Tangy Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe: Flavor-Packed Sandwich Joy

Sizzling Mediterranean flavors dance through this authentic Greek chicken gyros recipe that captures the essence of street food perfection.

Tender marinated chicken meets a symphony of herbs and spices, promising a culinary journey straight from the Greek islands.

Crisp pita bread cradles juicy meat seasoned with a blend of garlic, oregano, and lemon.

Each bite transports you to a bustling Athens marketplace, where traditional cooking techniques create magic.

The marinade infuses the chicken with robust, zesty notes that make this dish truly irresistible.

Tzatziki sauce adds a cool, creamy counterpoint that balances the warm, spiced meat.

This recipe brings the vibrant spirit of Greek cuisine directly to your kitchen, ready to become your new summer favorite.

Grab your ingredients and get ready to savor an unforgettable meal that celebrates the art of Mediterranean cooking.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 4 hours 20 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Total Time: 12 minutes

Calories: 450 kcal

Servings: 5

What You’ll Need for Greek Chicken Gyros

• Chicken Breasts: Tender protein base that absorbs flavors beautifully, choose fresh and plump cuts for best results.
• Olive Oil: Helps distribute marinade evenly and adds rich Mediterranean essence, select extra virgin for deeper taste.
• Lemon Juice: Brightens flavor and tenderizes meat, use fresh-squeezed for maximum zestiness.
• Garlic: Provides robust aromatic base, choose firm cloves without sprouts for sharpest flavor.
• Oregano, Thyme: Authentic Greek herbs that infuse traditional Mediterranean warmth, opt for dried or fresh varieties.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasoning that enhances overall taste profile, use freshly ground pepper for maximum impact.

• Greek Yogurt: Creamy base that gives authentic tanginess, select full-fat version for richer texture.
• Cucumber: Adds refreshing crunch, pick firm and dark green specimens without soft spots.
• Garlic: Contributes sharp undertone, use fresh cloves for maximum pungency.
• Dill, Mint: Fresh herbs that elevate sauce's complexity, choose bright green leaves without wilting.
• Lemon Juice: Provides bright acidic balance, squeeze just before mixing.
• Salt: Helps blend flavors, use sparingly to control intensity.

• Pita Bread: Soft wrap that holds ingredients, warm slightly for better texture.
• Lettuce: Adds crisp freshness, choose crisp romaine or green leaf varieties.
• Tomatoes: Provides juicy sweetness, select ripe but firm specimens.

Tools for Crafting Perfect Greek Chicken Gyros

• Mixing Bowl: Essential for preparing marinade and tzatziki sauce.
• Zip-Lock Bag: Alternative to mixing bowl for marinating chicken.
• Grater: Needed to grate cucumber for tzatziki sauce.
• Paper Towels: Used to squeeze out excess cucumber moisture.
• Grill or Grill Pan: Required to cook chicken over high heat.
• Cutting Board: For slicing chicken and chopping vegetables.
• Sharp Knife: To slice chicken and prepare toppings.
• Measuring Cups/Spoons: For accurate ingredient measurements.

How to Assemble Greek Chicken Gyros

• Flavor Preparation

Blend zesty marinade ingredients in a container, letting chicken soak up delicious Mediterranean flavors for several hours or overnight.

• Chicken Grilling

Cook chicken on high-heat grill, ensuring each side develops a golden-brown crust and meat is thoroughly cooked. Slice into tender strips.

• Creamy Cucumber Sauce

Carefully grate cucumber, removing excess moisture. Combine with tangy yogurt and aromatic herbs, creating a refreshing sauce that will elevate the gyro’s taste.

• Gyro Assembly

Gently warm soft bread wraps. Spread cool cucumber sauce across surface, layer with hot chicken strips, crisp lettuce, and juicy tomatoes. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese for extra richness. Fold or roll into a delightful handheld meal.

Gyro Flavor Options and Extra Toppings

• Let chicken soak longer than 4 hours to develop deeper, richer flavors that penetrate every fiber of the meat.
• Use medium-high heat to prevent burning while ensuring chicken gets beautiful golden-brown char marks that boost overall taste and texture.
• Drain cucumber thoroughly by pressing out excess moisture, which prevents watery sauce and keeps the creamy consistency perfect for spreading.
• Choose soft, fresh pita bread and warm it briefly on a skillet to enhance flexibility and create a slight crispy exterior that holds ingredients securely.
• Swap chicken with lamb or swap fresh tomatoes with roasted red peppers for exciting flavor variations that keep this classic recipe feeling fresh and adventurous.

