Greek Chicken Gyros are a tasty and satisfying meal that brings together juicy, marinated chicken, fresh veggies, and creamy tzatziki all wrapped in warm pita bread. The chicken is full of flavor thanks to herbs like oregano and garlic, making every bite deliciously bright and hearty. It’s the kind of dish that’s simple but feels special every time you eat it.
I love making Greek Chicken Gyros at home because the ingredients come together so easily, yet the flavors taste like you got them from a little street stand in Greece. One of my favorite things is to marinate the chicken a little longer—it really brings out that zesty, herby taste. Plus, mixing up the tzatziki sauce with some fresh cucumber and a sprinkle of dill makes it extra creamy and refreshing.
These gyros are perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or for serving at a casual get-together with friends. I usually set up a little assembly line with all the toppings, so everyone can build their own. It’s fun, hands-on, and everyone ends up with their perfect gyro. Honestly, once you try making these yourself, they might just become a regular dinner favorite in your house too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless breasts work great here for quick cooking and juicy meat. If you prefer, thighs add more flavor and stay tender, especially when grilled.
Olive Oil & Lemon: These are the base of the marinade, giving a bright, fresh taste. Lemon juice adds tanginess, and olive oil helps keep the chicken moist.
Herbs & Spices: Dried oregano is the star herb here, giving that authentic Greek feel. If you don’t have oregano, thyme or marjoram are decent substitutes. Paprika adds a subtle warmth, and cumin lends earthiness.
Tzatziki Sauce: Greek yogurt is best for its thick, creamy consistency. For a lighter option, use plain yogurt strained through cheesecloth. Fresh cucumber grated and drained prevents watery sauce. Dill is classic but optional—you can add mint or parsley instead.
Pita Bread: Look for soft but sturdy pita that can hold all the filling without falling apart. If pita isn’t available, naan or flatbreads work well as substitutions.
How Do I Get Tender, Flavorful Chicken for Gyros?
The chicken is the heart of these gyros, so marinating it well really makes a difference. Here’s how to get juicy, tasty pieces every time:
- Marinate Time: At least 1 hour is okay, but 3-4 hours or overnight is ideal for deeper flavor.
- Even Coating: Make sure every piece is covered in the marinade so the spices infuse evenly.
- Cooking: Use medium-high heat to get a nice char without drying out the meat. Cook about 5-7 minutes per side depending on thickness. Let the chicken rest before slicing to lock in juices.
- Slicing: Cut across the grain into thin strips. This makes the meat tender and easy to wrap in your pita.
These steps help you enjoy gyros with moist, flavorful chicken that tastes like a quick trip to Greece!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Grill pan or skillet – I recommend it because it gets the chicken nicely charred and gives grill marks for extra flavor.
- Bowl for marinating – makes mixing the marinade easy and keeps everything clean.
- Grater – useful for preparing the cucumber for tzatziki sauce and for draining excess water.
- Measuring spoons and cups – to keep the marinade and sauce proportions just right.
- Cooking thermometer (optional) – helps ensure the chicken is cooked through without drying out.
- Serving platters – for assembling and presenting the gyros!
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for lamb or beef strips for a richer taste and more traditional gyros flavor.
- Add sliced olives or banana peppers for a salty, tangy twist.
- Mix fresh herbs like mint or parsley into the tzatziki for extra freshness.
- Use whole wheat or gluten-free pita for a healthier or allergy-friendly option.
How to Make Greek Chicken Gyros
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken & Marinade:
- 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Veggies:
- 4 pita breads
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- ½ cucumber, sliced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup fresh lettuce, shredded
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- ½ cucumber, finely grated and drained
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare plus 1 to 4 hours of marinating time for the chicken. Cooking and assembly take another 15-20 minutes. You can start the marinade in the morning or the night before for the best flavor!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and turn them to coat well. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours for tastier meat.
2. Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
While the chicken marinates, stir together Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (make sure to squeeze out all water), minced garlic, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Chill the sauce until serving time.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Take the chicken out of the marinade and cook for 5-7 minutes each side until the outside is nicely browned and the inside is cooked through. Let the chicken rest a few minutes, then slice it thinly.
4. Prepare the Veggies and Pita:
Slice the tomato, cucumber, and onion thinly. Shred the lettuce. Warm the pita breads in a pan or oven until soft and flexible.
5. Assemble the Gyros:
Lay out a warm pita. Start with some shredded lettuce, then top with sliced chicken, followed by tomato, cucumber, and red onion. Spoon plenty of tzatziki sauce on top.
6. Wrap and Serve:
Fold the pita to hold in the fillings. Wrap in parchment or foil to keep everything together if you like. Serve right away, maybe with some crispy fries or extra tzatziki on the side.
Enjoy your homemade Greek Chicken Gyros full of fresh, bright, and savory flavors everyone will love!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken in the fridge overnight before marinating. This helps it absorb the flavors better and cook evenly.
Can I Make the Tzatziki Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Tzatziki tastes even better when it sits for a few hours or overnight to let the flavors meld. Just keep it refrigerated and stir before serving.
What Are Good Substitutes for Pita Bread?
If you can’t find pita, soft naan or flatbreads work perfectly as alternatives. Just warm them up before assembling your gyros.
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Keep any leftover chicken, veggies, and tzatziki in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken gently and assemble fresh when ready to eat.
