Greek Chicken Gyros

If you love Mediterranean flavors, then Greek Chicken Gyros will quickly become one of your favorite meals! Juicy, marinated chicken wrapped in warm pita bread, topped with fresh veggies and creamy tzatziki sauce—it’s the perfect combination of flavors and textures. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun meal to impress your friends and family, this recipe is sure to be a hit.

What makes gyros so special is their versatility. You can customize them with your favorite toppings, enjoy them as a handheld wrap, or serve them as a deconstructed bowl. Plus, the marinade infuses the chicken with bold flavors, making every bite delicious. The best part? You don’t need fancy ingredients—just simple spices, fresh produce, and a little time to let the flavors develop.

Greek gyros are also a great meal for any season. In the summer, they make a light and refreshing dish, while in colder months, the warm pita and flavorful chicken bring comfort. So, whether you’re craving something fresh or hearty, this recipe will satisfy your taste buds!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Packed with Flavor – The marinade gives the chicken a rich, garlicky, herby taste that makes every bite irresistible.
• Healthy and Fresh – With lean protein, crisp veggies, and a yogurt-based sauce, gyros are a balanced meal.
• Easy to Make – The ingredients are simple, and most of the prep time is just waiting for the chicken to marinate.
• Perfect for Meal Prep – Make extra chicken and tzatziki, and you’ll have delicious leftovers for the next day!

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Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade

• 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or 4 small ones)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Tzatziki Sauce

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• ½ cucumber, grated and squeezed to remove excess water
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried dill (or 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped)
• ¼ teaspoon salt

For the Gyro Wraps

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

Kitchen Tools Needed

To make Greek Chicken Gyros, you don’t need any fancy equipment—just a few basic kitchen tools:

• Cutting board and knife – For chopping veggies and slicing the chicken.
• Mixing bowls – One for marinating the chicken and another for making the tzatziki sauce.
• Whisk or spoon – To mix the marinade and sauce ingredients.
• Large skillet or grill pan – For cooking the chicken. You can also use an outdoor grill.
• Tongs – To flip the chicken while cooking.
• Grater – For grating the cucumber in the tzatziki sauce.
• Paper towels – To pat the chicken dry before marinating.

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Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper.
2. Add the chicken breasts, making sure they’re well coated in the marinade.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).

Step 2: Make the Tzatziki Sauce

1. While the chicken is marinating, prepare the tzatziki sauce.
2. In a bowl, mix together Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, dill, and salt.
3. Stir well and refrigerate until ready to serve. This helps the flavors blend together.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

1. Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add a little olive oil if needed.
2. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
3. Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.

Step 4: Assemble the Gyros

1. Warm the pita bread in a dry pan or microwave for a few seconds.
2. Spread a generous amount of tzatziki sauce on the pita.
3. Add sliced chicken, tomatoes, red onions, lettuce, and feta cheese (if using).
4. Wrap the pita around the fillings and serve immediately!

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Tips and Tricks for Success

• Marinate Longer for More Flavor – If you have time, marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours or overnight. The flavors will be even richer!
• Use Chicken Thighs for Juicier Meat – While chicken breasts are leaner, thighs stay more tender and juicy when grilled.
• Don’t Skip Resting the Chicken – Letting the chicken rest before slicing keeps it juicy. If you cut it too soon, the juices will run out.
• Grill for an Authentic Taste – If you have an outdoor grill, cook the chicken over medium heat for a smoky, authentic gyro flavor.
• Make Extra Tzatziki – It tastes even better the next day and can be used as a dip or spread for other meals.
• Use Warm Pita Bread – Warming up the pita makes it more flexible and enhances the flavor.

Now you’re all set to make delicious Greek Chicken Gyros at home! Let me know if you’d like any additional variations or serving suggestions.

Ingredient Substitutions and Variations

Want to switch things up? Here are some easy substitutions and variations to customize your gyros:

Substitutions

• Chicken Alternatives – Swap chicken for beef, lamb, shrimp, or even tofu for a vegetarian option.
• Dairy-Free Option – Use dairy-free yogurt for the marinade and tzatziki sauce.
• Gluten-Free – Serve the gyro fillings over lettuce wraps or a gluten-free flatbread instead of pita.
• No Greek Yogurt? – You can use sour cream as a substitute in the tzatziki sauce.

Variations

• Spicy Gyros – Add ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper to the marinade for a spicy kick.
• Mediterranean Bowl – Skip the pita and serve everything over rice or quinoa for a gyro bowl.
• Loaded Gyros – Add hummus, kalamata olives, or roasted red peppers for extra flavor.

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Serving Suggestions

Greek Chicken Gyros are super versatile! Here are some ways to enjoy them:

• Classic Wrap – Serve wrapped in warm pita bread with tzatziki and fresh veggies.
• Gyro Bowl – Serve everything over a bed of rice, quinoa, or greens for a lighter option.
• With a Side Dish – Pair with Greek salad, roasted potatoes, or hummus and pita chips.
• Party Platter – Set up a gyro bar where everyone can build their own wrap with different toppings!

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Storage and Reheating Instructions

If you have leftovers, here’s how to store and reheat them properly:

Storage

• Cooked Chicken – Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Tzatziki Sauce – Store in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Stir before using.
• Veggies – Keep sliced veggies in separate containers to keep them fresh.
• Pita Bread – Store at room temperature in a sealed bag for a couple of days, or freeze for longer storage.

Reheating

• Stovetop – Heat chicken in a pan over medium heat for a few minutes until warm.
• Microwave – Heat in 30-second intervals until warm. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying out.
• Oven – Reheat at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
• Pita Bread – Warm in a dry pan or microwave for 10-15 seconds.

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FAQ

1. Can I make the chicken ahead of time?

Yes! Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, or cook it ahead of time and store it in the fridge.

2. Can I freeze the chicken?

Absolutely! Store cooked chicken in an airtight container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

3. What can I use instead of tzatziki sauce?

Try hummus, garlic aioli, or a lemon-tahini dressing for a different flavor.

4. How do I prevent my pita from tearing?

Warm it slightly before assembling, and don’t overfill it to keep it from breaking apart.

5. Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Swap chicken for grilled halloumi, falafel, or marinated tofu for a delicious plant-based version.

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Now you’re fully prepared to make the best homemade Greek Chicken Gyros! Whether you’re making them for a quick meal or a fun dinner with friends, they’re guaranteed to be a hit. Enjoy!

Did you try this recipe? Let me know in the comments how it turned out!

Don’t forget to share your photos on Instagram and tag me @tasiahub. I’d love to see your creations!