Authentic Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe: Homemade Delights

Crispy, golden chicken nestled in a soft pita transport you to the vibrant streets of athens.

Succulent marinated meat tells a story of mediterranean flavors and culinary tradition.

Every bite promises a journey through herb-infused layers of deliciousness.

Fragrant oregano and zesty lemon dance together, creating a symphony of taste.

Juicy chicken pieces promise a feast that awakens your senses.

Crumbled feta and cool tzatziki add creamy texture to this classic greek delight.

You’ll want to master this recipe and bring the warmth of greek cuisine right to your kitchen.

Getting the Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe Just Right

Step 1: Whip Up Marinade

• Greek yogurt
• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Garlic
• Oregano
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Salt
• Pepper

Combine all ingredients in a bowl, whisking thoroughly until smooth. Drop chicken into marinade, ensuring complete coverage. Seal container and chill inside refrigerator for minimum 30 minutes.

Step 2: Create Tzatziki Sauce

• Greek yogurt
• Cucumber
• Lemon juice
• Olive oil
• Garlic
• Dill
• Salt

Grate cucumber and blend with remaining ingredients. Mix until well incorporated. Refrigerate until serving time.

Step 3: Sear Chicken

Preheat grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook marinated chicken pieces until golden brown and completely cooked, approximately 5-6 minutes per side. Allow chicken to rest for 5 minutes after cooking, then slice into thin strips.

Step 4: Construct Gyros

Warm pita bread slightly in dry skillet. Layer sliced chicken, chopped tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and optional lettuce. Generously drizzle tzatziki sauce over filling. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese. Fold pita and serve with fresh lemon wedges.

Smart Moves for Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe Fans

• Marinate Masterfully: Let chicken soak in yogurt mixture overnight for maximum flavor infusion and incredibly tender meat.
• Balance Tzatziki Texture: Squeeze excess water from grated cucumber to prevent watery sauce and maintain creamy consistency.
• Grill for Perfect Char: Use high heat to create delicious caramelized edges on chicken while keeping inside juicy and moist.
• Warm Pita Properly: Briefly heat pita bread in skillet to enhance softness and prevent cracking during wrapping.
• Customize Creatively: Swap chicken with lamb or tofu for different dietary preferences while maintaining authentic Greek flavors.

Best Ways to Keep Greek Chicken Gyros Fresh

• Store chicken, tzatziki sauce, and remaining ingredients separately in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking.
• Keep sliced chicken in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring it's covered tightly to maintain moisture and prevent bacterial growth.
• Refrigerate tzatziki sauce for up to 3 days, stirring before use as some liquid separation might occur naturally.
• Warm chicken gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave in short 30-second intervals, adding a splash of water to prevent drying out.

Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe and Tasty Sides

• Assyrtiko or Moschofilero perfectly balance the gyros' tangy yogurt marinade and cut through rich chicken flavors with bright, mineral notes.
• Cucumber, tomato, and olive salad complements the gyros' zesty profile, adding crisp texture and light acidity to match the grilled chicken.
• Extra tzatziki sauce alongside the gyros intensifies the Greek culinary experience, enhancing the dish's creamy and herbaceous undertones.
• Salty, robust olive spread adds depth and traditional Mediterranean complexity to the gyro's vibrant flavor profile.

Flavor Variations for Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe

• Vegetarian Gyros: Replace chicken with grilled halloumi cheese or marinated portobello mushrooms, seasoned with the same Greek-inspired spices for a meat-free version.
• Gluten-Free Option: Swap traditional pita bread with gluten-free corn tortillas or large lettuce wraps to accommodate wheat-sensitive diets.
• Low-Carb Gyros: Skip the bread entirely and serve chicken and toppings over a bed of mixed greens or in a crisp lettuce cup for a carbohydrate-reduced meal.
• Mediterranean Spiced Tofu Gyros: Substitute chicken with firm tofu, marinading it in the same yogurt and herb mixture, then grilling for a plant-based protein alternative that maintains authentic Greek flavors.

Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe: Your Questions Answered

• What are the key ingredients for authentic Greek chicken gyros?

The key ingredients include marinated chicken with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and spices, along with tzatziki sauce made from Greek yogurt, cucumber, and fresh herbs.

• Do I need special equipment to make gyros at home?

No special equipment is needed. A regular grill pan, skillet, or even an outdoor grill works perfectly for cooking the marinated chicken.

• Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and prepare the tzatziki sauce a day before serving, which helps enhance the flavors.

• Is this recipe gluten-free or can it be adapted?

