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Two delicious Greek chicken gyros displayed on a wooden board, showing the vibrant fillings of chicken, tomato, and red onion.

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.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 5 minutes
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.