If you’ve ever craved the warm, savory, and refreshing taste of a street-side Greek chicken gyros, you’re in for a treat. This recipe blends marinated, juicy chicken with crisp veggies, soft pita bread, and a creamy homemade tzatziki sauce for a wholesome and flavorful meal. Whether you’re cooking for family, preparing a quick weeknight dinner, or making a healthy lunch, these Greek chicken gyros deliver big on taste while being surprisingly easy to prepare.
Table of Contents
Why This Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe is a Must-Try
Greek chicken gyros are a perfect balance of savory and fresh flavors. The yogurt marinade tenderizes the chicken, while herbs and spices infuse every bite with Mediterranean charm. Paired with tzatziki, crunchy cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, and warm pita, this dish is as satisfying as it is nourishing. Best of all, it can be made ahead for meal prep, making it ideal for busy schedules.
Key Ingredients for the Best Chicken Gyros
Choosing the Right Chicken for Juicy Gyros
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are often preferred for their tenderness and flavor, but chicken breasts work well if you prefer a leaner option.
The Role of Yogurt Marinade in Tenderizing Chicken
Greek yogurt forms the base of the marinade, locking in moisture and giving the chicken a creamy tang. Add olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and dried oregano for authentic flavor.
Fresh Vegetables and Wrap Options
Traditional gyros are wrapped in warm pita bread and filled with lettuce, cucumbers, tomatoes, and red onions for texture and freshness.
How to Make Greek Chicken Gyros – Step-by-Step
Preparing the Flavorful Yogurt Marinade
In a mixing bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally overnight.
Cooking the Chicken – Grill, Pan, or Oven
Grill the chicken over medium-high heat for 5–7 minutes per side until fully cooked. You can also pan-sear or bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes. Slice into thin strips.
Assembling Your Gyros Wraps
Warm the pita bread, add sliced chicken, top with veggies, and drizzle generously with tzatziki sauce. Fold and serve immediately.
Perfect Tzatziki Sauce for Chicken Gyros
Traditional Ingredients in Tzatziki
Tzatziki is made from Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and fresh dill.
Tips for a Thick and Creamy Texture
Drain the cucumber after grating to prevent watery sauce. Let the sauce rest for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Serving Ideas for Greek Chicken Gyros
Pairing with Greek Salad and Sides
Serve your gyros with a fresh Greek salad or roasted potatoes for a complete Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Turning Gyros into a Complete Greek Meal
Add a side of hummus, dolmas, or roasted vegetables for a full feast.
Variations of Chicken Gyros for Every Taste
Spicy Chicken Gyros with Chili Flakes
Add red pepper flakes or a drizzle of spicy sauce to your marinade for a kick.
Mediterranean Veggie Gyros Option
Swap chicken for grilled halloumi, roasted chickpeas, or marinated portobello mushrooms.
Make-Ahead, Storage, and Reheating Tips
Storing Leftover Chicken and Sauce
Keep cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Store tzatziki separately for freshness.
How to Reheat Without Drying Out
Reheat chicken in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or olive oil to maintain moisture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Making Gyros
- Over-marinating chicken can make it mushy.
- Using watery yogurt can dilute flavor.
- Skipping pita warming makes the wrap less enjoyable.
Kitchen Tools You’ll Need for This Recipe
- Mixing bowls
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Grill pan or outdoor grill
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Airtight containers for storage
Frequently Asked Questions – Greek Chicken Gyros
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, simply use a dairy-free yogurt alternative for both the marinade and tzatziki.
Can I use frozen chicken?
Thaw completely before marinating for best results.
Can I meal prep gyros?
Absolutely—store components separately and assemble just before eating.
Final Thoughts and Call to Action
These Greek chicken gyros with tzatziki sauce are flavorful, versatile, and easy enough for any home cook. Whether you make them for a quick lunch, a weeknight dinner, or a special gathering, they’re sure to impress. If you enjoyed this recipe, share it with friends and subscribe for more delicious, easy-to-follow meals.
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Irresistible Greek Chicken Gyros with Creamy Tzatziki – A Flavor-Packed 20-Minute Meal
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 gyros 1x
Description
These Greek Chicken Gyros feature juicy yogurt-marinated chicken, fresh veggies, soft pita bread, and cool, creamy tzatziki sauce. Ready in just 20 minutes, they’re bursting with Mediterranean flavor and perfect for quick dinners, make-ahead lunches, or casual entertaining.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 3/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 small cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Assembly:
- 4–6 pita breads or flatbreads
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber slices
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- Fresh parsley or dill for garnish
Tools:
- Grill pan, skillet, or outdoor grill
- Mixing bowls
- Whisk
- Cutting board and knife
- Grater (for cucumber)
- Measuring cups and spoons
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice and zest, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper. Coat chicken, cover, and refrigerate for 30 minutes (up to 4 hours).
- Prepare tzatziki: Grate cucumber, squeeze out moisture, and mix with Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper. Chill until serving.
- Cook chicken: Heat grill pan or skillet over medium-high. Cook chicken 4–5 minutes per side until cooked through. Rest, then slice thinly.
- Warm pita: Heat pita in a dry skillet, oven, or on the grill until soft.
- Assemble gyros: Spread tzatziki on pita, add chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and feta. Garnish with herbs and serve.
Notes
- Why yogurt marinade works: Lactic acid tenderizes chicken while infusing flavor.
- Variations: Add cayenne for spice, use halloumi or roasted chickpeas for vegetarian.
- Prep tips: Make tzatziki and chop veggies ahead; assemble just before serving.
- Serving ideas: Pair with Greek salad, roasted lemon potatoes, or baked fries.
- Storage: Refrigerate cooked chicken up to 3 days; tzatziki up to 2–3 days. Reheat chicken gently.
- Common mistakes: Avoid over-marinating, overcooking, or overfilling pita.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 gyro
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Greek chicken gyros, Chicken gyros with tzatziki sauce, Yogurt marinated chicken gyros, 20 minute gyro recipe, Mediterranean chicken wrap
