Greek Chicken Gyros bring the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean straight to your plate. The juicy marinated chicken, infused with garlic, lemon, and aromatic spices, is grilled to perfection and wrapped in warm pita bread. A generous dollop of homemade tzatziki sauce, crisp vegetables, and tangy feta cheese elevate every bite, making this dish both refreshing and satisfying.
Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a casual gathering with friends, these gyros capture the essence of Greek street food while being easy to prepare at home. The combination of creamy, zesty, and savory flavors creates an irresistible wrap that will have everyone coming back for more. Pair it with a side of Greek salad or crispy fries for a complete Mediterranean feast!
Full Recipe:
Ingredients:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 2 large chicken breasts, thinly sliced
- 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1 lemon
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and drained
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Gyros:
- 4 pita breads
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup shredded lettuce
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Directions:
- In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and lemon juice. Add the chicken slices and coat evenly. Cover and marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight.
- In a separate bowl, prepare the tzatziki sauce by mixing Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper. Cover and refrigerate.
- Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat. Cook the marinated chicken for 3-4 minutes per side or until fully cooked. Remove from heat and let rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Warm the pita breads in a dry pan for 30 seconds per side.
- Assemble the gyros by layering shredded lettuce, sliced chicken, red onion, cherry tomatoes, and feta cheese on each pita. Drizzle with tzatziki sauce and fold to serve.
Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 25 minutes
Kcal: 420 kcal | Servings: 4 servings
What Are Greek Chicken Gyros?
Greek Chicken Gyros are a popular Mediterranean dish featuring tender marinated chicken, grilled to perfection, and wrapped in warm pita bread. They are traditionally served with tzatziki sauce, a creamy and refreshing yogurt-based dressing infused with cucumber, garlic, and dill. This dish is often accompanied by fresh vegetables like tomatoes, red onions, and lettuce, with optional feta cheese for added flavor.
What Makes These Gyros Special?
Unlike traditional Greek gyros, which are often made with lamb or pork, this version uses chicken for a lighter, leaner option. The marinade, made with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and a blend of Mediterranean spices, helps to tenderize the meat and add layers of flavor.
Health Benefits of Greek Chicken Gyros
This dish is not only delicious but also nutrient-dense and balanced:
✔ High in Protein – The marinated grilled chicken provides a great source of lean protein, which supports muscle growth and satiety.
✔ Rich in Probiotics – The tzatziki sauce contains Greek yogurt, a source of probiotics that promote gut health.
✔ Healthy Fats – Olive oil in the marinade and sauce contributes to heart-healthy monounsaturated fats.
✔ Fresh and Wholesome – Packed with fresh vegetables, this dish is a great way to include fiber and essential vitamins in your diet.
How to Customize This Recipe
One of the best things about Greek Chicken Gyros is how easily they can be adapted to personal preferences. Here are some ideas:
- Make it low-carb – Swap the pita for a lettuce wrap or a low-carb tortilla.
- Try different proteins – Substitute chicken with shrimp, tofu, or even grilled halloumi for a vegetarian version.
- Add more crunch – Include shredded cabbage or sliced cucumbers for extra texture.
- Spice it up – Add a dash of red pepper flakes or harissa to the marinade for a spicy kick.
Serving Suggestions
These gyros pair wonderfully with a variety of Greek side dishes:
🥗 Greek Salad – A classic mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese with a simple olive oil dressing.
🍟 Crispy Greek Fries – Seasoned with oregano and a sprinkle of feta, these fries make the perfect side.
🌿 Hummus and Pita Chips – A great appetizer to complement the Mediterranean flavors.
Storage & Meal Prep Tips
✔ Marinate Ahead: The chicken can be marinated up to 24 hours in advance to enhance the flavors.
✔ Make a Big Batch: Cook extra chicken and store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days—perfect for meal prep!
✔ Freezing: You can freeze the marinated raw chicken for up to 3 months and simply thaw before cooking.
Key Ingredients & Their Benefits
Marinated Chicken
- The chicken is marinated in Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, and spices, which makes it incredibly juicy and flavorful.
