If you’ve ever wandered past a street vendor in Athens and caught a whiff of sizzling spices, juicy chicken, and warm pita, you already know the magic of Greek Chicken Gyros. These wraps are a glorious combination of tender chicken marinated in olive oil, lemon, and fragrant herbs, piled onto pillowy pita with crisp veggies, tangy feta, and a generous drizzle of cool, creamy tzatziki. They’re easier to make than you might think, and truly a crowd-pleaser perfect for weeknight dinners, backyard parties, or just when you’re craving a taste of Mediterranean sunshine!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Greek Chicken Gyros is in their simplicity—every ingredient has a role to play, and together they create something far greater than the sum of their parts. Here’s what you’ll need, plus a tip for every component so you can make the very best gyros at home.
- Chicken thighs or breasts: Thighs stay super juicy, but breasts work great if you prefer leaner meat—choose boneless, skinless for easy slicing.
- Olive oil: This adds flavor and keeps your chicken moist during marinating and grilling.
- Lemon juice: Don’t skip this—it brightens up the meat and helps tenderize it.
- Garlic: Freshly minced for punchy flavor—bottled just doesn’t deliver the same zing.
- Dried oregano: Classic Greek herb that brings those signature earthy, aromatic notes.
- Paprika: Adds subtle warmth and gorgeous color.
- Salt and black pepper: Essential for bringing out all the best in the marinade.
- Pita breads: Go for thick, soft pitas that can wrap around all your tasty fillings without tearing.
- Shredded lettuce: Adds cool crunch for perfect bite balance.
- Diced tomatoes: Use the ripest tomatoes you can find for juicy bursts of flavor.
- Sliced cucumber: Fresh cucumber cools things down and adds crisp texture.
- Thinly sliced red onion: Soak slices briefly in cold water to mellow their bite if you like.
- Crumbled feta cheese: The salty tang of feta really lifts the overall flavor.
- Tzatziki sauce: Make your own or buy quality store-bought; chilled and garlicky, it pulls everything together.
How to Make Greek Chicken Gyros
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. This marinade is what infuses your chicken with all those classic Greek flavors—herby, zesty, and super aromatic. Add your chicken, toss to coat thoroughly, then cover and let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. If you’ve got extra time, set it aside longer (up to 4 hours, or overnight for maximum flavor!), so every bite is extra juicy and tasty.
Step 2: Grill or Cook the Chicken
When you’re ready to cook, heat a grill or a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the marinated chicken pieces on the hot surface and let them cook for about 4 to 5 minutes per side, until golden, slightly charred in spots, and cooked through. Once done, set the chicken aside on a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes. This short break keeps it extra juicy when you slice it for your Greek Chicken Gyros.
Step 3: Warm the Pita
Nothing ruins a gyro faster than a cold or stiff pita! Wrap your pita breads in foil and warm them in the oven for a few minutes, or give each a quick flip in a dry skillet until they’re soft and pliable. Warm pita makes all the difference when rolling up your fillings and keeps everything deliciously cozy.
Step 4: Prep Your Fillings
While your chicken rests and the pita warms, get your veggies and extras ready. Shred the lettuce, dice the tomatoes, slice the cucumber and red onion, and crumble the feta cheese. Have your cool, garlicky tzatziki sauce prepped and chilled—it ties everything together with its creamy, tangy goodness.
Step 5: Assemble the Gyros
Lay out a warm pita and pile a small handful of lettuce down the middle. Add sliced chicken, a smattering of juicy tomatoes, sliced cucumber, and a few rings of red onion. Scatter crumbled feta over the top, then finish things off with a generous drizzle of tzatziki. Fold up your Greek Chicken Gyros, wrap in parchment or foil if desired, and dive in while everything is still fresh and warm!
How to Serve Greek Chicken Gyros
Garnishes
The right garnish can take your homemade Greek Chicken Gyros from good to absolutely unforgettable. Consider extra fresh dill, a squeeze of lemon, chopped parsley, or even a sprinkle of sumac for a tangy twist. A dusting of extra feta or an extra dollop of tzatziki never goes amiss either—sometimes, more is more!
Side Dishes
Complete your gyro experience by serving them with some crisp Greek fries, roasted lemon potatoes, or a classic Greek salad full of cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and more feta. If you’re hosting a gathering, a platter of olives and some hummus with fresh vegetables makes the meal feel even more festive.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to impress, set up a make-your-own gyro bar! Arrange all the gyros fillings buffet-style so everyone can pick and choose their favorites. Or, create mini gyro sliders on smaller pieces of pita for a fun party appetizer that channels all the sunny flavors of Greek Chicken Gyros in a couple of bites.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For best results, keep the pita, veggies, feta, and tzatziki separate so everything stays fresh and doesn’t get soggy. Assemble your gyros just before eating for maximum flavor and texture.
Freezing
The marinated or cooked chicken freezes beautifully—just let it cool completely, then slice and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Skip freezing the veggies or tzatziki (the texture won’t survive), but the pitas can be wrapped and frozen too, so you’re always just a quick thaw away from Greek Chicken Gyros bliss.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. To refresh frozen pitas, pop them in a low oven wrapped in foil until soft and steamy. Assemble your gyro with fresh veggies and new tzatziki for that just-made taste all over again.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs for Greek Chicken Gyros?
Absolutely! While chicken thighs are juicier and more traditional, chicken breast works wonderfully—just watch them closely while cooking so they stay moist and tender.
What’s the best way to get super flavorful gyro chicken?
The secret is in the marinade and time! Let the chicken sit for at least 30 minutes, but even better, marinate it overnight to let all the zesty Greek flavors really sink in for restaurant-worthy Greek Chicken Gyros.
Do I need a grill to make Greek Chicken Gyros?
Nope! A hot stovetop skillet will do the trick just fine. It sears the chicken beautifully, though if you do have a grill, fire it up for that extra smokiness.
Can I make these gyros gluten-free?
You sure can! Just swap the regular pita for your favorite gluten-free version, and check that your other ingredients (especially the tzatziki) are gluten-free as well.
How can I make Greek Chicken Gyros ahead for a party?
Marinate and even cook the chicken in advance, and keep all the fillings chopped and ready in the fridge. Set everything out just before guests arrive—and let everyone build their own gyro for a fun, interactive meal.
Final Thoughts
Greek Chicken Gyros pack a punch of flavor, vibrant color, and serious feel-good vibes into every bite, and honestly, you won’t believe how easy they are to pull off in your own kitchen. Give this recipe a whirl the next time you’re craving something fresh, festive, and utterly delicious—you might just find yourself making Greek Chicken Gyros on repeat!
Print
Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe
- Total Time: 25 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Yield: 4–6 gyros 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
Indulge in the delicious flavors of Greece with these homemade Greek Chicken Gyros. Tender marinated chicken wrapped in warm pita bread with fresh veggies, feta cheese, and creamy tzatziki sauce. A Mediterranean delight that’s perfect for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Marinated Chicken:
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Additional Ingredients:
- 4–6 pita breads, warmed
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup sliced cucumber
- 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce
Instructions
- Marinate Chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add chicken, toss to coat, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Cook Chicken: Preheat grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 4–5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Let rest and slice into strips.
- Assemble Gyros: Place warm pita on a plate, layer with lettuce, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, chicken strips, feta, and tzatziki sauce. Fold and serve.
Notes
- You can swap chicken for pork or lamb for a different gyro variation.
- For a softer pita, wrap in foil and warm in the oven before assembling.
- Marinating the chicken overnight will yield even more flavorful results.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 gyro
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 820 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 37 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
