Delicious Greek Chicken Gyros
If you’ve ever wanted to make those mouthwatering Greek chicken gyros at home, you’re in the right place here.
This recipe is simple, full of flavor, and seriously satisfying.
You and I both know that nothing beats a juicy, flavorful chicken gyro wrapped in warm pita. So, let’s make the recipe together step-by-step.
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken Marinade:
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1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
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3 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
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3 tbsp olive oil
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Juice of 1 lemon
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4 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tbsp red wine vinegar
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2 tsp dried oregano
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1 tsp ground cumin
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1 tsp smoked paprika
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1/2 tsp salt
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1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
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1 cup plain Greek yogurt
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1/2 cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
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2 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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1 tbsp chopped fresh dill (or 1 tsp dried)
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Salt and pepper to taste
To Assemble:
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Warm pita bread or flatbread
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Sliced red onions
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Sliced tomatoes
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Chopped lettuce or baby spinach
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Feta cheese (optional)
How to Make Greek Chicken Gyros
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken. Mix all the marinade ingredients in a bowl. Add chicken thighs and coat well. Cover and let it sit in the fridge for at least 2 hours, overnight if you can. The longer, the better.
Step 2: Make the Tzatziki Sauce. While the chicken marinates, stir together all the tzatziki ingredients. Taste and adjust the salt and lemon if needed. Chill in the fridge until ready to serve.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes per side or until fully cooked and slightly charred. Let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice it thinly.
Step 4: Warm the Pitas. Warm up your pita bread in a dry pan, oven, or microwave. Just a minute or so to get it soft and flexible.
Step 5: Assemble the Gyros. Spread some tzatziki on your pita, pile on the sliced chicken, and top with onions, tomatoes, lettuce, and feta. Wrap it up and eat immediately while it’s warm and juicy.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Don’t skip the marinating time—it’s key to flavor.
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Don’t use chicken breast—it dries out too easily. Go for thighs instead.
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Don’t overcrowd the pan—cook the chicken in batches if needed.
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Don’t forget to rest the meat before slicing—it keeps it juicy.
Recipe Best Tips
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Let the chicken marinate overnight if possible.
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Use fresh dill in the tzatziki for the best flavor.
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Squeeze the cucumber dry to avoid watery sauce.
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Warm pita makes everything taste better.
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You can grill the chicken outside for a smoky flavor.
Serving Suggestions
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Serve with a side of Greek salad.
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Add a handful of fries inside the gyro (it’s how they do it in Greece!).
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Pair with iced tea, sparkling water, or a cold beer.
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Make a gyro bar for parties—let everyone build their own.
Storage and Freezing
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Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
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Tzatziki lasts about 3 days in the fridge.
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Freeze the cooked chicken (without veggies or sauce) for up to 2 months.
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Reheat chicken in a skillet or microwave.
FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
A: You can, but it’s not as juicy. Stick to thighs if you can.
Q: What if I don’t have Greek yogurt?
A: Use regular plain yogurt, but strain it first to thicken it up.
Q: Is there a dairy-free option for the sauce?
A: Yes, use a dairy-free yogurt alternative and skip the feta.
Q: Can I make this ahead?
A: Yes! Marinate the chicken and prep the sauce a day before. Just cook and assemble when ready.
Q: What if I don’t have fresh dill?
A: Use dried dill, but only a little. Fresh is better, though.
Q: Can I bake the chicken?
A: Yep, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through.
Q: What sides go well with gyros?
A: Think fries, orzo salad, roasted veggies, or hummus with pita chips.
Conclusion
You’re gonna love how easy and tasty these Greek chicken gyros turn out. If you give it a go, don’t be shy—share your version in the comments or tag me. I’d love to see how yours came out!
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Greek Chicken Gyros
Juicy marinated chicken, creamy homemade tzatziki, fresh veggies, and soft pita make these Greek Chicken Gyros a total homemade win.
Ingredients
- For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill (or 1 tsp dried)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- To Assemble:
- Warm pita bread or flatbread
- Sliced red onions
- Sliced tomatoes
- Chopped lettuce or baby spinach
- Feta cheese (optional)
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken. Mix all the marinade ingredients in a bowl. Add chicken thighs and coat well. Cover and let it sit in the fridge for at least 2 hours, overnight if you can. The longer, the better.
Step 2: Make the Tzatziki Sauce. While the chicken marinates, stir together all the tzatziki ingredients. Taste and adjust the salt and lemon if needed. Chill in the fridge until ready to serve.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes per side or until fully cooked and slightly charred. Let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice it thinly.
Step 4: Warm the Pitas. Warm up your pita bread in a dry pan, oven, or microwave. Just a minute or so to get it soft and flexible.
Step 5: Assemble the Gyros. Spread some tzatziki on your pita, pile on the sliced chicken, and top with onions, tomatoes, lettuce, and feta. Wrap it up and eat immediately while it’s warm and juicy.
Notes
- Don’t skip the rest time after cooking—it really makes a difference.
- You can double the marinade and freeze half the chicken for later.
- Keep extra tzatziki in the fridge for dipping veggies or spreading on sandwiches.
Nutrition Information
Yield 4-5 gyrosAmount Per Serving Calories ~450 per gyro