Greek Chicken Gyros

Bring the taste of the Mediterranean right to your kitchen with these homemade Greek Chicken Gyros! Tender, marinated chicken wrapped in warm pita bread and topped with creamy tzatziki, crisp veggies, and tangy herbs—every bite is a burst of flavor. Whether you’re feeding a family or hosting a casual dinner, these gyros are a fresh, fun, and satisfying meal you’ll want to make on repeat.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Authentic Mediterranean Flavor – Marinated chicken and tzatziki bring real Greek taste.
Healthy & Fresh – Loaded with lean protein, veggies, and wholesome ingredients.
Make-Ahead Friendly – Perfect for meal prep or easy weeknight dinners.
Customizable – Choose your favorite toppings or make it into a bowl.
Better Than Takeout – Fresher, tastier, and budget-friendly.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 3 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• ½ cup cucumber, grated and drained
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper to taste

For Serving:

• 4–6 soft pita breads or flatbreads
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 cup romaine or iceberg lettuce, shredded
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• ½ cup kalamata olives (optional)
• Fresh parsley or dill, chopped (for garnish)

Tools You’ll Need

• Mixing bowls
• Zester or grater
• Knife and cutting board
• Skillet or grill pan
• Tongs
• Clean towel or cheesecloth (for draining cucumber)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, mix together yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, red wine vinegar, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Add the chicken and coat well.
Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour, ideally 4 hours or overnight for best flavor.

Step 2: Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce
Grate the cucumber and squeeze out excess moisture using a clean towel or cheesecloth.
In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, olive oil, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Mix well, cover, and chill in the fridge until ready to use.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat and lightly oil it.
Remove chicken from the marinade and cook for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
Let it rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips.

Step 4: Warm the Pita Bread
Warm the pita breads in a dry skillet for 30 seconds on each side or wrap in foil and heat in a low oven.
This makes them pliable and perfect for wrapping.

Step 5: Assemble the Gyros
Lay out a warm pita and spread a generous spoonful of tzatziki sauce in the center.
Add a few slices of grilled chicken.
Top with lettuce, tomatoes, onions, feta cheese, and olives.
Garnish with fresh parsley or dill if desired.
Fold and wrap in parchment or foil for easy handling.

Tips for the Best Greek Chicken Gyros
Marinate Longer – The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be.
Drain the Cucumber – Removing moisture keeps the tzatziki thick and creamy.
Use Thighs for Juiciness – Chicken thighs stay more tender and flavorful when grilled.
Warm the Pita – A warm pita is easier to fold and much tastier.
Go Bowl Style – Skip the pita and serve it all over rice or salad for a low-carb version.

Serving Suggestions
Greek Lemon Potatoes – A zesty, herbed side dish that pairs perfectly.
Orzo Salad – With cucumbers, tomatoes, and olives for a fresh twist.
Roasted Veggies – Like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers for a hearty complement.
Hummus & Pita Chips – Great for an appetizer or snack on the side.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Chicken: Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Tzatziki: Keeps fresh for 3–4 days when refrigerated in a sealed container.
Pita: Store in a zip-top bag at room temp or freeze for longer storage.

Reheating:
Chicken: Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave in short intervals.
Pita: Wrap in foil and warm in a 300°F oven for a few minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use store-bought tzatziki?
   Yes, though homemade has fresher flavor, store-bought is a good shortcut.
2. What if I don’t have Greek yogurt?
   You can use plain regular yogurt, but Greek yogurt gives a thicker, creamier sauce.
3. Can I grill the chicken instead?
   Absolutely! Grilled chicken adds delicious smoky flavor.
4. Are gyros spicy?
   This version is not spicy, but you can add chili flakes or hot sauce if desired.
5. Is this dish gluten-free?
   Use gluten-free pita or serve in a bowl with rice or salad to keep it gluten-free.

Final Thoughts
Greek Chicken Gyros are the ultimate handheld meal—fresh, filling, and packed with flavor. They’re easy to prepare, fun to customize, and always a crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making them for dinner, lunch, or a casual party, these gyros will transport your taste buds straight to the Mediterranean.

Try this recipe once and you’ll be hooked! Let us know how it turned out in the comments and tag us in your photos—we’d love to see your gyro creations!

Preparation Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating)
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: Greek

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 420 | Protein: 35g | Carbohydrates: 28g | Fat: 20g | Fiber: 2g | Sodium: 580mg

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