Greek Chicken Gyros
Greek Chicken Gyros are a delicious greek food made with yogurt-marinated chicken wrapped in warm pita bread. Topped with plenty of fresh ingredients, homemade Greek Chicken Gyros have all the makings of loved authentic greek street food.
This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share some commission.
The key to maximum flavor is in the yogurt marinade. It’s such a simple chicken marinade consisting of just greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper. These marinade ingredients can all be found at your local grocery stores, no specialty stores needed for this cultured recipe!
Why You’ll Love this Recipe:
Burst of Flavor: The zesty lemon and garlic marinade infuses the chicken with vibrant flavors that perfectly complement the aromatic herbs like oregano and dill.
Freshness in Every Bite: With crisp vegetables and a cooling tzatziki sauce, each bite offers a refreshing balance to the savory, grilled chicken.
Ease and Versatility: It’s simple to prepare and can be adapted to suit your taste—whether you’re a meat lover or prefer a vegetarian twist with grilled veggies.
Healthy and Satisfying: Packed with lean protein and fresh produce, it’s a nutritious meal that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Ingredients to Make Greek Chicken Gyros:
- chicken breasts. A lean protein that’s perfect for this dish. If you prefer something juicier, try chicken thighs instead.
- greek yogurt. It makes the chicken tender and adds a nice tang. You can also use buttermilk for a similar effect.
- garlic cloves. They bring a strong, aromatic kick to the marinade. If you’re short on fresh garlic, a sprinkle of garlic powder works too.
- pita or flatbreads. perfect for wrapping up all the delicious fillings. You can also use these homemade sourdough flatbreads.
- tzatziki sauce. This cool, creamy sauce is a game-changer, offering a refreshing contrast to the warm chicken, use store bought or make your own.
- romaine. You can swap in spinach or mixed greens if you’d like.
- english cucumber. Adds a cool, fresh crunch that works perfectly with the other toppings.
- red onion. Offers a mild sharpness and a touch of sweetness, balancing the savory flavors.
- kalamata olives. Their salty, briny flavor really boosts the Mediterranean feel. Green olives or capers can give you a similar kick.
- feta cheese crumbles. The tangy, salty feta ties everything together beautifully. Goat cheese is a creamy, slightly different alternative if you’re looking to experiment.
How to Make Greek Chicken Gyros:
- In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and coat them well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably a few hours.
- Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked. Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Warm the pita or flatbreads. Spread tzatziki sauce on each one, then layer with romaine, cucumber, red onion, olives, and sliced chicken. Sprinkle with feta cheese.
- Fold the gyros and serve immediately.
Recipe Notes & Tips:
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, but for the best taste, marinate for a few hours or overnight. This helps tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor.
- Cooking Options. Grilling the chicken adds a smoky, authentic flavor, but you can also cook it in a skillet or bake it in the oven at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes.
- Let the Chicken Rest. After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
- Warm the Pita. Lightly warm the pita or flatbread in a dry skillet or wrap them in foil and heat them in the oven for a softer texture.
- Customize Your Toppings. Add tomatoes, bell peppers, or a drizzle of extra tzatziki for even more fresh flavor.
Serving Suggestions:
- Loaded Cheese Fries
- Cucumber Onion Salad
- Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
- Roasted Zucchini and Tomatoes
- Gazpacho Soup
How to Store:
Refrigerate: Store the cooked chicken, tzatziki and vegetables in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Avoid Freezing: These components do not freeze well. Freezing can change the texture of the chicken, sauce, and pita, making them less enjoyable when thawed.
Make Ahead Tip: For the best results, prepare the chicken, tzatziki, and toppings ahead of time and store them in separate containers. Assemble the gyros just before serving to ensure they remain fresh and delicious.
FAQs:
Yes, pork, lamb, or even tofu can be used to create a delicious variation of the gyro.
Fresh salads, Greek rice, roasted vegetables, or even a side of hummus and pita chips make great accompaniments.
If you prefer more heat, try adding a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade or topping. Conversely, reduce the pepper for a milder flavor.
Grab your Free copy
Get a FREE Healthy Meal Planning Ebook
Greek Chicken Gyros
Ingredients
- 4 chicken breasts
- ½ cup greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
- 4 pita or flatbreads
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce
- 2 cups romaine, thinly sliced
- 1 english cucumber, sliced
- ½ red onion, sliced
- ½ cup kalamata olives, halved
- ½ cup feta cheese crumbles
Instructions
- In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and coat them well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably a few hours.
- Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked. Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.
- Warm the pita or flatbreads. Spread tzatziki sauce on each one, then layer with romaine, cucumber, red onion, olives, and sliced chicken. Sprinkle with feta cheese.
- Fold the gyros and serve immediately.
Nutrition
Notes
-
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, but for the best taste, marinate for a few hours or overnight. This helps tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor.
- Cooking Options. Grilling the chicken adds a smoky, authentic flavor, but you can also cook it in a skillet or bake it in the oven at 400°F for about 20-25 minutes.
- Let the Chicken Rest. After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to keep it juicy.
- Warm the Pita. Lightly warm the pita or flatbread in a dry skillet or wrap them in foil and heat them in the oven for a softer texture.
- Customize Your Toppings. Add tomatoes, bell peppers, or a drizzle of extra tzatziki for even more fresh flavor.
DID YOU MAKE THIS RECIPE?
Please leave a comment and star rating on this post!More Dinner Recipes:
Did You Make This Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe?
If you’ve made this recipe, please leave a comment and a rating. We love hearing your feedback and it greatly helps us improve our recipes!
You can also give us a follow on Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook – we love staying in touch!
