If you’re on the hunt for a meal that’s vibrant, fresh, and downright satisfying, then you absolutely need to try Greek Chicken Gyros. Juicy grilled chicken infused with bold Mediterranean flavors, all tucked into a soft, warm pita and topped with crisp veggies and creamy tzatziki—what’s not to love? Greek Chicken Gyros are an irresistible combination of tangy, herby, and savory, making them a staple in my kitchen, especially when I want something both easy and transporting. Trust me: once you take a bite, you’ll be dreaming of sun-soaked days in Santorini!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of Greek Chicken Gyros is how a simple lineup of classic ingredients comes together to create something truly magical. Each one matters, adding a much-needed pop of taste, texture, or color—so don’t skip a thing!
- Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for soaking up all that herby marinade and grilling up juicy and tender.
- Olive Oil: Adds moisture and richness to the marinade, helping carry all those Greek flavors right into the chicken.
- Lemon Juice: Brings a bright, zesty tang that balances the richness and makes the flavors pop.
- Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the dish with a sharp, savory depth—don’t hold back!
- Red Wine Vinegar: Gives a subtle tanginess that elevates the whole marinade beautifully.
- Dried Oregano: An absolute must for that authentic Greek taste, earthy and aromatic.
- Ground Cumin: Adds just a hint of warmth and smokiness that makes the chicken so memorable.
- Salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors together and seasoning everything just right.
- Black Pepper: Offers a touch of mild heat and rounds out the seasoning.
- Pita Bread: Soft, pillowy pita is the ultimate vessel for all your tasty fillings—don’t skimp!
- Shredded Lettuce: Fresh and crunchy, lettuce brings a cool contrast in every bite.
- Diced Tomatoes: Juicy tomatoes add color, sweetness, and a touch of acidity.
- Sliced Red Onion: For a hint of sharpness and that signature crunch.
- Tzatziki Sauce: Creamy, garlicky tzatziki ties everything together with a fresh dill-and-cucumber punch.
How to Make Greek Chicken Gyros
Step 1: Mix Up That Marinade
Start by grabbing a medium bowl and whisking together your olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, red wine vinegar, oregano, cumin, salt, and black pepper. This marinade is what gives Greek Chicken Gyros their unmistakable, lip-smacking flavor. The combination of tang, earthiness, and a gentle zing is what makes this recipe so special. Don’t be afraid to sniff the bowl—those aromas are pure Greek sunshine.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add the chicken breasts right into your marinade, tossing well so every piece is nicely coated. Cover the bowl and slide it into the fridge for at least 30 minutes—though if you can stretch this to two hours, or even overnight, your patience will definitely be rewarded with deeper flavor. This stage is where your chicken transforms from ordinary to unforgettable.
Step 3: Grill to Perfection
Preheat your grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, cook the chicken for 5 to 6 minutes per side. What you’re looking for are deep golden grill marks and juicy meat that hits 165°F internally. Letting the chicken rest for 5 minutes afterwards will make slicing much easier and even juicier. Thinly slice your chicken after it rests—it’s the secret to tender, easy-to-eat gyros.
Step 4: Warm the Pitas
Give your pita bread a little love by warming it up straight on the grill for about 30 seconds per side. This brings out gentle toasty notes and makes the bread soft and pliable—perfect for wrapping all those fillings. Trust me, this step transforms the pita from a simple pocket to a pillowy blanket of goodness.
Step 5: Assemble Your Greek Chicken Gyros
Laying everything out is half the fun! Place a warm pita on your plate, then layer on a handful of shredded lettuce, a generous scoop of diced tomatoes, a few slices of red onion, and your perfectly sliced chicken. Drizzle it all with as much tzatziki sauce as you can handle. Fold it up and dive in immediately—the flavors truly sing when everything is fresh and warm.
How to Serve Greek Chicken Gyros
Garnishes
A little extra flourish goes a long way! Garnish your Greek Chicken Gyros with more chopped fresh herbs like dill or parsley, a sprinkle of crumbled feta, or even some olives for a little briny pop. Squeeze on an extra wedge of lemon for brightness if you like—it’s all about those small touches that make each bite feel personalized and fresh.
