The Best Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe for Homemade Magic

Crafting authentic greek chicken gyros takes skill and passion for Mediterranean flavors.

Fragrant herbs and tender meat combine in this classic street food favorite.

Crisp pita bread wraps around succulent chicken marinated in zesty spices.

Layers of creamy tzatziki sauce add bright, tangy notes to each delicious bite.

Fresh ingredients like red onions and ripe tomatoes bring vibrant color and crunch.

Simple techniques unlock the secrets of traditional Greek street cooking.

You’ll fall in love with this mouthwatering recipe that transports your taste buds straight to the sunny streets of athens.

Grab a plate and get ready to experience culinary magic!

Why Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe Are a Crowd Pleaser

• Craft Incredible Flavor: Marinate chicken in a zesty blend of Mediterranean ingredients that transform simple chicken into a taste explosion bursting with oregano, garlic, and bright lemon notes.
• Master Grilling Technique: Perfectly char chicken on medium-high heat, creating tender, juicy strips with delicious grill marks that elevate the entire gyro experience.
• Quick Family Meal Solution: Prepare a restaurant-quality dish in minutes that appeals to both kids and adults, offering customizable toppings and fresh, vibrant ingredients everyone loves.
• Versatile Weeknight Champion: Switch between grill, stovetop, or oven cooking methods, making this recipe adaptable for different kitchen setups and cooking preferences.

Ingredients for Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe

• Chicken Breasts: A lean and tender protein that absorbs the delicious Greek marinade flavors.

• Olive Oil, Lemon Juice: Helps tenderize the chicken and adds bright, zesty Mediterranean flavors.
• Garlic: Provides a robust and aromatic base for the marinade.
• Oregano, Salt, Pepper: Classic Greek seasonings that enhance the overall taste profile.

• Pita Bread: A soft, round flatbread that serves as the foundation for the gyro.
• Tomatoes, Red Onions, Cucumbers: Fresh vegetables that add crunch, color, and refreshing taste to the gyro.
• Tzatziki Sauce: A traditional Greek yogurt-based sauce with cucumber and garlic that brings cool and tangy elements to the dish.

How to Prepare Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe

Step 1: Whip Up Zesty Marinade

Combine the marinade ingredients in a mixing bowl. Drop chicken breasts into the flavorful liquid and let them soak in the refrigerator for a minimum of one hour. Overnight marinating will boost the taste intensity.

• olive oil
• lemon juice
• minced garlic
• dried oregano
• salt
• black pepper

Step 2: Fire Up the Grill

Crank the grill to medium-high temperature. Lay chicken breasts on the hot grates and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side. The chicken is ready when internal juices appear clear and meat looks perfectly golden.

Step 3: Slice the Succulent Chicken

Transfer grilled chicken to a cutting board. Carefully slice the meat into thin, tender strips using a sharp knife.

Step 4: Warm the Pita Bread

Quickly toast pita bread on the grill or in a skillet for 1-2 minutes until slightly crispy and warm.

Step 5: Build Your Perfect Gyro

• sliced grilled chicken
• diced tomatoes
• thinly sliced red onions
• chopped cucumbers
• generous dollop of tzatziki sauce

Step 6: Serve and Devour

Plate the gyros immediately and get ready to savor this delicious Greek classic.

Helpful Tips for Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe

• Marinate chicken overnight to enhance the depth of flavor and tenderize the meat for a more succulent result.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) for perfect doneness without drying out.
• Slice chicken against the grain for maximum tenderness and easier chewing in your gyros.
• Warm pita bread just before serving to maintain softness and prevent cracking when folding.
• For a gluten-free option, replace pita with lettuce wraps or serve over a Greek salad.

Flavor Variations of Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe

• Lamb Gyros: Replace chicken with thinly sliced, marinated lamb for a rich, traditional Mediterranean flavor profile.
• Vegetarian Gyros: Swap chicken with grilled halloumi cheese or marinated portobello mushrooms for a plant-based alternative.
• Spicy Mediterranean Gyros: Add red pepper flakes and smoked paprika to the marinade, and include sliced jalapeños for extra heat.
• Greek-Style Chicken Wrap: Use a large tortilla instead of pita bread for a convenient, portable version of the classic gyro.

