Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe
If you are craving a burst of Mediterranean flavors wrapped in warm, fluffy pita bread, this Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe is the perfect dish to satisfy your taste buds. It features juicy, herb-marinated chicken cooked to tender perfection, paired with a cool, creamy tzatziki sauce that adds a delightful tang. Every bite delivers a wonderful balance between savory, bright, and fresh elements that make Greek cuisine so beloved. Whether you’re making a simple weeknight dinner or impressing guests with authentic flavors, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe is how straightforward yet essential the ingredients are. Each one brings a unique touch, from the zest and herbs in the marinade to the refreshing crunch in the toppings, making every component important for the final flavor and texture.
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: They soak up the marinade wonderfully and remain juicy after cooking.
- Plain Greek yogurt (for marinade and tzatziki): Adds creaminess and tenderizes the chicken while giving the sauce its signature tang.
- Olive oil: Provides moisture and carries the rich flavors throughout the dish.
- Lemon juice: Offers bright acidity that balances the richness beautifully.
- Garlic: Infuses a punch of savory aroma in both the chicken and tzatziki sauce.
- Red wine vinegar: Enhances the depth of the marinade with subtle sharpness.
- Dried oregano and ground cumin: Classic Greek spices that add earthiness and warmth.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for seasoning and bringing all flavors together.
- Grated cucumber: Adds refreshing crunch and moisture to the tzatziki after squeezing out excess water.
- Fresh dill: Bright herbaceous notes that make tzatziki unforgettable.
- Pita or flatbreads: Perfectly soft and pliable, they hold all the ingredients snugly for the classic gyro wrap.
- Fresh sliced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and sliced red onion: Add color, texture, and freshness to every bite.
- Crumbled feta cheese (optional): For an extra creamy, tangy punch.
How to Make Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together all the marinade ingredients in a large bowl—this includes Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, red wine vinegar, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs or breasts and ensure each piece is fully coated with the flavorful mixture. Cover the bowl and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the chicken to absorb all those wonderful herbs and spices. For even more intense flavor, feel free to marinate it for up to 8 hours.
Step 2: Make the Tzatziki Sauce
While the chicken marinates, prepare the tzatziki sauce to make serving effortless later. Combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (with excess water squeezed out), lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, fresh or dried dill, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a medium bowl. Stir everything together until creamy and well combined. Refrigerate the sauce so the flavors can meld beautifully, giving you a cooling contrast for the savory chicken.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
When ready to cook, heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for about 5 to 6 minutes per side, allowing it to develop a gorgeous, slightly charred crust while staying juicy inside. Once the chicken is cooked through and browned, transfer it to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes—this helps retain its juicy texture. Then slice the chicken into thin strips, making it perfect for wrapping.
Step 4: Assemble the Gyros
Warm your pita or flatbreads to make them pliable and fragrant. Spread a generous layer of tzatziki sauce on each pita, then pile on the sliced chicken followed by fresh sliced tomatoes, shredded lettuce, and red onions. If you like, crumble some feta cheese on top to elevate the flavor even more. Wrap everything tightly and serve immediately for a truly satisfying, authentic gyro experience.
How to Serve Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe
Garnishes
Garnishing your gyros is where you can really let your creativity shine while enhancing flavors. Fresh herbs like extra dill or chopped parsley add a bright herbal punch. A sprinkle of sumac or a few kalamata olives on the side can intensify that classic Greek essence. If you love a little heat, a dash of crushed red pepper or a drizzle of spicy harissa sauce balances the creaminess with subtle spiciness.
