 1 lemon
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground cumin
½ teaspoon paprika
salt and pepper to taste

To Serve:

4–6 pita breads
sliced tomatoes
sliced red onion
shredded lettuce or cucumber
crumbled feta cheese
tzatziki sauce

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Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl or resealable bag, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, red wine vinegar, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or overnight.
Cook the Chicken: Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until cooked through. Let rest, then slice into strips.
Assemble the Gyros: Warm the pita breads, fill each with chicken, tomatoes, red onion, lettuce or cucumber, feta. Drizzle with tzatziki sauce and serve.