- Greek yogurt helps tenderize the chicken while adding a slight tangy flavor.
- The blend of oregano, cumin, paprika, and garlic infuses the meat with authentic Mediterranean aromas.
Tzatziki Sauce
- A classic Greek yogurt-based sauce, made with grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and dill.
- It’s a cooling and creamy sauce that perfectly balances the spices in the chicken.
- Tzatziki is also a great source of probiotics, which support gut health.
Fresh Vegetables
- Red onions, tomatoes, lettuce, and cucumbers add a refreshing crunch.
- You can also add bell peppers, shredded cabbage, or olives for extra texture and flavor.
Pita Bread
- Soft, warm pita bread is the traditional wrap for gyros, giving them a hearty, satisfying texture.
- For a low-carb version, you can swap the pita for a lettuce wrap or a gluten-free tortilla.
How to Make the Best Greek Chicken Gyros
1. Marinate the Chicken
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but overnight is even better! This allows the seasonings to fully absorb into the meat.
2. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce
- Use fresh cucumber and make sure to drain the excess water after grating it to avoid a runny sauce.
- Chill the sauce for at least 30 minutes before serving—it helps blend the flavors.
3. Cook the Chicken
- Grill, pan-fry, or bake the chicken until golden brown and cooked through.
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing—it keeps the meat juicy.
4. Assemble the Gyros
- Layer the pita with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, and the sliced chicken.
- Drizzle with tzatziki sauce, add feta cheese (optional), and wrap it up!
Best Side Dishes to Serve with Greek Chicken Gyros
Pair your gyros with these delicious Greek-inspired sides:
🥗 Greek Salad – A refreshing mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta with olive oil dressing.
🍟 Greek Lemon Potatoes – Roasted potatoes infused with garlic, lemon juice, and oregano.
🌯 Hummus & Pita Chips – A creamy dip that complements the gyro flavors.
🥒 Tzatziki Dip & Veggies – Serve extra tzatziki sauce with sliced bell peppers and cucumbers.
How to Store & Meal Prep Greek Gyros
✔ Refrigeration: Store leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
✔ Freezing: Marinate the chicken and freeze it raw for up to 3 months—just thaw and cook when needed!
✔ Tzatziki Sauce Storage: Keep in a sealed container in the fridge for 2-3 days for the freshest taste.
✔ Reheating Tips: Warm chicken in a pan over low heat or in the microwave for 30 seconds to 1 minute.
Variations & Customization Ideas
🔥 Spicy Greek Gyros – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or sriracha to the marinade.
🌱 Vegetarian Version – Swap the chicken for grilled halloumi, falafel, or roasted chickpeas.
🥑 Avocado Tzatziki – Blend some avocado into the tzatziki sauce for a creamy twist.
🍞 Gluten-Free Option – Serve in a lettuce wrap or gluten-free flatbread.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I make Greek Chicken Gyros ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken in advance and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before cooking. The tzatziki sauce also tastes better when made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for a few hours before serving.
What is the best way to cook the chicken for gyros?
For the best flavor, grilling or pan-searing the chicken gives it a slightly charred, smoky taste. However, you can also bake it at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes if you prefer oven cooking.
Can I use store-bought tzatziki sauce?
Yes, but homemade tzatziki tastes fresher and has fewer preservatives than store-bought versions. Making it yourself allows you to adjust the flavors to your liking.
How do I keep pita bread soft?
Warm the pita briefly in a dry pan over medium heat or wrap it in a damp paper towel and microwave for 15 seconds to keep it soft and pliable.
Conclusion
Greek Chicken Gyros are a fantastic meal option that combines bold Mediterranean flavors with fresh, wholesome ingredients. They are easy to make, incredibly versatile, and perfect for meal prep or weeknight dinners. Whether you’re craving something light and healthy or a satisfying wrap, this recipe is sure to be a hit in your kitchen.
Try making these homemade Greek Chicken Gyros today, and enjoy a taste of Greece at home! 🇬🇷🥙