Side Dishes
For a full-on feast, serve your gyros with homemade Greek salad, crispy oven-roasted potatoes, or a bowl of lemony rice pilaf. Even a handful of warm, pita chips and hummus on the side can make this meal feel like a gathering straight out of a Mediterranean taverna. The beauty here is that Greek Chicken Gyros go with just about any light, fresh side dish you love.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want a fun spin, set up a “gyro bar” with bowls filled with toppings—let everyone build their own masterpiece! Or, try serving the sliced chicken and toppings over a rice bowl for a deconstructed version. You can even roll the gyros tightly and slice them into rounds for easy, party-ready appetizers that wow a crowd.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you find yourself with leftover Greek Chicken Gyros fillings, store the chicken, veggies, and tzatziki separately in airtight containers in the fridge. The chicken will keep for up to 3 days and is perfect for assembling quick, fresh gyros later in the week. Keeping everything separate ensures pitas don’t get soggy and every element stays vibrant.
Freezing
The cooked chicken slices freeze beautifully—just let them cool completely, then wrap tightly and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to two months. When you’re craving Greek Chicken Gyros, just thaw in the fridge overnight. Avoid freezing the veggies and pita, as they can lose their freshness and texture.
Reheating
For best results, reheat chicken slices gently in a skillet over medium heat, or microwave in short bursts with a damp paper towel on top to keep them moist. Warm the pita on the stove or grill, and then assemble your gyro as you would fresh. This method will make your leftovers taste nearly as good as the first time!
FAQs
What cut of chicken works best for Greek Chicken Gyros?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are classic and convenient, but boneless chicken thighs will give you even juicier and richer results. Both work well, so use whatever you prefer or have on hand.
Can I cook the chicken without a grill?
Absolutely! You can sear the marinated chicken in a hot, lightly oiled skillet on the stovetop or bake it in the oven at 425°F until fully cooked. The flavor is fantastic either way, so pick what’s easiest for you.
Is it possible to make Greek Chicken Gyros gluten-free?
Definitely. Just use gluten-free pita or wrap the fillings in crisp lettuce leaves for a fresh, gluten-free twist. Double-check your tzatziki and other toppings for any hidden gluten if you’re highly sensitive.
How long does the chicken need to marinate?
Try for at least 30 minutes, but if you have time, marinate for 2 hours or even overnight. The longer the chicken sits in that marinade, the deeper and more pronounced the flavors will be.
What if I don’t have tzatziki sauce?
No worries! You can quickly make a shortcut tzatziki by mixing Greek yogurt with a bit of grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and salt. It won’t be quite as authentic but will bring plenty of creamy, tangy goodness to your Greek Chicken Gyros.
Final Thoughts
Greek Chicken Gyros are that rare kind of meal: easy enough for a weeknight, yet special enough for a weekend gathering. Once you try these, I bet you’ll come back to them again and again—because who can resist juicy marinated chicken, fresh toppings, and tangy tzatziki all rolled up in a warm pita? Go ahead, gather your ingredients, and bring a little Greek magic to your own kitchen tonight!
Print
Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe
- Total Time: 27 minutes (plus marinating)
- Yield: 4 gyros 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Greek Chicken Gyros are a delicious Mediterranean dish featuring marinated grilled chicken wrapped in warm pita bread with fresh veggies and tangy tzatziki sauce.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- juice of 1 lemon
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Serving:
- 4 pita breads
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup sliced red onion
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, red wine vinegar, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add chicken, toss to coat, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat a grill pan or outdoor grill to medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5 to 6 minutes per side or until fully cooked (165°F internal temperature). Let chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
- Assemble the Gyros: Warm pita bread on the grill. Layer lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, and sliced chicken onto each pita. Drizzle with tzatziki sauce, fold, and serve.
Notes
- For a more authentic flavor, marinate chicken overnight.
- You can use boneless chicken thighs for juicier gyros.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating)
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 gyro
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 38 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 28 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
