Say hello to your new favorite weeknight dinner—Greek Chicken Gyros! These juicy, marinated chicken wraps are bursting with Mediterranean flavor, thanks to a dreamy combo of garlic, lemon, and herbs. Wrapped in warm pita and topped with creamy tzatziki, fresh veggies, and a sprinkle of feta, they’re like a mini-vacation for your taste buds. Plus, they’re super easy to prep and totally customizable. Whether you’re meal prepping, hosting, or just craving something fresh and satisfying, this recipe will hit the spot.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love Greek Chicken Gyros
There’s a lot to love about these Greek Chicken Gyros! First off, the chicken is incredibly tender and flavorful thanks to a quick marinade that does all the hard work for you. The whole meal feels light but satisfying—perfect for warmer days or when you want something fresh but hearty. It’s also a crowd-pleaser that works for picky eaters and foodies alike. Make it your own with toppings like red onion, tomatoes, cucumbers, and that heavenly tzatziki sauce. Oh, and did we mention it’s easy enough for beginners? Win-win.
Ingredients
These Greek Chicken Gyros come together with simple, fresh ingredients. Most are pantry staples or easy to find at any grocery store. Don’t forget the pita and tzatziki to tie it all together!
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Gyros:
- 4–6 pita breads or flatbreads
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cucumber, diced or sliced
- Crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley or dill for garnish (optional)
Instructions
Making Greek Chicken Gyros at home is easier than you think! Just marinate the chicken, cook it up, and layer all your favorite toppings into warm pita. Here’s how:
- Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl or zip-top bag, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2–3 hours for the best flavor. - Cook the Chicken:
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked. Let it rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips. - Warm the Pita:
While the chicken rests, warm the pita breads in a dry skillet or microwave until soft and pliable. - Assemble the Gyros:
Spread a generous spoonful of tzatziki on each pita. Add sliced chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and a sprinkle of feta. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired. - Serve and Enjoy!
Fold and devour while everything is still warm and fresh!
Servings and Timing
This recipe is perfect for a quick family dinner or casual get-together, and it scales up easily if you’re feeding a crowd.
Servings:
Makes 4–6 gyros, depending on how generously you fill each one. Perfect for 4 people, or 2 with leftovers for lunch!
Prep Time:
10 minutes (plus marinating time)
Marinate Time:
30 minutes to 3 hours
Cook Time:
15–20 minutes
Total Time:
Around 45 minutes (with quick marinade)
Tips and Variations
Want to switch it up or make your gyros even easier? Here are some fun ways to tweak the recipe:
- Use Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Both work great! Thighs are juicier, but breasts are leaner.
- Grill It: If the weather’s nice, throw the marinated chicken on the grill for an extra smoky flavor.
- Make it Vegetarian: Swap the chicken for grilled halloumi, falafel, or roasted chickpeas.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve the chicken and toppings as a bowl instead of with pita.
- Topping Ideas: Add olives, shredded lettuce, pickled onions, or a drizzle of hot sauce for a flavor twist.
- Homemade Tzatziki: Mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and dill for a super fresh sauce.
Storage
Have leftovers? No problem! Greek Chicken Gyros store well and make for easy meal prep.
- Chicken: Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave.
- Toppings: Keep chopped veggies and tzatziki in separate containers in the fridge for max freshness.
- Pita: Store at room temperature in a sealed bag for 2–3 days, or freeze for longer storage.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make Greek Chicken Gyros ahead of time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken the night before and cook it when you’re ready. Chop veggies and prep tzatziki in advance for quick assembly.
2. What’s the best cut of chicken to use?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal for juicy, flavorful gyros, but chicken breasts work well too.
3. Can I cook the chicken in the oven?
Absolutely. Bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20–25 minutes, or until fully cooked.
4. Is tzatziki necessary?
It’s traditional and adds amazing flavor, but if you don’t have it, plain Greek yogurt or a garlic sauce works as a substitute.
5. Can I freeze the cooked chicken?
Yes! Cool completely, then freeze in a sealed container for up to 2 months. Thaw and reheat before serving.
6. Are Greek Chicken Gyros gluten-free?
Only if you use gluten-free pita or serve the filling over rice or lettuce as a bowl.
7. What sides go well with gyros?
Try a side of Greek salad, lemon potatoes, hummus with pita chips, or a simple couscous salad.
Conclusion
There you have it—Greek Chicken Gyros that are easy, delicious, and totally Pinterest-worthy! Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or just craving bold, Mediterranean flavor, this recipe is a go-to. It’s fresh, filling, and full of customizable goodness. Don’t forget to pin this for later—you’ll want to come back to it again and again. Happy cooking, and enjoy every bite!
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Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe
Say hello to your new favorite weeknight dinner—Greek Chicken Gyros! These juicy, marinated chicken wraps are bursting with Mediterranean flavor, thanks to a dreamy combo of garlic, lemon, and herbs. Wrapped in warm pita and topped with creamy tzatziki, fresh veggies, and a sprinkle of feta, they’re like a mini-vacation for your taste buds. Plus, they’re super easy to prep and totally customizable.
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 gyros 1x
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 4–6 pita breads or flatbreads
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cucumber, diced or sliced
- Crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- Fresh parsley or dill for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl or zip-top bag, mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2–3 hours for the best flavor.
- Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and fully cooked. Let it rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips.
- While the chicken rests, warm the pita breads in a dry skillet or microwave until soft and pliable.
- Spread a generous spoonful of tzatziki on each pita. Add sliced chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and a sprinkle of feta. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired.
- Fold and devour while everything is still warm and fresh!
Notes
Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness, or breasts for a leaner option. Add olives, pickled onions, or hot sauce to customize. Perfect for meal prep or casual hosting!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 gyro
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: greek chicken gyros, tzatziki, pita wraps, mediterranean dinner, easy chicken recipe