Side Dishes
Serve your Greek Chicken Gyros with traditional Mediterranean sides to complete the feast. Crispy Greek fries dusted with oregano and sea salt are perfectly complementary. A simple Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and red onions dressed in olive oil and lemon juice makes a fresh, vibrant side. Or try a bowl of warm lentil soup or roasted vegetables for a heartier option. These sides help round out the meal with contrasting textures and flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to switch things up, present the elements deconstructed in a beautiful gyro bowl. Lay down a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa, top it with sliced grilled chicken, a dollop of tzatziki, colorful veggies, and feta crumbles. Another fun idea is to create bite-sized gyro sliders using mini pita breads for gatherings or parties. No matter how you serve it, the Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe always shines through with its comforting Mediterranean vibe.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
You can store leftover cooked chicken, tzatziki, and veggies separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping each component separate helps preserve their freshness and texture so you can reassemble gyros fresh for subsequent meals.
Freezing
If you want to save the marinated chicken for later, freezing before cooking is best. Place the marinated chicken in a freezer-safe bag or container and freeze for up to 2 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before cooking. Avoid freezing the tzatziki sauce or fresh vegetables, as their texture changes negatively after freezing.
Reheating
Reheat the cooked chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven to maintain juiciness without drying it out. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can make the chicken rubbery. Rewarm the pita separately wrapped in foil to keep them soft and warm. Always add tzatziki and fresh veggies just before serving.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs for this Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work just as well, although thighs tend to stay juicier and more flavorful when cooked. Either option makes a delicious gyro, so choose based on your preference.
Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, simply swap out the traditional pita or flatbreads for gluten-free pita or serve the chicken and toppings over a bed of greens for a gyro salad bowl that is naturally gluten-free.
How long can I marinate the chicken for best results?
Marinating for at least 1 hour is essential to allow the flavors to penetrate the chicken, but you can marinate it up to 8 hours for even more depth. Avoid marinating longer than that to prevent the yogurt’s acidity from altering the texture of the meat too much.
Can I prepare the tzatziki sauce in advance?
Yes! In fact, making tzatziki the day before enhances its flavors as the garlic and dill have more time to infuse. Just give it a good stir before serving and squeeze out any extra liquid from the cucumber when you make it.
What are some good vegetarian alternatives for this Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe?
For a vegetarian version, grilled halloumi cheese or marinated and roasted portobello mushrooms make fantastic gyro fillings. Both have great texture and absorb spices wonderfully, pairing well with traditional garnishes and tzatziki.
Final Thoughts
This Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe is truly a celebration of bold, fresh flavors and simple techniques that anyone can master at home. With juicy chicken, creamy tzatziki, and crisp, colorful toppings all wrapped in soft pita, it’s a meal that pleases every palate and feels like a little trip to the Mediterranean. I can’t encourage you enough to give it a try—you’re going to love how easy and satisfying this dish is!
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Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 gyros 1x
Description
This Greek Chicken Gyros recipe features tender marinated chicken thighs cooked to perfection and wrapped in warm pita bread with fresh vegetables and homemade tzatziki sauce. Packed with Mediterranean flavors like garlic, lemon, oregano, and dill, it’s a satisfying and wholesome meal perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
For the chicken marinade:
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the tzatziki sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or 1 teaspoon dried dill
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For serving:
- 4–6 pita or flatbreads
- Sliced tomatoes
- Shredded lettuce
- Sliced red onion
- Crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken pieces and coat them evenly with the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 8 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Make the tzatziki: In a medium bowl, combine the plain Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (with excess water squeezed out), lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, chopped dill, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly and refrigerate the sauce until ready to serve to help the flavors meld.
- Cook the chicken: Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the marinated chicken from the fridge and cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side, until the chicken is nicely browned and cooked through to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Once done, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into strips.
- Assemble the gyros: Warm your pita or flatbreads briefly on a skillet or in the oven. Spread a generous layer of tzatziki sauce on each pita. Top with sliced chicken, tomatoes, shredded lettuce, sliced red onion, and crumbled feta if desired. Wrap the gyros firmly and serve immediately while warm and fresh.
Notes
- For a crispier chicken, grilling instead of pan-cooking is recommended.
- Tzatziki sauce can be prepared a day in advance to enhance its flavor.
- You can serve the ingredients deconstructed as a gyro bowl for a low-carb option or family-style serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
