Name: Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe
Prep time: 40 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 50 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 lb chicken breast, thinly sliced; 3 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; Salt and pepper to taste; 1 cup Greek yogurt; 1/2 cucumber, grated and drained; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon lemon juice; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (or mint); Salt and pepper to taste; 4 pita bread rounds; 1/2 cup chopped tomatoes; 1/2 cup sliced red onions; 1/2 cup chopped cucumber; 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese; 1/4 cup chopped parsley

Jump to Recipe

If you’ve ever dreamed of strolling through a bustling Greek market, the tantalizing aroma of sizzling chicken and fresh herbs swirling around you, then Greek Chicken Gyros will whisk your senses straight there—without ever leaving your kitchen! Wrapped in warm pita and loaded with bright, fresh toppings and a cool, creamy tzatziki sauce, this dish delivers everything: juicy marinated chicken, pops of tangy feta, crisp veggies, and an explosion of herby flavor in every bite. Greek Chicken Gyros are proof that bold, Mediterranean flavors can be delightfully simple and irresistibly craveable.

Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Greek Chicken Gyros are all about letting vibrant, honest ingredients shine. Each one brings a punch of flavor, texture, or color, transforming humble pantry staples into something spectacular. Let’s break down what you need and why it matters.

Chicken breast: Thinly sliced for maximum marinade absorption and quick, juicy cooking.
Olive oil: Delivers that signature Mediterranean richness and helps the marinade coat the chicken evenly.
Lemon juice: Adds brightness and helps tenderize the chicken for melt-in-your-mouth results.
Garlic: Essential for layering aromatic, savory depth throughout the dish.
Dried oregano: The classic Greek herb that brings a warm and earthy undertone.
Ground cumin: Subtle but so important for a gentle warmth that rounds out the marinade.
Salt and pepper: The essential finishing touch for seasoning the chicken perfectly.
Greek yogurt: Tangy, thick, and the backbone of authentic tzatziki sauce.
Cucumber: Grated and drained for refreshing crunch in your tzatziki.
Fresh dill (or mint): Brings that herby, breezy note characteristic of Greek sauces.
Pita bread rounds: Soft pockets to cradle all that goodness—warm them up for pure magic.
Chopped tomatoes: Juicy bursts of sweet tartness in every bite.
Sliced red onions: Peppery and crisp for a gorgeous color contrast and zing.
Chopped cucumber: Extra fresh, cool crunch to balance the savoriness.
Crumbled feta cheese: Salty and creamy with a briny punch, feta is non-negotiable!
Chopped parsley: Herbaceous and bright, the finishing touch that makes everything taste garden-fresh.

How to Make Greek Chicken Gyros

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Give your chicken the royal treatment! Simply whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add your thinly sliced chicken and toss to coat every piece. Pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (or overnight, if you really want those flavors to dance). The result? Tender, ultra-flavorful chicken that’s the heart of every unforgettable Greek Chicken Gyros experience.

Step 2: Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce

In another bowl, mix up your Greek yogurt, grated and drained cucumber, a bit more garlic, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, and a handful of finely chopped dill or mint. Stir everything together, season it with salt and pepper, then let it chill. As it rests, the flavors blend and intensify, turning a few humble ingredients into the irresistibly creamy zesty sauce that makes Greek Chicken Gyros extra special.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

Now for the main event: Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat until it’s nice and hot. Lay in your marinated chicken pieces and let them cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and fully cooked through. Let the chicken rest for just a couple of minutes before slicing it into strips. This keeps all those savory juices locked in—an absolute must for perfect Greek Chicken Gyros.

Step 4: Warm the Pita

While your chicken is resting, warm your pita bread rounds. Either toss them in a hot dry skillet for a minute per side, or wrap them in foil and heat in the oven just until they’re soft and pliable. This tiny step makes the pita pillowy and ready to wrap around your fillings without tearing.

Step 5: Assemble the Gyros

Time for assembly! Lay each warm pita flat, spoon a generous amount of chicken in the center, then pile on chopped tomatoes, red onions, cucumber, a healthy sprinkle of feta, and a dusting of fresh parsley. It’s a colorful feast for the eyes and the stomach. Don’t forget to spoon over a good dollop (or more!) of your homemade tzatziki to tie it all together.

Step 6: Wrap and Serve

Fold the pita around its delicious fillings, tucking everything in gently. Serve your Greek Chicken Gyros immediately, while they’re warm and bursting with texture and flavor. Trust me, watching those first happy bites makes all the effort more than worth it.

