There’s something magical about a Greek Chicken Gyro: tender, herb-spiced chicken tucked into pillowy pita, topped with crisp vegetables and a swirl of creamy tzatziki. Each bite whisks you off to a sun-drenched Mediterranean market, bursting with color, flavor, and pure comfort. Whether you’re craving a quick weeknight dinner, prepping for a fresh weekend lunch, or showing off your culinary chops for loved ones, this Greek Chicken Gyro delivers the delight of Greek street food right at home.
Ingredients You’ll Need
You don’t need fancy ingredients, just a handful of fresh, flavorful, and accessible pantry staples. Each one plays a starring role in creating the unmistakable layers of taste and texture you’ll experience in an authentic Greek Chicken Gyro.
- Chicken thighs: Juicy and packed with flavor, thighs stay wonderfully moist during grilling and are the first step to gyro perfection.
- Olive oil: Classic Mediterranean richness; it helps the marinade infuse the chicken with flavor and keeps everything luscious when cooking.
- Greek yogurt: The magic tenderizer and tangy base! It makes the chicken super moist and infuses it with a subtle creaminess.
- Lemon juice: A bright punch that keeps the marinade zingy and balanced, plus it complements the spices beautifully.
- Garlic: Essential for that deep, aromatic undertone and authentic Greek vibe.
- Red wine vinegar: A sharp note that adds just the right amount of acidity and depth to the marinade.
- Dried oregano: Nothing says “Greek” like this earthy, fragrant herb—it’s absolutely essential here.
- Salt & black pepper: Let those flavors pop—don’t skimp! They add balance and bring everything together.
- Pita or flatbreads: Soft, warm, and ready for wrapping all those glorious fillings—the gyro’s home.
- Shredded lettuce: Provides fresh crunch and vivid green color for that satisfying textural contrast.
- Chopped tomatoes: Juicy bursts of sweetness balance out the savoriness of the chicken.
- Thinly sliced red onion: A touch of sharpness and a beautiful pop of purple-red in every bite.
- Tzatziki sauce: Cool, creamy, garlicky, and utterly necessary; it ties all the flavors of your Greek Chicken Gyro together perfectly.
How to Make Greek Chicken Gyro
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together olive oil, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a large bowl or zip-top bag. This marinade is the secret to juicy, flavorful chicken—be generous! Add the chicken thighs and mix well so each piece gets thoroughly coated. Let it rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour, but if you have the time, let it sit overnight; the flavor payoff is huge!
Step 2: Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill or a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, lay the marinated thighs onto the surface and cook for about 5–6 minutes per side until the chicken is cooked through, golden, and lightly charred on the edges. If you’re indoors, a cast-iron skillet works beautifully and gives a similar sear.
Step 3: Rest and Slice
Don’t skip this step! Let the cooked chicken rest for five minutes after grilling. This allows the juices to redistribute—a little patience makes the chicken even more succulent. After resting, slice the chicken into thin strips for the perfect classic gyro texture.
Step 4: Warm the Pita or Flatbreads
Pop your pita or flatbreads on the grill or in a dry skillet for a minute or two, or give them a quick zap in the microwave. The gentle warmth makes them irresistibly soft and ready to snuggle the delicious fillings.
Step 5: Assemble Your Greek Chicken Gyro
Now comes the fun part! Lay out your warm pita, pile on shredded lettuce, then arrange those juicy chicken strips on top. Scatter over chopped tomatoes and red onion, then crown it all with a generous dollop of creamy tzatziki sauce. Fold up your gyro, grab a napkin, and enjoy—this is what homemade Greek Chicken Gyro dreams are made of!
How to Serve Greek Chicken Gyro
Garnishes
A sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese or a few briny Kalamata olives is pure magic here. If you like extra crunch and freshness, cucumber ribbons or a dusting of fresh dill add surprise and flare. Don’t be shy with the tzatziki—serve extra on the side for dipping!
Side Dishes
Round out your Greek Chicken Gyro experience with a classic Greek salad, a scoop of lemony rice pilaf, or a handful of warm, crispy oven fries. For something lighter, tangy marinated olives or a vibrant chickpea salad are always great companions.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re feeling playful, lay out all the ingredients “bar-style” and let everyone build their own gyro. Or, try slicing the pita into triangles and serving the fillings deconstructed on a platter for DIY wraps and dipping—perfect for parties or casual gatherings with friends.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you end up with leftover chicken, cool it completely and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. Assembled gyros are best eaten fresh, but the components keep well for up to 3 days. Keep the veggies, tzatziki, and pita separate for ultimate freshness.
Freezing
Cooked Greek Chicken Gyro chicken freezes beautifully. Slice it and pack it into freezer bags; it will keep for up to two months. For best texture, thaw overnight in the fridge before enjoying again.
Reheating
Warm refrigerated chicken gently in a skillet over low heat or briefly in the microwave. If reheating from frozen, allow the chicken to thaw first. Warm your pita separately to revive that soft, fluffy texture, ensuring your next Greek Chicken Gyro is just as tasty as the first.
FAQs
What is the best cut of chicken for a Greek Chicken Gyro?
Chicken thighs are absolutely unbeatable for this dish—they’re extra juicy and hold up to grilling like a dream. You can swap for chicken breast in a pinch, but the thigh’s tenderness really elevates the classic gyro experience.
Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
Yes! The marinade keeps beautifully for up to two days in the refrigerator, so feel free to prep it ahead. Just add the chicken when you’re ready and let the flavor magic happen.
Is there a vegetarian option for this recipe?
If you want a plant-based twist, swap the chicken for grilled halloumi cheese or thick slices of roasted portobello mushroom. The result is equally satisfying and perfect for veggie-loving friends.
What’s the difference between pita and flatbread for gyros?
Pita is traditional, puffier, and slightly chewy, which makes it perfect for folding. Flatbreads, which are usually thinner, work well too—just be gentle when wrapping your Greek Chicken Gyro to prevent tearing.
How can I make homemade tzatziki for my Greek Chicken Gyro?
Simply mix Greek yogurt with grated cucumber, minced garlic, a dash of lemon juice, a splash of olive oil, and plenty of chopped dill and salt. Chill for a bit before serving—it’s quick, fresh, and adds a cool zing to your gyro.
Final Thoughts
Once you taste your first homemade Greek Chicken Gyro, you’ll see just how much flavor and joy a few simple ingredients can bring to your table. Give this recipe a try—you’re only a few steps away from a Mediterranean feast that everyone will love!
Print
Greek Chicken Gyro Recipe
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 gyros 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Greek Chicken Gyro recipe is a delicious Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring marinated grilled chicken wrapped in warm pita bread with fresh veggies and tangy tzatziki sauce. Perfect for a flavorful and satisfying meal!
Ingredients
Marinated Chicken:
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Additional Ingredients:
- 4 pita or flatbreads
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes
- ½ cup thinly sliced red onion
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: Combine olive oil, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, red wine vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add chicken, coat well, and marinate for at least 1 hour.
- Grill the Chicken: Cook the marinated chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until cooked through. Let rest, then slice into strips.
- Prepare the Gyros: Warm pita bread, layer with lettuce, chicken, tomatoes, red onion, and tzatziki sauce. Fold and serve.
Notes
- Grill the pita for extra flavor before assembling.
- Customize with feta cheese, cucumber slices, or olives as additional toppings.
- Chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs for a leaner option.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 gyro
- Calories: 470
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