Greek Chicken Gyro Serving Suggestions

• Serve Fresh and Vibrant
• Pair gyros with crisp Greek salad loaded with cucumbers, olives, and tangy feta for a complete Mediterranean meal experience.
• Accompany with Zesty Sides
• Add herbed rice pilaf or lemon-roasted potatoes as delicious complementary side dishes that enhance the chicken's Greek-inspired flavors.
• Create a Family-Style Spread
• Set out additional tzatziki, chopped fresh herbs, extra feta, and sliced red onions so everyone can customize their gyro with personal touches.
• Perfect Party Platter
• Arrange sliced gyros on a large wooden board with colorful vegetable garnishes, allowing guests to build their own wraps and enjoy interactive dining.

How to Pack and Store Greek Chicken Gyros

• Refrigerate Smartly: Store leftover chicken and tzatziki sauce separately in airtight containers within the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, keeping ingredients fresh and preventing sogginess.
• Freeze for Future Meals: Wrap individual chicken portions in freezer-safe bags, removing excess air to maintain quality. Frozen chicken stays delicious for approximately 2-3 months when properly sealed.
• Revive Leftovers Perfectly: Reheat chicken gently in a skillet with a splash of olive oil or warm briefly in the microwave, ensuring it remains tender and flavorful without drying out.
• Prep Ahead Like a Pro: Marinate chicken and prepare tzatziki sauce the night before, allowing flavors to develop and saving precious cooking time during busy weekdays.

Legendary Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 12 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Homemade greek chicken gyros bring Mediterranean flavors straight to kitchen tables with authentic Greek spices and techniques. Crisp pita bread wraps succulent marinated chicken, creating a delicious meal you can easily prepare at home.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs (0.9 kg) chicken thighs, fat removed
• 1.25 cups whole fat Greek yogurt (for tzatziki)
• 0.5 cup whole fat Greek yogurt (for marinade)
• 4 pita or lavash bread wraps
• 6 oz (170 g) feta cheese
• 2 tbsps olive oil (for marinade)
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for tzatziki)
• 2 tomatoes, cubed
• 1 small red onion, sliced
• 1 head lettuce, sliced
• 2 tbsps lemon juice (for marinade)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice (for tzatziki)
• 1 tbsp minced garlic (for marinade)
• 0.5 tbsp finely chopped or minced garlic (for tzatziki)
• 1 tbsp oregano
• 2 tbsps chopped dill
• 1 cucumber, peeled, grated and squeezed
• 2 tsps red wine vinegar
• 1 tsp sea salt (for marinade)
• Salt and pepper to taste (for tzatziki)
• Pepper to taste (for marinade)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Marinate: Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Immerse chicken thoroughly, ensuring complete coverage. Refrigerate 4-6 hours or overnight for maximum flavor infusion.
2. Prepare Chicken: Remove marinated chicken 30 minutes before cooking. Heat grill or skillet to medium-high (375-400°F). Grill chicken 3-4 minutes per side, creating crosshatch marks, until internal temperature reaches 165°F. Rest for 5 minutes, then slice diagonally against the grain.
3. Craft Tzatziki: Halve cucumber, remove seeds, and grate. Squeeze out excess moisture using a kitchen towel. Blend grated cucumber with Greek yogurt, garlic, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Refrigerate 15-20 minutes to blend flavors.
4. Assemble Gyros: Warm pita bread on skillet for 30-45 seconds per side. Spread tzatziki sauce generously, layer with warm chicken strips, fresh lettuce, and diced tomatoes. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top.
5. Serve: Carefully fold or roll gyro, tucking sides to secure filling. Enjoy immediately while ingredients remain warm and fresh.

Notes

• Marinate Strategically: Letting chicken soak overnight maximizes flavor absorption and tenderizes meat, transforming an average dish into a restaurant-quality experience.
• Temperature Matters: Bringing meat to room temperature before grilling ensures even cooking and prevents dry, tough chicken by promoting uniform heat distribution.
• Moisture Management: Thoroughly squeezing cucumber removes excess water, preventing tzatziki from becoming watery and maintaining a creamy, rich sauce consistency.
• Assembly Technique: Fold gyro carefully by tucking sides inward to create a secure wrap, preventing ingredients from spilling and ensuring each bite contains perfect flavor balance.

• Prep Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 8 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg