Greek Chicken Gyros (Authentic & Easy Recipe)

Craving the incredible flavor of authentic Greek street food right in your own kitchen? This Greek Chicken Gyros recipe delivers everything you love: tender, juicy chicken marinated in lemon and herbs, creamy homemade tzatziki, and fresh veggies all wrapped in a warm, soft pita. Forget takeout—this is how you create a Mediterranean masterpiece at home.

We’ve crafted this recipe to be straightforward and packed with flavor, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend feast. It’s a healthy, satisfying meal that will transport you straight to a sun-drenched Greek island.

Why You’ll Love This Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe

There are countless reasons to adore this recipe, but here are just a few that make it a standout. First, the marinade is the secret weapon. It uses a simple combination of lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and classic Greek herbs to tenderize the chicken and infuse it with unbelievable flavor. Second, our homemade tzatziki sauce is refreshingly creamy and comes together in minutes. It’s the perfect cooling contrast to the savory chicken.

Finally, this recipe is incredibly versatile. You can grill the chicken for a smoky char or cook it in a skillet for a quick indoor meal. It’s a complete, balanced meal the whole family will request again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe uses simple, fresh ingredients that are easy to find. The magic is in how they come together. Here’s what you’ll need to gather.

For the Greek Chicken Marinade

• Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work best as they are extra juicy, but chicken breasts are a great leaner option.
• Olive Oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed is a must for that bright, zesty taste.
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic provides a pungent, aromatic base.
• Dried Oregano: A cornerstone of Greek cooking.
• Salt & Black Pepper: To taste.

For the Creamy Tzatziki Sauce

• Greek Yogurt: Full-fat, plain Greek yogurt creates the richest, creamiest sauce.
• Cucumber: Grated and squeezed of excess water to prevent a runny sauce.
• Dill: Fresh dill is essential for that classic tzatziki flavor.
• Lemon Juice: Adds a touch of brightness.
• Garlic: Just a small clove, finely minced.

For Assembling the Gyros

• Pita Bread: Soft, fluffy flatbreads or pocketless pitas are ideal.
• Tomatoes: Diced Roma or cherry tomatoes.
• Red Onion: Thinly sliced for a sharp, crisp bite.
• Feta Cheese: Crumbled for a salty, tangy finish.
• Kalamata Olives: Optional, but highly recommended for a briny kick.

How to Make Greek Chicken Gyros (Step-by-Step)

Making authentic Greek Chicken Gyros is easier than you think. Just follow these simple steps for a delicious and impressive meal.

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Marinade

First, cut the chicken thighs into thin, bite-sized strips. In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken strips to the bowl and toss until every piece is thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor.

Step 2: Make the Tzatziki Sauce

While the chicken is marinating, prepare the tzatziki. Grate the cucumber and use your hands or a cheesecloth to squeeze out as much liquid as possible. In a medium bowl, combine the strained cucumber, Greek yogurt, fresh dill, lemon juice, and minced garlic. Stir until well combined, then season with a pinch of salt. For the best flavor, let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 20 minutes.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

You can cook the chicken on the grill or in a skillet. For the grill, preheat to medium-high heat. Thread the chicken onto skewers and grill for 8-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through and slightly charred. If using a skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken in a single layer (work in batches if needed) and cook for 6-8 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.

Step 4: Assemble Your Gyros

Now for the fun part! Warm your pita bread in a dry skillet, the oven, or microwave until soft and pliable. Lay a warm pita flat and spread a generous layer of tzatziki sauce down the center. Top with a handful of the cooked chicken, followed by diced tomatoes, sliced red onion, and a sprinkle of feta cheese and olives. Fold the bottom of the pita up and then fold the sides over to create the classic gyro wrap. Serve immediately!

Tips for the Best Homemade Gyros

Want to elevate your Greek Chicken Gyros from great to unforgettable? Here are a few expert tips.

• Don’t Skip the Marinating Time: Even 30 minutes makes a huge difference in the flavor and tenderness of the chicken.
• Squeeze the Cucumber: This is the most important step for thick, creamy tzatziki. Watery cucumber will lead to a runny sauce.
• Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If cooking the chicken in a skillet, cook it in batches. This ensures the chicken sears to a beautiful golden brown instead of steaming.
• Warm the Pitas: A warm, soft pita is key. It prevents the bread from cracking and makes the whole eating experience better.

Speaking of amazing chicken recipes, if you’re a fan of easy and flavorful meals, you have to try these Crockpot Marry Me Chicken a try for another guaranteed family favorite.

What to Serve with Chicken Gyros

While these gyros are a fantastic meal on their own, you can easily turn them into a full Greek feast. A classic Greek salad with crisp lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, and a light vinaigrette is a perfect side. For something more substantial, consider serving them with lemon-herb roasted potatoes or this simple and delicious Spanish rice recipe. And of course, a side of hummus and extra pita bread is always a welcome addition!

Storing and Reheating

It’s best to store the components separately to keep everything fresh. Store the cooked chicken and tzatziki sauce in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. Assemble the gyros with fresh toppings just before serving. For another recipe that’s great for meal prep, check out our easy Boursin Chicken.

Frequently Asked Questions About Greek Chicken Gyros

The Best Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe

Greek Chicken Gyros (Authentic & Easy Recipe)

This authentic Greek Chicken Gyros recipe features tender, marinated chicken, creamy homemade tzatziki, and fresh veggies wrapped in a warm pita. The perfect easy and healthy recipe for a delicious Mediterranean meal at home.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 1 hour hr 5 minutes mins

Servings: 4 gyros

Course: Dinner, Lunch, Main Course

Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean

Calories: 580

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Greek Chicken Marinade

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs cut into thin, bite-sized strips
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 cup lemon juice freshly squeezed
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Creamy Tzatziki Sauce

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt full-fat recommended
• 1/2 cup cucumber grated and squeezed dry
• 2 tbsp fresh dill chopped
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic finely minced

For Assembling

• 4 pita bread warmed
• 1 cup tomatoes diced
• 1/2 cup red onion thinly sliced
• 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbled
• 1/4 cup kalamata olives optional

Equipment

• 1 Large Bowl
• 1 Skillet or Grill
• 1 Knife and Cutting Board

Method

 

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, 3 cloves of minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
2. Add the chicken strips to the bowl and toss until thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours.
3. While the chicken marinates, prepare the tzatziki sauce. Grate the cucumber and squeeze out as much liquid as possible. In a medium bowl, combine the strained cucumber, Greek yogurt, fresh dill, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 clove of finely minced garlic. Stir to combine, season with salt, and chill for at least 20 minutes.
4. Heat a large skillet or grill to medium-high heat. If using a skillet, add a touch of olive oil. Cook the chicken for 6-8 minutes (skillet) or 8-12 minutes (grill), turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through.
5. Warm the pitas. Assemble the gyros by spreading tzatziki sauce on a pita, then topping with chicken, tomatoes, red onion, feta, and olives. Fold and serve immediately.

Notes

Don't skip squeezing the water from the cucumber; it's the key to thick, creamy tzatziki sauce.
For extra flavor, let the chicken marinate for the full 4 hours.
Chicken thighs are recommended for the juiciest results, but chicken breasts work well too.

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