Suggested Pairings for Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe

• Elevate Greek Chicken Gyros with Perfect Pairings
• Refresh with Crisp White Wine: Pair the gyros with a chilled Greek Assyrtiko or Sauvignon Blanc, whose bright acidity cuts through the rich tzatziki and complements the herb-marinated chicken.
• Mediterranean Salad Companion: Serve a classic Greek salad with feta, olives, and extra virgin olive oil alongside the gyros, enhancing the Mediterranean flavors and adding refreshing vegetable textures.
• Cool Down with Tzatziki Dip: Prepare extra tzatziki sauce as a side dip, allowing guests to control the sauce intensity and enjoy additional creamy, tangy notes with each bite of grilled chicken.

Storage Tips for Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Cover with plastic wrap or seal tightly to prevent drying out.
• Wrap sliced chicken in freezer-safe bags or containers, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2 months to maintain quality and taste.
• Place chicken slices on a microwave-safe plate, sprinkle a few drops of water to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature and moisture between each interval.
• Warm chicken in a lightly oiled skillet over medium heat, turning occasionally to prevent burning. Add a splash of chicken broth or water to keep meat tender and juicy.

FAQs About Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe

• What makes Greek chicken gyros different from other chicken wraps?

Greek chicken gyros use specific Mediterranean seasonings like oregano and are traditionally marinated in olive oil and lemon, creating a more vibrant and tangy flavor profile compared to standard chicken wraps.

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work perfectly for gyros. They’re often more flavorful and tender, and they’ll absorb the marinade beautifully while staying juicy during grilling.

• Is tzatziki sauce necessary for authentic Greek gyros?

Absolutely! Tzatziki is a signature Greek sauce made from yogurt, cucumber, and garlic that provides a cool, creamy contrast to the grilled chicken and adds genuine Mediterranean authenticity to the dish.

Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe

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4.9 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 14-16 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Greek chicken gyros dance with Mediterranean flavors, bringing zesty tzatziki and tender marinated meat to your plate. Crisp pita bread wraps these irresistible ingredients, inviting you to savor a classic Greek street food experience that transports taste buds straight to Athens.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Marinade and Seasonings:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup lemon juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Serving Components:

• 4 pita bread rounds
• Tzatziki sauce
• Sliced tomatoes
• Sliced red onions
• Sliced cucumbers

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Instructions

1. Craft a zesty marinade by blending olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper in a mixing container.
2. Submerge chicken breasts in the aromatic mixture, ensuring complete coverage, and allow to marinate in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours to intensify flavor profiles.
3. Heat grill to 375-400°F, creating medium-high temperature zones for optimal cooking.
4. Carefully place marinated chicken onto heated grill grates, cooking approximately 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and exterior develops golden-brown caramelization.
5. Transfer grilled chicken to cutting board and let rest for 3-5 minutes to preserve moisture.
6. Slice chicken into thin, uniform strips against the meat’s natural grain for maximum tenderness.
7. Warm pita bread briefly on grill or skillet for 30-45 seconds to enhance texture and promote slight charring.
8. Construct gyros by layering grilled chicken strips across soft pita foundation.
9. Strategically arrange fresh tomatoes, crisp red onions, and cool cucumber slices atop chicken.
10. Generously drizzle creamy tzatziki sauce over assembled ingredients.
11. Serve immediately while ingredients remain warm and textures are at peak freshness.

Notes

• Marinate chicken longer for more intense Mediterranean flavors that penetrate deeply into the meat.
• Consider using chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier, more tender gyro filling with richer taste.
• Create a gluten-free version by substituting traditional pita with lettuce wraps or gluten-free flatbread alternatives.
• For vegetarian adaptation, replace chicken with grilled halloumi cheese or marinated portobello mushrooms seasoned similarly.

• Prep Time: 1 hour
• Cook Time: 14-16 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 420 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 35 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg