Greek Chicken Gyros
There’s something magical about biting into a perfectly made Greek Chicken Gyro. The combination of tender, marinated chicken, warm pita bread, and fresh veggies creates a symphony of flavors that transports me straight to the Mediterranean coast. Today, I’m sharing my favorite recipe that never fails to impress family and friends!
When I first discovered Greek cuisine, gyros quickly became my go-to comfort food. I always load mine up with extra tzatziki sauce – that cool, cucumber-yogurt blend that adds the perfect tangy balance to the savory chicken. It’s literally a party in my mouth with every bite! 🌯
What I love most about this recipe is how simple it is to prepare while delivering restaurant-quality results. The marinade does all the heavy lifting, infusing the chicken with incredible flavor. Plus, it’s perfect for meal prep – just make a big batch on Sunday and enjoy delicious gyros all week long!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
| Ingredient | Why It Works | Possible Substitutions |
| Chicken Thighs | Stays juicy and flavorful | Chicken breasts, beef, or lamb |
| Extra Virgin Olive Oil | Adds rich flavor to marinade | Avocado oil or grapeseed oil |
| Dried Oregano, Smoked Paprika, Cumin | Creates authentic Greek flavor | Regular paprika, chili powder, fresh herbs |
| Pita Bread | Traditional base for gyros | Flatbreads, tortillas, whole wheat pita |
| Greek Yogurt | Perfect base for tzatziki | Regular yogurt, dairy-free alternatives |
The Secret to Juicy, Flavorful Chicken
The marinade is truly the star of this recipe. For the most tender, flavorful chicken, I recommend marinating for at least 1 hour, but honestly, overnight delivers the best results. This allows the flavors to fully penetrate the meat.
I start by combining olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper in a bowl. This aromatic blend creates that distinctive Greek flavor profile we all love. Make sure to coat the chicken thoroughly, cover it, and let it work its magic in the refrigerator.
When it’s time to cook, don’t rush the process! A properly preheated grill or skillet creates that beautiful char while sealing in the juices. I cook each side for 6-7 minutes, then let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This resting period is non-negotiable – it allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in perfectly tender chicken every time.
How to Make Authentic Greek Chicken Gyros
Making restaurant-quality gyros at home is easier than you might think! Follow my step-by-step instructions for a delicious Mediterranean feast that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Assembly:
- 4-6 pita bread or flatbreads
- 1 cucumber, diced
- 2 medium tomatoes, diced
- 1 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Time Needed:
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Marination time: At least 1 hour (preferably overnight)
- Cooking time: 15 minutes
- Total time: 1 hour 30 minutes (including minimum marination)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinating the Chicken: I start by creating a flavorful marinade. In a medium bowl, I mix the olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and pepper until well combined. Then I add the chicken thighs, making sure each piece is thoroughly coated. I cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator for at least an hour, though overnight produces the best results!
2. Grilling the Chicken: When I’m ready to cook, I preheat my grill or skillet over medium-high heat. I remove the marinated chicken from the refrigerator and place it on the hot surface. I grill each side for about 6-7 minutes until fully cooked and nicely charred. Once done, I transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into thin strips. This resting period is crucial for locking in all those delicious juices!
3. Making the Tzatziki Sauce: While the chicken rests, I prepare the tzatziki sauce. I combine the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Then I take the diced cucumber, gently squeeze out any excess moisture using a paper towel, and mix it into the yogurt. I stir until smooth and set it aside until assembly time.
Assembling, Serving and FAQ
4. Assembling the Gyros: Now comes the fun part – putting everything together! I warm each pita bread in a dry skillet or on the grill for just a few seconds to make it soft and pliable. Then I start building my perfect gyro by adding a generous portion of the sliced chicken, followed by diced cucumber, tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion. I drizzle plenty of that homemade tzatziki sauce over everything and finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and flavor.
5. Wrapping and Serving: To enjoy the authentic gyro experience, I fold the pita around all those delicious fillings and secure it with a piece of parchment paper or foil if needed. These gyros are perfect served immediately alongside a simple Greek salad, crispy fries, or even some hummus and pita chips for a complete Mediterranean feast!
Common Questions About Greek Chicken Gyros
Can I Use Chicken Breasts Instead of Thighs?
Absolutely! I’ve made this recipe with boneless, skinless chicken breasts many times. Just keep in mind that they cook a bit faster than thighs, so I check for doneness after about 5-6 minutes on each side. Since breasts tend to be leaner, the marinating step becomes even more important to ensure they stay juicy and flavorful.
What If I Don’t Have Greek Yogurt for Tzatziki?
No need to worry! I’ve successfully used regular plain yogurt as a substitute – just drain it in a cheesecloth for about 30 minutes to thicken it up. In a real pinch, sour cream can work too. Adding an extra squeeze of lemon juice or some chopped fresh dill helps achieve that signature tangy tzatziki flavor.
How Should I Store Leftover Gyros?
Whenever I make this recipe, I intentionally prepare extra for leftovers! For the best results, I store the components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping the chicken, veggies, and sauce separate until I’m ready to eat prevents the pita from getting soggy and maintains the perfect texture for each element.
Can I Make the Marinade Ahead of Time?
This is one of my favorite meal prep strategies! I often prepare the marinade up to 3 days in advance and store it in an airtight container in the fridge. When I’m ready to cook, I simply pour it over the chicken and let it marinate. This not only saves time but actually enhances the flavors even more!
There’s something so satisfying about creating authentic Greek flavors at home. Every time I make these chicken gyros, they transport me straight to the Mediterranean coast – even from my own kitchen! Give this recipe a try, and I guarantee it will become a regular in your meal rotation just as it has in mine.
Greek Chicken Gyros
Ingredients
- For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For Assembly:
- 4-6 pita bread or flatbreads
- 1 cucumber diced
- 2 medium tomatoes diced
- 1 red onion thinly sliced
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs, coating them well. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight is best).
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until fully cooked and charred. Rest the chicken for 5 minutes before slicing it thinly.
- Make the Tzatziki Sauce: Mix Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Squeeze out excess moisture from the diced cucumber with a paper towel, then mix it into the yogurt. Set aside.
- Assemble the Gyros: Warm the pita bread. Place the sliced chicken on the pita, add diced cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and drizzle with tzatziki sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley.
- Serve: Fold the pita around the fillings and serve immediately. Enjoy with a Greek salad, fries, or hummus for a full Mediterranean meal!
