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Simple Greek Chicken Gyros

Featured in Heartwarming Main Course Recipes.

Greek chicken gyros are a delicious and easy-to-make meal inspired by classic Greek street food. The dish features tender, marinated chicken cooked to perfection and served inside warm pita bread. It's topped with fresh ingredients like tomatoes, onions, and creamy homemade tzatziki sauce. You can prepare the chicken marinade ahead of time for extra flavor, and the tzatziki sauce is simple to make with Greek yogurt and fresh herbs. These gyros are perfect for lunch or dinner and offer a healthy, flavorful meal that everyone will enjoy!
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Rose
Updated on Wed, 12 Mar 2025 16:28:16 GMT
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Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe | lovelylifewithrose.com

Discover the authentic flavors of Greek cuisine with these homemade chicken gyros. This street food classic transforms simple ingredients into a mouth-watering meal featuring succulent marinated chicken, wrapped in warm pita bread and topped with a creamy homemade tzatziki sauce that'll transport you straight to the Mediterranean.

I've made these gyros countless times for family gatherings, and they've become our go-to weekend meal. The marinade recipe came from experimenting with different combinations until achieving that perfect Greek taverna taste.

Essential Ingredients and Selection Tips

  • Chicken Thighs: More flavorful and juicier than breast meat; choose boneless, skinless for easy preparation
  • Greek Yogurt: Use full-fat variety for the marinade; creates tenderness and helps spices adhere
  • Fresh Garlic: Essential for authentic flavor; avoid pre-minced versions
  • Dried Oregano: Mediterranean oregano preferred for its more robust flavor
  • Fresh Cucumber: For tzatziki, English cucumbers work best as they're less watery
  • Quality Pita: Look for thick, soft pitas that can hold up to stuffing

Step-by-Step Preparation

Step 1:
Marinate the Chicken - Combine marinade ingredients until smooth. Coat chicken pieces evenly. Refrigerate 30 minutes minimum (optimal: 4 hours).
Step 2:
Prepare Tzatziki - Grate cucumber and drain excess water thoroughly. Mix with yogurt and seasonings. Let flavors meld for at least 15 minutes.
Step 3:
Cook Chicken - Heat pan until very hot for proper searing. Cook in batches to avoid overcrowding. Rest meat before slicing for juicier results.
Step 4:
Assembly - Warm pitas briefly. Layer ingredients starting with meat. Add toppings and sauce last.

My family particularly loves the tzatziki sauce - my daughter actually started eating more vegetables just to have extra "dipping sauce" with her meals!

Storing and Meal Prep

  • Marinated chicken keeps up to 24 hours refrigerated
  • Tzatziki stays fresh for 3-4 days when properly stored
  • Pre-slice toppings for quick assembly
  • Warm pitas just before serving for best texture

After years of making this recipe, I've found it's not just about the ingredients but the little details that make it special. The way the marinade transforms ordinary chicken into something extraordinary, and how the simple combination of fresh ingredients creates such satisfying meals, makes this recipe truly worth mastering.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts work well. Just be sure not to overcook them to keep them juicy.
→ Can I prepare the chicken marinade ahead?
Absolutely! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in the fridge for deeper flavors.
→ Can I make these gyros vegetarian?
Yes, you can substitute the chicken with grilled vegetables or plant-based proteins.
→ Can I use store-bought tzatziki?
Yes, store-bought tzatziki is a great shortcut if you're short on time.
→ How do I warm up pita bread?
You can warm pita bread in a dry skillet over medium heat or wrap it in a damp paper towel and microwave for a few seconds.

Easy Greek Chicken Gyros

Tender chicken gyros with fresh toppings and tzatziki sauce.

Prep Time
10 Minutes
Cook Time
15 Minutes
Total Time
25 Minutes
By: Rose

Category: Main Dishes

Difficulty: Intermediate

Cuisine: Greek

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary: ~

Ingredients

→ Chicken Marinade

01 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
02 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
03 3 tbsp olive oil
04 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
05 3 cloves garlic, minced
06 1 tsp dried oregano
07 1 tsp ground cumin
08 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
09 1/2 tsp salt
10 1/4 tsp black pepper

→ Tzatziki Sauce

11 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
12 1/2 cucumber, grated and liquid squeezed out
13 1 tbsp olive oil
14 1 tbsp lemon juice
15 1 clove garlic, minced
16 1 tbsp fresh dill or mint, chopped
17 1/4 tsp salt

→ Serving Ingredients

18 4-6 pita breads
19 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
20 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
21 1 cup chopped lettuce (optional)
22 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
23 Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

Step 01

In a mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken, ensuring it's fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.

Step 02

In a smaller bowl, mix together Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped dill or mint, and salt. Stir until fully combined. Cover and refrigerate until serving.

Step 03

Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until cooked through and slightly charred. Remove from the pan, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, and then slice into strips.

Step 04

Warm the pita bread using a dry skillet or microwave. Add the chicken slices, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and optional lettuce. Drizzle generously with tzatziki sauce. Sprinkle feta cheese on top if desired. Serve with lemon wedges and wrap the pita.

Notes

  1. For extra crispy chicken, grill it over an open flame or use a cast-iron skillet.
  2. You can substitute the chicken with lamb, beef, or grilled vegetables for a vegetarian option.
  3. To save time, opt for store-bought tzatziki sauce.

Tools You'll Need

  • Mixing bowl
  • Grill pan or skillet
  • Knife and chopping board

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
  • Dairy (Greek yogurt and feta cheese)
  • Gluten (pita bread)

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
  • Calories: 92
  • Total Fat: ~
  • Total Carbohydrate: ~
  • Protein: ~