Greek Chicken Gyros

Greek Chicken Gyros are a classic Mediterranean street food favorite, made with tender marinated chicken, a creamy homemade tzatziki sauce, and fresh vegetables, all wrapped in soft pita bread. This vibrant and satisfying dish is packed with bold flavors and wholesome ingredients, making it perfect for a healthy lunch, dinner, or even a casual gathering with friends and family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Greek Chicken Gyros recipe combines the richness of spiced grilled chicken with the cool, creamy tang of tzatziki sauce and the crispness of fresh vegetables—all wrapped in warm, pillowy pita bread. The yogurt-based marinade keeps the chicken juicy and flavorful, while the optional feta cheese adds a salty, tangy finish. The dish is easy to prepare ahead, customizable, and great for meal prep or serving a crowd.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
• Greek yogurt (or plain yogurt)
• Olive oil
• Lemon juice (or lemon concentrate/red wine vinegar)
• Garlic cloves
• Dried dill
• Dried parsley
• Paprika
• Ground cumin
• Salt and pepper
• Pita bread
• Cucumber (for tzatziki)
• Tomatoes
• Lettuce
• Red onion
• Optional: feta cheese

Directions

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   In a large bowl, combine Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, paprika, cumin, and salt. Whisk until smooth. Add chicken thighs and toss to coat well. Cover and marinate in the fridge for 2–3 hours, or at least 10–15 minutes at room temperature if short on time.

2. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce:
   Slice the cucumber in half lengthwise, remove the seeds, and grate it using the fine side of a box grater. Place grated cucumber in a paper towel and squeeze out excess moisture. In a bowl, mix the cucumber with Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, dried dill, dried parsley, and a pinch of salt. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Set aside.

3. Cook the Chicken:
   Heat a grill, grill pan, or skillet over medium-high heat with olive oil. Add marinated chicken and cook for 4–5 minutes on each side until golden and fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.

4. Prepare the Vegetables and Bread:
   While the chicken rests, slice the tomatoes, chop the lettuce, and thinly slice the red onion. Warm the pita bread in the microwave for 10–20 seconds until soft and pliable.

5. Assemble the Gyros:
   Place sliced chicken on the warm pita bread, then top with lettuce, tomato, red onion, and a generous spoonful of tzatziki sauce. Add crumbled feta cheese if desired.

6. Serve:
   Serve immediately while warm. Wrap in parchment or foil for easy handling if serving as a sandwich-style wrap.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 4 gyros.
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Marinating Time: 15 minutes to 3 hours
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 30–90 minutes (depending on marinating time)

Variations

• Protein Substitution: Use lamb, beef strips, shrimp, or tofu as an alternative to chicken.

• Bread Alternative: Substitute pita with naan or use lettuce wraps for a low-carb version.

• Dairy-Free Option: Use dairy-free yogurt in the marinade and tzatziki.

• Add Grains: Serve over rice or quinoa for a gyro bowl instead of a wrap.

• Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes or hot sauce to the marinade for extra heat.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
It can also be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.
Tzatziki sauce should be stored separately in the fridge and consumed within 3–4 days.
Assemble gyros fresh before serving for best texture.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts work well too. Adjust cooking time slightly to avoid drying out the meat.

Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the marinade up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

Is the tzatziki sauce necessary?

It’s traditional and adds a creamy, tangy element, but you can skip it or use hummus as an alternative.

What is the best type of yogurt to use?

Full-fat Greek yogurt is best for both marinade and tzatziki, but low-fat or non-dairy options also work.

Can I grill the chicken outdoors?

Yes, grilling over charcoal or gas adds a delicious smoky flavor to the chicken.

How do I keep the pita from breaking?

Warm the pita just before serving to make it more flexible and less prone to tearing.

Can I add extra toppings?

Yes, olives, cucumber slices, or pickled vegetables all make great additions.

What if I don’t have lemon juice?

You can use red wine vinegar or even white vinegar as a substitute in the marinade and tzatziki.

How can I make this spicier?

Add hot paprika or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade or include sliced jalapeños in the wrap.

Can I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pita or wrap the filling in lettuce for a gluten-free gyro.

Conclusion

Greek Chicken Gyros are the perfect combination of juicy grilled meat, fresh vegetables, and cool, creamy tzatziki wrapped in soft pita bread. Simple yet full of vibrant flavors, this dish brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your table with minimal effort. Whether enjoyed fresh off the grill or prepped ahead for the week, these gyros are a flavorful, satisfying meal you’ll come back to again and again.

Greek Chicken Gyros

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• Author: Emma Delaney
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 2–3 hours (or 15 minutes quick option)
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilled / Skillet
• Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
• Diet: Vegetarian

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Description

These flavorful Greek Chicken Gyros are made with juicy marinated chicken thighs, fresh veggies, and a creamy homemade tzatziki sauce, all wrapped in warm pita bread. A quick and easy Mediterranean meal perfect for weeknights or meal prep!
Keywords: Greek chicken gyros, chicken gyros recipe, easy gyro recipe, homemade tzatziki, Mediterranean chicken wrap

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Ingredients

Ingredients + Substitutions:

• Chicken Thighs: Juicy and flavorful (or substitute with chicken breasts)

• Greek Yogurt: Used for both the marinade and tzatziki (plain yogurt works too)

• Olive Oil: For the marinade and cooking

• Lemon Juice: Fresh preferred (or use lemon concentrate or red wine vinegar)

• Herbs & Spices: Garlic, dried dill, parsley, paprika, cumin

• Pita Bread: For wrapping

• Veggies: Cucumber (for tzatziki), tomatoes, lettuce, red onion

• Optional: Crumbled feta cheese

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Instructions

1. Marinate Chicken:
   In a large bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, paprika, cumin, and salt. Add chicken thighs and coat evenly. Cover and marinate for 2–3 hours in the fridge (or 10–15 minutes on the counter if short on time).

2. Prepare Tzatziki Sauce:
   Seed and grate cucumber. Squeeze out excess water using a paper towel. In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, dill, parsley, and salt. Mix well, adjust seasoning, and set aside.

3. Cook Chicken:
   Heat olive oil in a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook marinated chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until fully cooked (internal temp 165°F). Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice into thin strips.

4. Prep Veggies & Pita:
   Slice tomatoes, chop lettuce, and thinly slice red onion. Warm pita bread in the microwave for 10–20 seconds.

5. Assemble Gyros:
   Fill pita with sliced chicken, lettuce, tomato, onion, and a generous spoonful of tzatziki. Add feta if desired.

6. Serve or Store:
   Serve immediately. Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

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Notes

• Swap pita for lettuce wraps for a low-carb option.

• Add a dash of red wine vinegar to the veggies for extra zing.

• Tzatziki can be made ahead and stored for up to 3 days.