The recipe can be made gluten-free by using gluten-free pita bread or serving the chicken and tzatziki in a salad bowl instead of wrapped in traditional pita.

Why Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe Hits the Spot

• Turn Ordinary Chicken into Mouthwatering Gyros
• Marinate chicken for just 30 minutes and transform simple ingredients into an exciting Mediterranean meal that bursts with authentic Greek tastes.
• Perfect for home cooks of all levels, this recipe needs basic kitchen tools and simple techniques like whisking, grilling, and assembling – no professional culinary training needed.
• Prepare everything in under 45 minutes, including marinating time, making it an ideal solution for busy families craving homemade restaurant-quality food without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Easily adapt ingredients to suit different preferences – swap proteins, add extra veggies, or adjust spice levels, ensuring everyone at the table enjoys a personalized gyro experience.

What Goes Into a Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe

• Chicken Breast: Lean protein that absorbs marinade flavors, best when fresh and boneless.

• Greek Yogurt, Olive Oil, Lemon Juice: Tenderizing mixture that adds moisture and tanginess, use full-fat yogurt for richness.
• Garlic, Oregano, Cumin, Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Spice blend creating authentic Greek flavor profile, fresh herbs recommended.

• Greek Yogurt, Cucumber, Lemon Juice, Olive Oil: Creamy tzatziki base with cool, refreshing qualities, drain cucumber to prevent watery sauce.
• Garlic, Dill, Salt: Aromatic seasonings that enhance tzatziki's traditional taste.

• Pita Bread, Tomatoes, Red Onion, Lettuce: Classic vegetable and bread components for traditional gyro structure, choose ripe fresh vegetables.
• Feta Cheese: Tangy Greek cheese that adds creamy texture, use authentic Greek variety if possible.

• Lemon Wedges: Bright citrus accent to serve alongside gyros, fresh lemons provide best flavor.

Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe

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4.5 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean flavors dance in this Greek Chicken Gyros recipe, bringing succulent marinated meat wrapped in warm pita bread. Crisp vegetables and creamy tzatziki sauce complete this delightful street-food classic you’ll crave from first bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)

Marinade and Seasonings:

• ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper

Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• ½ cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill or mint, chopped
• ¼ teaspoon salt

Serving Components:

• 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. Craft a vibrant marinade by blending tangy yogurt, aromatic olive oil, zesty lemon juice, minced garlic, fragrant oregano, earthy cumin, smoky paprika, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a mixing container.
2. Thoroughly coat chicken pieces in the marinade, ensuring complete coverage. Seal and refrigerate for a minimum of half an hour, allowing flavors to permeate deeply.
3. Prepare tzatziki by combining creamy yogurt, freshly grated cucumber, bright lemon juice, rich olive oil, crushed garlic, delicate dill, and a whisper of salt. Mix until harmoniously blended.
4. Refrigerate tzatziki sauce to let flavors meld while preserving its cool, refreshing essence.
5. Preheat a grill pan or skillet to medium-high temperature, creating an ideal searing environment for the marinated chicken.
6. Cook chicken pieces meticulously, rotating once to achieve a golden-brown exterior and ensuring complete internal cooking. Each side requires approximately 5-6 minutes.
7. Allow cooked chicken to rest briefly, then slice into elegant, uniform strips.
8. Gently warm pita bread to enhance its soft, pillowy texture using a dry skillet or microwave.
9. Construct gyros by layering sliced chicken, juicy tomatoes, sharp red onion, and crisp lettuce across the warm pita.
10. Generously drizzle tzatziki sauce over the assembled ingredients and sprinkle crumbled feta cheese for a classic Greek touch.
11. Fold the pita carefully, creating a compact, handheld feast. Serve alongside bright lemon wedges for an extra burst of citrusy freshness.

Notes

• Marinate Longer for Deeper Flavor: Let the chicken soak in the yogurt marinade overnight for intense, tangy taste that penetrates every fiber.
• Quick Cucumber Trick: Pat grated cucumber dry with paper towels to prevent watery tzatziki sauce, ensuring a thick and creamy consistency.
• Gluten-Free Swap: Replace traditional pita with large lettuce leaves or gluten-free wraps for a low-carb, celiac-friendly version that doesn’t compromise on taste.
• Grill Pan Alternative: No grill pan? Use a cast-iron skillet or outdoor grill to achieve those perfect charred edges and smoky chicken flavor.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 160
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 80 mg
• Fat: 7 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 2 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 23 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 1.5 g
• Cholesterol: 20 mg