Chicken gyros are a beloved Greek street food that has gained worldwide popularity. With juicy, marinated chicken wrapped in warm pita bread and topped with creamy tzatziki sauce, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs, this dish is an irresistible combination of flavors and textures. In this post, I will guide you through an authentic yet easy-to-follow chicken gyros recipe that you can make at home from scratch. Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or entertaining guests, this meal is sure to impress!
Why You’ll Love This Chicken Gyros Recipe
- Authentic Flavors – This recipe captures the essence of traditional Greek gyros using simple yet flavorful ingredients.
- Easy to Make – With a straightforward marinade and cooking process, you don’t need a fancy rotisserie or grill to enjoy homemade gyros.
- Healthy & Nutritious – Chicken gyros are a well-balanced meal packed with protein, fresh vegetables, and probiotics from the tzatziki sauce.
- Perfect for Meal Prep – The chicken can be marinated in advance and stored, making it an excellent option for quick weekday meals.
- Customizable – You can adjust the toppings, swap out the protein, or even make it vegetarian if desired.
What Are Gyros?
Gyros (pronounced “YEE-rohs”) are a popular Greek dish consisting of seasoned meat—traditionally pork, chicken, or lamb—cooked on a vertical rotisserie. The meat is thinly sliced and served in warm pita bread along with fresh vegetables and a yogurt-based tzatziki sauce. While this traditional method requires specialized equipment, this recipe offers a home-friendly approach that delivers the same mouthwatering flavors.
Ingredients for Chicken Gyros
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breasts)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp ground coriander
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 small cucumber, grated & squeezed to remove excess water
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh dill (or mint), finely chopped
- Salt & pepper to taste
Additional Ingredients:
- 4-6 pita breads (warm or lightly toasted)
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- ½ cup shredded lettuce (optional)
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- Fries (optional, but authentic!)
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
Marinating the chicken is the key to infusing it with rich Mediterranean flavors. Here’s how:
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the chicken to the marinade and coat it well.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken and marinade into a ziplock bag.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but for the best results, let it marinate overnight.
2. Cook the Chicken
Depending on the equipment you have at home, you can cook the chicken in different ways:
- Grilling: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until fully cooked.
- Stovetop: Heat a pan or skillet over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway.
Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
3. Make the Tzatziki Sauce
While the chicken is marinating or cooking, prepare the tzatziki sauce:
- Grate the cucumber and squeeze out excess water using a paper towel or cheesecloth.
- In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and fresh dill (or mint).
- Stir well and season with salt and pepper.
- Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Assemble the Gyros
Now comes the fun part—assembling your homemade gyros!
- Warm the pita bread slightly in a pan or on the grill.
- Spread a generous amount of tzatziki sauce on the pita.
- Add sliced chicken, red onion, tomatoes, lettuce, and feta (if using).
- Optionally, add some fries inside the wrap for an authentic Greek-style gyros experience.
- Fold the pita around the filling, wrapping it with parchment paper or foil for easy handling.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken gyros pair well with a variety of side dishes. Here are some great options:
- Greek Salad – A refreshing mix of cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, feta cheese, and olives dressed with olive oil and lemon juice.
- Rice Pilaf – A simple yet flavorful Mediterranean-style rice dish.
- Hummus & Pita – Serve with a side of creamy hummus for extra dipping.
- Lemon Potatoes – Greek-style roasted potatoes with lemon, garlic, and oregano.
Tips for the Best Chicken Gyros
✔ Use Chicken Thighs – They are juicier and more flavorful than chicken breasts. ✔ Marinate Longer – The longer you marinate, the better the flavor (overnight is ideal). ✔ Don’t Skip the Resting Time – Let the chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy. ✔ Grill for Authentic Flavor – If possible, use a grill to get that slightly charred taste. ✔ Make Extra Tzatziki – It’s great as a dip or salad dressing. ✔ Add Fries Inside – This is how gyros are served in Greece!
Variations & Substitutions
🌱 Vegetarian Option – Replace chicken with grilled halloumi cheese, falafel, or roasted chickpeas. 🐑 Lamb Gyros – Swap the chicken for marinated lamb slices. 🌯 Low-Carb Version – Serve the ingredients in a lettuce wrap instead of pita bread. 🌶️ Spicy Gyros – Add a pinch of cayenne or chili flakes to the marinade for some heat.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Make Chicken Gyros Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the fridge. Cooked chicken can be refrigerated for 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
What’s the Best Way to Reheat Chicken Gyros?
Reheat sliced chicken in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes.
Can I Use Store-Bought Tzatziki?
Absolutely! While homemade tzatziki tastes fresher, a good-quality store-bought version works in a pinch.
Final Thoughts
Homemade chicken gyros are easy to make, incredibly flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. With a few simple ingredients, you can enjoy an authentic Greek experience right at home. Try this recipe and let me know how it turns out! Enjoy your delicious homemade chicken gyros! 🇬🇷✨