Greek Chicken Gyros

Introduction

Greek Chicken Gyros are a mouthwatering taste of the Mediterranean, combining tender, marinated chicken with warm, pillowy pita bread and a medley of fresh toppings. Infused with aromatic herbs, garlic, and zesty lemon, the chicken is grilled to perfection, creating juicy, flavorful bites that pair beautifully with crisp cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, and a generous drizzle of creamy tzatziki sauce. Whether you’re looking for a quick and wholesome weeknight meal or a show-stopping dish for a summer cookout, these gyros deliver big flavor with minimal effort.

The first time I made Greek Chicken Gyros, I was amazed by how simple yet incredibly satisfying they were. Marinating the chicken allowed the bold Mediterranean flavors to shine, and the combination of warm, soft pita with cool, garlicky tzatziki was pure perfection. Wrapping everything together felt like assembling a little pocket of deliciousness, and with each bite, I was transported straight to a Greek taverna by the sea.

What I love most about Greek Chicken Gyros is their versatility. You can customize them with different toppings like feta cheese, red onions, or a splash of spicy harissa for a unique twist. They’re great for meal prep, easy to assemble, and perfect for any occasion—from casual family dinners to outdoor gatherings. No matter how you serve them, these gyros are a guaranteed hit that will have everyone coming back for more!

Perfect for:

• Healthy weeknight dinners
• Mediterranean-style meals
• Meal prep lunches
• Summer grilling
• Light and flavorful wraps

Why You’ll Love This Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe

Here’s why Greek Chicken Gyros will become a staple in your kitchen:

• Authentic Mediterranean Flavors: Marinated chicken with garlic, lemon, and Greek herbs for a restaurant-quality taste.
• Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with lean protein, fresh veggies, and a yogurt-based sauce.
• Easy to Make: Quick to marinate, grill, and assemble in under 30 minutes.
• Customizable: Add your favorite toppings like feta cheese or olives.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make ahead and assemble when ready to eat.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 30 minutes (+ marinating time)
• Preparation Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per serving: Approximately 450-500 calories
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 40g, Carbs: 45g, Fat: 12g

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your Greek Chicken Gyros:

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon ground coriander
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt (for extra tenderness, optional)

Gyros:

• 4 large pita breads (or flatbreads)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cucumber, sliced
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 small cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill or mint, chopped
• ½ teaspoon salt

Ingredient Highlights

• Chicken Thighs: More flavorful and tender than chicken breasts, but both work well.
• Greek Yogurt: Used in the marinade and tzatziki for creaminess and tang.
• Oregano and Cumin: Essential Greek spices that give the chicken an authentic flavor.
• Tzatziki Sauce: A cool, garlicky yogurt-cucumber sauce that complements the warm spices.
• Pita Bread: Soft and slightly chewy, perfect for wrapping the gyros.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, coriander, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
2. Add the Chicken: Coat the chicken thoroughly in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 12 hours for deeper flavor).

Make the Tzatziki Sauce:

3. Grate the Cucumber: Squeeze out excess moisture with a paper towel or cheesecloth.
4. Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, dill, and salt. Stir well and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Cook the Chicken:

5. Grill the Chicken: Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C).
6. Rest and Slice: Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.

Assemble the Gyros:

7. Warm the Pita: Lightly toast the pita bread on a dry skillet or grill for 30 seconds per side.
8. Layer the Ingredients: Spread a generous amount of tzatziki sauce on the pita, add sliced chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, lettuce, and feta cheese.
9. Wrap and Serve: Fold the pita around the fillings and wrap in parchment paper or foil for easy eating.

How to Serve Greek Chicken Gyros

• Classic Pita Wrap – Serve the grilled chicken in warm pita bread with tzatziki sauce, sliced tomatoes, red onions, and shredded lettuce for an authentic experience.
• Platter Style – Skip the pita and serve the chicken alongside a spread of toppings like hummus, tzatziki, olives, and fresh veggies for a build-your-own plate.
• Greek Salad Bowl – Turn your gyro into a Greek salad by topping chopped romaine, cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta cheese with the marinated chicken and a drizzle of tzatziki.
• Rice Bowl – Serve the chicken over a bed of lemon rice or herbed couscous, along with roasted veggies and feta for a hearty meal.
• Lettuce Wraps – For a low-carb option, swap pita for large romaine or butter lettuce leaves, filling them with gyro ingredients.
• Loaded Fries – Top crispy Greek-style fries with chopped gyro chicken, feta cheese, tzatziki, and fresh herbs for a delicious twist.
• Meze Platter – Serve gyro chicken with a variety of Mediterranean dips like hummus, baba ganoush, and tzatziki, along with pita chips and fresh vegetables.
• Flatbread Pizza – Use a naan or Greek-style flatbread as a base, spread tzatziki or hummus, add gyro chicken, olives, tomatoes, and feta, then bake until warm.
• Stuffed Peppers – Fill halved bell peppers with gyro chicken, quinoa or rice, feta, and Greek seasonings, then bake until tender.
• Breakfast Scramble – Use leftover gyro chicken in a Mediterranean omelet or scramble with feta, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes for a flavorful start to the day.

Additional Tips for Greek Chicken Gyros

• Marinate Longer for Better Flavor: The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful and tender it becomes.
• Use Chicken Thighs: They stay juicier than chicken breasts.
• Thinly Slice the Vegetables: This makes the gyros easier to wrap and eat.
• Strain the Cucumber Well: To prevent watery tzatziki, squeeze out as much moisture as possible.
• Grill for Authentic Flavor: Cooking on a grill or cast-iron skillet enhances the smoky taste.
• Warm the Pita Before Serving: This makes it softer and easier to fold.

Recipe Variations for Greek Chicken Gyros

1. Lamb Gyros: Swap chicken for lamb for a traditional Greek version.
2. Beef Gyros: Use thinly sliced marinated beef for a heartier option.
3. Vegetarian Gyros: Substitute grilled halloumi cheese or falafel instead of chicken.
4. Spicy Gyros: Add harissa or chili flakes to the marinade for extra heat.
5. Avocado Tzatziki: Blend avocado into the tzatziki sauce for a creamy twist.
6. Pork Gyros: Use pork tenderloin marinated and grilled like the chicken.
7. Low-Carb Gyros: Serve in a lettuce wrap instead of pita.
8. Air Fryer Chicken Gyros: Cook the marinated chicken in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 12-15 minutes.
9. Dairy-Free Gyros: Use a dairy-free yogurt alternative for the tzatziki sauce.
10. Mediterranean Herb Gyros: Add fresh basil and parsley to the marinade for extra herbaceous flavor.

Freezing and Storage for Greek Chicken Gyros

• Freezing: Marinated raw chicken can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw before cooking.
• Storage: Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes.

Special Equipment for Greek Chicken Gyros

• Grill or Cast-Iron Skillet
• Mixing Bowls
• Tongs
• Cutting Board
• Cheese Grater (for tzatziki)

FAQ for Greek Chicken Gyros

1. Can I use store-bought tzatziki? Yes! But homemade tastes fresher and is easy to make.
2. What’s the best pita for gyros? Look for thick, fluffy Greek-style pita, not thin pocket pita.
3. Can I bake the chicken instead? Yes, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes.
4. What’s the difference between gyros and shawarma? Gyros are Greek, typically made with lemon, garlic, and oregano, while shawarma is Middle Eastern with warm spices like cinnamon and turmeric.
5. Can I use a different yogurt for tzatziki? Yes, full-fat yogurt works best, but low-fat or plant-based alternatives also work.

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Conclusion

Greek Chicken Gyros are a delicious and easy way to bring the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean to your table. Juicy, marinated chicken is paired with crisp veggies and creamy tzatziki, all wrapped in warm, fluffy pita bread for a satisfying and flavorful bite. Every element comes together to create a perfect balance of freshness, zest, and comforting textures.

Perfect for a quick dinner, meal prep, or a family gathering, these gyros are as versatile as they are delicious. Customize them with your favorite toppings like feta cheese, kalamata olives, or a squeeze of fresh lemon for an extra burst of flavor.

I can’t wait to see your take on these Greek Chicken Gyros! Snap a photo and tag me on Instagram—I’d love to see how you make them your own. Don’t forget to share your favorite variations in the comments. Happy cooking!