How to Serve Greek Chicken Gyros

Garnishes

A handful of fresh parsley, extra crumbled feta, and maybe a sprinkle of sumac or a squeeze of lemon can take your Greek Chicken Gyros from very good to “how soon can we make this again?” Presentation matters—and those finishing touches bring even more freshness and flavor. Serve the extra tzatziki sauce on the side for happy dipping.

Side Dishes

Greek Chicken Gyros play beautifully with so many sides. Consider a simple Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and red onion, lightly dressed with olive oil and lemon. Roasted potatoes, classic lemon rice, or crispy homemade fries also make fabulous accompaniments. And if you’re feeling festive, set out a mezze platter with olives, hummus, and stuffed grape leaves for true Mediterranean flair.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting guests or feeding a crowd, try setting up a DIY gyro bar. Stack your cooked chicken and pitas alongside bowls of tzatziki, veggies, feta, and herbs so everyone can assemble their own perfect Greek Chicken Gyros. This not only keeps things interactive and fun, but also lets people customize their meal just the way they like it. For a twist, serve everything deconstructed as a vibrant salad or turn the fillings into a grilled flatbread pizza!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you end up with extra chicken or toppings, lucky you! Store cooked chicken, veggies, and tzatziki sauce separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The chicken and veggies should keep well for up to 3 days, while the tzatziki is best enjoyed within two days for peak flavor and freshness. Keeping ingredients separate helps everything stay crisp and vibrant for your next round of Greek Chicken Gyros.

Freezing

While tzatziki sauce doesn’t freeze well (the yogurt and cucumber get watery), you can easily freeze the cooked chicken. Let it cool completely, then store portions in airtight freezer bags for up to two months. When you’re ready for another gyro night, simply thaw in the fridge overnight—fresh pita and toppings will complete your delicious Greek Chicken Gyros meal with minimal fuss.

Reheating

For the juiciest results, reheat leftover chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth, just until warmed through. You can also microwave in short bursts, but be careful not to overcook. Always reheat pita bread separately until soft. As for the tzatziki, give it a quick stir if any liquid has separated, and it’ll be just as tasty as day one!

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are extra juicy and flavorful, making them a wonderful alternative to chicken breast in Greek Chicken Gyros. Just slice them thin and follow the same marinade and cooking instructions for irresistibly tender results.

How do I prevent my pita from tearing?

Warm your pita bread before assembling your gyros—this makes it softer, more pliable, and less likely to crack. If you’re worried about overflow, you can also double-wrap your fillings in two pita halves or use thicker pita for added support.

What can I substitute for tzatziki if I don’t eat dairy?

If you’d like a dairy-free option, try making a vegan “tzatziki” with coconut or soy yogurt, or simply serve your Greek Chicken Gyros with a squeeze of lemon and lots of fresh herbs for a lighter, just-as-zesty finish.

Can I grill the chicken instead of using a skillet?

Absolutely! Grilling the marinated chicken adds wonderful smoky flavor and beautiful char marks to your Greek Chicken Gyros. Just make sure your grill is nice and hot, and keep an eye on the thin slices so they don’t overcook.

Are Greek Chicken Gyros good for meal prep?

They’re actually excellent for meal prep! Just cook the chicken and prep the toppings ahead of time, then assemble fresh when you’re ready. The flavors develop even more overnight, making next-day gyros just as delightful.

Final Thoughts

Greek Chicken Gyros really are a celebration of fresh, big flavors and effortless cooking—a dish that turns every meal into something a little more special. If you’re ready for a quick trip to the Mediterranean (no passport required!), roll up your sleeves, pile on those toppings, and dive in. You’ll be making these again and again—I guarantee it!

Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe

★★★★★

4.9 from 11 reviews

Author: lina
Total Time: 50 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Mediterranean

Print Recipe

Description

These Greek Chicken Gyros are a delicious and satisfying meal that combines marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, tangy tzatziki sauce, and warm pita bread. Perfect for a quick and flavorful dinner!

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the thinly sliced chicken to the marinade, ensuring all pieces are coated evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to infuse. For the best results, marinate overnight.
Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce: In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated and drained cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and chopped dill. Mix well and season with salt and pepper. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken and cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove from the heat and let rest for a few minutes before slicing into strips.
Assemble the Gyros: Warm the pita bread rounds by placing them in a dry skillet or wrapping them in foil and heating them in the oven for a few minutes. Once warm, lay each pita flat and place some cooked chicken in the center. Top with chopped tomatoes, sliced red onions, chopped cucumber, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped parsley.
Add Tzatziki Sauce: Drizzle or spoon the prepared tzatziki sauce over the top of the filling.
Wrap and Serve: Fold the pita around the filling to create a wrap. Serve immediately, while still warm, for the best flavor.

Prep Time: 40 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling, Pan-searing
Cuisine: Greek