Greek Chicken Gyros are a delicious and fun way to enjoy all the flavors of Greece in one easy wrap. Tender, juicy chicken gets seasoned with garlic, oregano, lemon, and other classic herbs, then roasted or grilled to perfection. Wrapped in warm, soft pita bread with fresh tomatoes, crisp lettuce, tangy red onions, and a generous dollop of creamy tzatziki sauce, this dish is bursting with flavor and texture.
I love making Greek Chicken Gyros because they are quick to prepare and perfect for sharing with family or friends. One tip I always follow is to let the chicken marinate for at least an hour—this really pumps up the flavor and makes each bite taste like it’s straight from a little street stand in Athens. Plus, tzatziki sauce is my secret star; its cool and refreshing taste balances out the spiced chicken beautifully.
Whenever I make these gyros, I like to have a little extra lemon on the side to squeeze over the top and add a bright touch. They’re perfect for a casual dinner or even a weekend lunch outdoors. Honestly, after your first bite, you’ll want to make them again and again—they’ve got that special mix of fresh and satisfying that everyone loves.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Thighs are juicier and more flavorful, but breasts work if you prefer leaner meat. Either way, marinating is key to tender, tasty chicken.
Oregano and spices: Dried oregano is classic, but fresh works too if you have it. Smoked paprika adds a nice depth. If you can’t find coriander, just double the cumin for a warm flavor.
Pita bread: Choose soft, fresh pita to hold everything well. If you can’t find pita, flatbread or even a soft tortilla can do the job.
Tzatziki sauce: Greek yogurt is best for creaminess. If dairy-free, try a coconut or almond yogurt substitute, though the flavor will change. Fresh cucumber and dill bring the cooling touch.
Feta cheese: Classic for gyros, but omit or use a plant-based cheese if avoiding dairy. It adds a salty, tangy kick that balances the chicken well.
How Do I Get the Chicken Tender and Full of Flavor?
Marinating chicken is the secret! Here’s how to do it right:
- Whisk all spices, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic together to make the marinade.
- Coat the chicken fully so every piece soaks up the flavors.
- Marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour; 2-3 hours or overnight is even better for deeper flavor.
- Cook on medium-high heat for a nice char without drying the meat. Rest before slicing to keep it juicy.
This method locks in flavor and tenderness, making the gyros taste like you got them from a street vendor in Greece!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Grill or grill pan – I recommend it for getting a nice char and smoky flavor on the chicken.
- Mixing bowls – for marinating the chicken and making tzatziki sauce; useful and easy to clean.
- Knife and cutting board – essential for prepping the chicken, veggies, and herbs.
- Measuring spoons and cups – to get the perfect balance of spices and ingredients.
- Toothpicks or tongs – handy for turning the chicken on the grill or in the pan.
- Soft pita breads – to wrap up all the flavorful fillings; look for warm or fresh-out-of-the-oven options.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Use shrimp or lamb instead of chicken for new flavors; each cooks quickly and adds a different taste.
- Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley, mint, or basil to the tzatziki or the filling for extra freshness.
- Incorporate roasted red peppers or grilled eggplant for more veggies and smoky flavor.
- Sprinkle on a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes if you like some heat with your gyros.
How to Make Greek Chicken Gyros
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Marinade:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground coriander
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Veggies and Wrap:
- 4 pita breads or flatbreads
- 1 large tomato, thinly sliced
- ½ cucumber, thinly sliced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup lettuce leaves, torn
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ¼ cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced (optional)
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- ½ cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
- 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or mint
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, plus 1 to 3 hours for marinating the chicken. Cooking the chicken and warming the pita breads takes another 15 minutes. So, plan for around 1 hour 30 minutes to 3 hours total, depending on how long you marinate for extra flavor.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Add chicken pieces and coat them all over with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but 2-3 hours is even better to let flavors soak in.
2. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce:
In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (make sure to squeeze out any extra water), minced garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and chopped dill or mint. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir well and keep refrigerated until you’re ready to serve.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Heat a grill, grill pan, or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side, until cooked through and lightly charred. Let the chicken rest a few minutes, then slice it thinly.
4. Warm the Pita Breads:
Warm the pita breads gently on the grill or in a dry pan until soft and pliable, making them easy to fold.
5. Assemble the Gyros:
Place a warm pita on a plate. Layer with torn lettuce, slices of tomato, cucumber, and red onion. Add the sliced chicken on top.
6. Add Toppings:
Top generously with tzatziki sauce, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese, and add sliced kalamata olives if you like for extra flavor.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
Fold the pita around all the tasty fillings, add a squeeze of lemon if you like, and enjoy your homemade Greek Chicken Gyros fresh and warm!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw the chicken in the refrigerator overnight before marinating. This ensures even cooking and better flavor absorption.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Gyros?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave and warm the pita separately to keep everything fresh.
Can I Make the Tzatziki Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Tzatziki actually tastes better after resting for a few hours as the flavors meld. Keep it refrigerated and add fresh herbs right before serving if you like.
What Can I Substitute for Pita Bread?
Soft flatbreads or tortillas work well as alternatives. Just warm them slightly to make folding easy and to mimic the traditional gyro experience.