Zesty Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe for a Homemade Flavor Fiesta

Succulent and packed with Mediterranean flavors, these greek chicken gyros recipe will transport you straight to the sun-soaked streets of Athens.

Tender marinated chicken combines perfectly with crisp vegetables and tangy tzatziki sauce.

The secret lies in the robust blend of herbs and spices that infuse every single bite with authentic Greek charm.

Zesty lemon, fragrant oregano, and garlic create a marinade that transforms simple chicken into a culinary masterpiece.

Each layer of the gyro tells a story of traditional Greek cooking techniques passed down through generations.

Wrapped in warm, soft pita bread, these gyros promise a delightful explosion of taste that will make your taste buds dance with joy.

Gather your ingredients and get ready to savor a slice of Greek culinary paradise.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 55 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 7

Everything That Goes Into Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe

• Greek Yogurt: Tenderizes chicken and adds creamy richness with tangy flavor.
• Olive Oil: Creates smooth texture and helps spices penetrate chicken deeply.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens flavors and helps break down chicken proteins.
• Garlic: Provides robust, aromatic base with classic Mediterranean punch.
• Oregano: Delivers earthy, herbaceous notes signature to Greek cuisine.
• Cumin: Adds warm, smoky undertone for complex flavor profile.
• Paprika: Introduces gentle heat and beautiful reddish color to marinade.
• Salt and Pepper: Enhance overall seasoning and balance ingredient flavors.

• Greek Yogurt: Creates thick, creamy base with tangy Mediterranean character.
• Cucumber: Adds refreshing crunch and cool texture to sauce.
• Lemon Juice: Provides bright, zesty accent to balance yogurt's richness.
• Olive Oil: Smooths sauce texture and contributes subtle fruity notes.
• Garlic: Introduces sharp, pungent flavor that complements other ingredients.
• Dill: Brings delicate, herbal freshness typical in Greek condiments.
• Salt: Balances and highlights sauce's complex flavor profile.

• Pita Bread: Serves as soft, warm wrap holding all ingredients together.
• Tomatoes: Offers juicy, fresh burst of color and light acidity.
• Red Onion: Provides sharp, crisp texture with vibrant flavor.
• Lettuce: Contributes extra crunch and fresh green element.
• Feta Cheese: Delivers tangy, salty Mediterranean flavors.

Helpful Tools For Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for whisking marinade and combining ingredients smoothly.
• Small mixing bowl: Ideal for preparing tzatziki sauce with precise measurements.
• Whisk: Essential for blending marinade ingredients evenly without lumps.
• Grill pan or skillet: Key for cooking chicken to golden, slightly charred perfection.
• Cutting board: Necessary for slicing chicken and chopping vegetables safely.
• Sharp knife: Crucial for cleanly cutting chicken and preparing garnishes.
• Grater: Helpful for shredding cucumber for tzatziki sauce.
• Dry skillet or microwave: Used for warming pita bread quickly.
• Measuring spoons: Useful for accurate seasoning and sauce preparation.

Simple Steps For Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe

• Whip Up a Zesty Marinade

Blend creamy yogurt, tangy lemon, aromatic garlic, and a mix of bold spices to create a mouthwatering coating for your chicken. Massage the marinade into the meat and let it chill in the refrigerator to soak up all those incredible flavors.

• Create Creamy Tzatziki

Craft a cool, refreshing sauce by combining yogurt with grated cucumber, bright lemon juice, and fragrant herbs. Stash this delightful mixture in the fridge to let the flavors mingle and dance.

• Sizzle the Chicken

Fire up a hot pan and cook the marinated chicken until it’s beautifully golden and cooked through. Let the meat rest briefly, then slice it into tempting strips that’ll make your taste buds sing.

• Build Your Perfect Gyro

Warm up soft pita bread and layer on the juicy chicken slices. Top with crisp vegetables, drizzle with creamy tzatziki, and sprinkle with crumbly feta. Fold, roll, and get ready for a flavor explosion that’ll transport you straight to the streets of Greece.

Tweak Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe With Ease

• Perfect Cooking Techniques: Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes to infuse maximum flavor, allowing herbs and spices to penetrate deeply into the meat.
• Grill Master Tip: Use a hot grill pan or skillet to achieve beautiful char marks and seal in the chicken's juicy texture, ensuring each slice is perfectly caramelized.
• Tzatziki Tricks: Squeeze excess moisture from grated cucumber to prevent watery sauce, creating a thick and creamy consistency that clings perfectly to the gyros.
• Diet-Friendly Swaps: Substitute chicken with grilled tofu or plant-based protein for a vegetarian version; use gluten-free pita for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Flavor Boost Hack: Add a sprinkle of sumac or extra dried oregano for an authentic Mediterranean punch that elevates the entire gyro experience.

Serve Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe Just Right

• Flavor Fusion Feast: Layer your gyros with extra feta cheese and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for a zesty Mediterranean punch.
• Refreshing Side Kick: Pair with a crisp Greek salad or cucumber salad to balance the rich, grilled chicken flavors and add extra freshness.
• Picnic Perfect Platter: Deconstruct the gyros and serve components separately for a fun, interactive meal where guests can build their own wraps, perfect for casual gatherings or family-style dining.
• Leftover Magic: Transform remaining chicken into a delicious salad topping or stuff into pita pockets for quick next-day lunches that capture the original gyros' vibrant taste profile.

Wrap And Store Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe

• Advance Prep Power: Marinate chicken up to 24 hours ahead for deeper flavor development. Chop vegetables and mix tzatziki sauce in advance to save time during mealtime rush.
• Batch Cooking Brilliance: Cook extra chicken to transform into salads, wraps, or quick lunch bowls throughout the week. Refrigerated chicken stays fresh for 3-4 days when stored in airtight containers.
• Ingredient Flexibility: Swap proteins like lamb or turkey if desired. Use leftover tzatziki as a versatile dip or salad dressing to reduce food waste.
• Smart Storage Solutions: Keep tzatziki sauce and marinated chicken separately in sealed containers. Refrigerate sauces for up to 5 days and cooked chicken for 3-4 days. Freeze uncooked marinated chicken for up to 2 months for future meals.

Mouthwatering Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe

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4.5 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 55 minutes
• Yield: 7 1x

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Description

Savory Greek chicken gyros blend Mediterranean flavors with tender marinated meat nestled in warm pita bread. Crisp vegetables and tangy tzatziki sauce complete this classic street-style sandwich that you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
• ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt (for marinade)
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (for tzatziki)
• 3 tbsps olive oil (for marinade)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for tzatziki)
• 2 tbsps lemon juice (freshly squeezed, for marinade)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (for tzatziki)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced, for marinade)
• 1 clove garlic (minced, for tzatziki)
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt (for marinade)
• ¼ tsp salt (for tzatziki)
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
• 1 tbsp fresh dill or mint, chopped
• 4–6 pita breads
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup lettuce, chopped (optional)
• ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
• Lemon wedges, for serving

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Instructions

1. Marinade Fusion: Whisk yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper into a vibrant marinade that will infuse the chicken with Mediterranean flavors.
2. Flavor Infusion: Thoroughly coat chicken pieces in the marinade, seal in a container, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight) to allow complex flavors to develop and penetrate the meat.
3. Tzatziki Preparation: Grate cucumber and blend with yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, dill, and salt, creating a cool, refreshing sauce that will complement the grilled chicken perfectly.
4. Grilling Technique: Heat a grill pan or skillet to medium-high and cook marinated chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, achieving a golden-brown exterior and ensuring complete internal cooking.
5. Gyro Assembly: Warm pita bread, slice rested chicken into strips, then layer with diced tomatoes, red onion, and optional lettuce, creating a vibrant and textural base for the classic Greek street food.
6. Final Touch: Lavishly drizzle tzatziki over the filling, sprinkle with crumbled feta, and add a zesty lemon juice squeeze to elevate the gyro’s flavor profile, then fold the pita into a compact, mouthwatering package ready to devour.

Notes

• Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Allow chicken to soak in marinade overnight for deeper, more intense taste that penetrates every fiber of the meat.
• Tzatziki Texture Trick: Drain excess cucumber water by salting and letting sit for 10 minutes to prevent watery sauce and maintain creamy consistency.
• Perfect Chicken Doneness: Use meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F internally, guaranteeing safety while preserving juicy tenderness.
• Pita Warming Technique: Briefly toast pita on direct flame or hot skillet for 15-20 seconds to enhance flexibility and develop subtle smoky undertones without burning.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 7
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg