Simple Authentic Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe for Homemade Bliss

Crisp summer evenings call for a delightful street food classic like authentic Greek chicken gyros that transport you straight to the bustling markets of Athens.

Marinated in a zesty blend of herbs and spices, these tender chicken strips promise a flavor explosion with every bite.

The traditional recipe combines succulent grilled meat with creamy tzatziki and fresh vegetables wrapped in warm pita bread.

Generations of Greek cooks have perfected this simple yet mouthwatering dish that celebrates Mediterranean culinary traditions.

Each ingredient sings with vibrant, fresh flavors that dance across your palate.

You’ll savor the perfect balance of tangy, herbal, and savory notes that make this gyro an absolute crowd-pleaser.

Gather your ingredients and let the Mediterranean magic begin.

Store Gyros for Quick Wraps Later

• Chop vegetables and marinate chicken in advance, storing separately in sealed containers for quick assembly during busy weekdays.
• Keep tzatziki sauce and marinated chicken in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days, maintaining fresh flavors and texture.
• Cooked chicken strips can be frozen for 2-3 weeks; thaw overnight in refrigerator and reheat gently to prevent drying out.
• Pack gyro components separately to prevent soggy pitas – combine just before eating to maintain crisp vegetables and soft bread texture.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 5

Ingredients That Bring Greek Chicken Gyros Together

• Greek Yogurt: Tenderizes chicken and adds creamy richness with tangy depth.
• Olive Oil: Helps distribute flavors and creates smooth coating for chicken.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens flavors and helps break down chicken proteins.
• Garlic: Provides robust, aromatic flavor foundation.
• Oregano: Introduces classic Mediterranean herbal essence.
• Cumin: Adds warm, earthy undertone to marinade.
• Paprika: Contributes subtle smoky complexity and vibrant color.
• Salt: Enhances overall seasoning and flavor balance.
• Black Pepper: Delivers subtle heat and sharp aromatic notes.

• Greek Yogurt: Creates smooth, creamy base for sauce.
• Cucumber: Introduces fresh, crisp texture and cooling element.
• Dill: Offers delicate herbal freshness.
• Garlic: Provides sharp, pungent accent to sauce.
• Lemon Juice: Adds bright, zesty undertone.
• Olive Oil: Helps blend ingredients smoothly.

• Pita Bread: Serves as soft, flexible wrap for ingredients.
• Chicken: Main protein with complex marinated flavor.
• Tomatoes: Adds juicy, fresh dimension.
• Red Onion: Provides sharp, crisp bite.
• Lettuce: Offers additional crunch and freshness.
• Feta Cheese: Brings tangy, salty Mediterranean character.
• Lemon Wedges: Allows optional extra citrus brightness.

Tools for Grilling and Assembling Chicken Gyros

• Large mixing bowl: Perfect for whisking marinade and combining ingredients.
• Small bowl: Ideal for preparing tzatziki sauce.
• Cutting board: Essential for slicing chicken, vegetables, and ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Needed for precise chopping and slicing.
• Grill pan or skillet: Crucial for cooking chicken to golden perfection.
• Whisk: Great for blending marinade ingredients smoothly.
• Grater: Helpful for preparing cucumber for tzatziki sauce.
• Tongs: Useful for flipping and handling chicken while cooking.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning and ingredient amounts.

How to Make Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki

• Whip Up the Flavor Marinade

Grab your mixing bowl and blend Greek yogurt, olive oil, zesty lemon juice, minced garlic, fragrant oregano, warm cumin, smoky paprika, salt, and pepper into a tangy mixture. Coat the chicken thoroughly and let it soak up those delicious flavors in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

• Create Creamy Tzatziki Magic

Combine Greek yogurt with freshly grated cucumber, bright lemon juice, smooth olive oil, crushed garlic, delicate dill, and a pinch of salt. Stir until silky smooth and chill in the refrigerator.

• Sear the Succulent Chicken

Fire up a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side until it’s perfectly golden and cooked through. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice into tempting strips.

• Build Your Perfect Gyro

Warm the pita bread until it’s soft and pliable. Layer sliced chicken, juicy tomatoes, crisp red onion, and optional lettuce. Drizzle with the cool tzatziki sauce and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese. Roll it up, grab a lemon wedge, and enjoy your Mediterranean feast!

Tips for Wrapping and Serving Chicken Gyros Right

• Let chicken marinate overnight for an even more intense taste profile that deeply penetrates the meat, creating incredibly juicy and flavorful results.
• Swap traditional pita bread for gluten-free alternatives like lettuce wraps or gluten-free pita to make this recipe suitable for those with wheat sensitivities.
• Replace chicken with grilled halloumi cheese, tofu, or seitan to create a delicious meat-free version that maintains the classic Greek gyro experience.
• Pat chicken dry before cooking to ensure a beautiful golden-brown exterior and prevent steaming, which helps achieve those delectable caramelized edges that add incredible texture and flavor.
• Prepare chicken and tzatziki sauce in advance, storing separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days, making weeknight dinners quick and hassle-free while maintaining maximum freshness and taste.

Pair These Gyros with Potatoes or Salads

• Flavor Fusion Feast: Layer your gyros with extra crumbled feta cheese and fresh herbs like parsley or mint for a zesty Mediterranean kick.
• Picnic Perfect Platter: Arrange sliced gyros, tzatziki, and extra pita on a large wooden board for a stunning shared meal that encourages family-style dining.
• Healthy Sidekick: Serve alongside a crisp Greek salad with cucumber, kalamata olives, and a light olive oil dressing to balance the rich chicken and creamy tzatziki.
• Weekend Brunch Twist: Transform leftovers into a breakfast treat by topping scrambled eggs with sliced gyro chicken and a dollop of tzatziki sauce.

Authentic Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe

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4.9 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Succulent Greek chicken gyros invite Mediterranean flavors to dance on your plate with authentic Greek spices and tender marinated meat. Rich herbed chicken wrapped in warm pita bread delivers a delicious journey through classic Greek street cuisine you won’t want to miss.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
• ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 3 tbsps olive oil
• 2 tbsps lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper
• ½ cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
• 1 tbsp fresh dill or mint, chopped
• 4–6 pita breads
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup lettuce, chopped (optional)
• ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
• Lemon wedges, for serving

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Instructions

1. Marinade Preparation: Whisk Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper together in a mixing container. Thoroughly coat chicken pieces and refrigerate for minimum 30 minutes to maximize flavor infusion.
2. Tzatziki Creation: Combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, dill, and salt in a bowl. Mix thoroughly and refrigerate until serving time to allow flavors to meld.
3. Chicken Cooking: Preheat grill pan or skillet to medium-high temperature. Sear marinated chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, ensuring complete cooking and developing attractive caramelized edges. Allow meat to rest briefly before slicing into thin strips.
4. Gyro Assembly: Gently warm pita bread in a dry skillet or microwave. Layer sliced chicken, fresh tomatoes, crisp red onion, and optional lettuce onto bread. Generously drizzle with prepared tzatziki sauce and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese. Fold pita around fillings, creating a compact wrap. Serve immediately with zesty lemon wedges for additional brightness.

Notes

• Let chicken marinate overnight for deeper, more intense taste that penetrates every fiber, transforming ordinary chicken into a Mediterranean delicacy.
• Use high heat for achieving beautiful caramelization and crispy edges without drying out the meat, ensuring juicy and flavorful chicken strips.
• Squeeze excess water from grated cucumber to prevent watery sauce, maintaining a thick, creamy consistency that clings perfectly to the gyro.
• Swap traditional pita with large lettuce leaves or gluten-free flatbread for celiac-friendly version without compromising authentic Greek flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 40 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg