Greek Chicken Gyros are a tasty mix of juicy, marinated chicken wrapped up in soft pita bread, loaded with fresh veggies like tomatoes, onions, and crisp lettuce. The real star is the cool, creamy tzatziki sauce that brings a bright and tangy flavor to every bite. It’s a simple dish but packed with flavors that feel like a little trip to Greece.
I love making these gyros for a quick weeknight dinner or a fun weekend lunch. The chicken grills up beautifully with just the right blend of herbs and spices, and it’s so satisfying to put together your own gyro with all your favorite toppings. Plus, it’s a great way to get the whole family involved—everyone can pile on what they like best.
One of my favorite things about Greek Chicken Gyros is how easy they are to customize. Sometimes I add a little crumbled feta cheese or swap in some roasted peppers for an extra burst of flavor. Serve them with a side of crispy fries or a simple salad, and you’ve got a meal that feels fresh, filling, and just plain good.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless breasts work great for quick grilling and slicing. For juicier meat, try thighs instead—they stay tender and flavorful.
Greek Yogurt: Full-fat yogurt gives the best creaminess for tzatziki. If you need a lighter option, try low-fat, but avoid plain sour cream for the authentic tang.
Fresh Dill: Fresh dill really brightens the sauce, but dried dill works well in a pinch. Just use a bit less, since dried herbs are stronger.
Pita Bread: Look for soft, pliable pita or Greek flatbread. If unavailable, naan or tortilla wraps can stand in for a similar handheld feel.
Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds saltiness and creaminess. For a milder choice, try queso fresco or goat cheese.
How Do You Get the Best Flavor When Marinating Chicken for Gyros?
Marinating is key for tender, flavorful chicken. Use olive oil and acid (like red wine vinegar) to soften the meat and carry spices deep inside.
- Combine garlic, oil, vinegar, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper well.
- Coat the chicken completely and cover it to keep moisture in during marinating.
- Let it rest in the fridge for at least 1 hour—up to 4 hours is even better.
- Don’t marinate too long (over 8 hours), as acid can make the chicken mushy.
This balance helps your chicken absorb all the flavors and grill up juicy with a lovely crust.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Grill pan or skillet – I like this because it helps get a nice char on the chicken for authentic flavor.
- Mixing bowls – useful for marinating the chicken and mixing the tzatziki sauce.
- Grater – makes preparing the cucumber for tzatziki quick and easy.
- Knife and cutting board – for slicing vegetables and cooked chicken.
- Oven or toaster oven – to warm the pita breads so they stay soft and pliable.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for beef or lamb strips; they add a richer, different meat flavor.
- Add sliced roasted red peppers or kalamata olives for extra zest and color.
- Try feta or crumbled goat cheese instead of feta for a bolder or creamier topping.
- Sprinkle chopped fresh mint or parsley over the fillings for a fresh herbal note.
Greek Chicken Gyros
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp ground coriander (optional)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Gyro Assembly:
- 4 pita breads or Greek-style flatbreads
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 medium tomato, sliced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cucumber, sliced or diced
- 4-5 leaves romaine or green lettuce
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat for best flavor)
- ½ cucumber, finely grated and drained
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
Time Needed:
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 15 minutes to cook, plus at least 1 hour to marinate the chicken for the best flavor. Warming the pita and assembling the gyros will take about 5 minutes.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, mix minced garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, cumin, paprika, coriander (if using), salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts and coat well. Cover and place in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours to let the flavors soak in.
2. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce:
Grate the cucumber finely and squeeze out any extra moisture using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, chopped dill, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt. Stir it well and keep it chilled until you’re ready to serve.
3. Cook the Chicken:
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken breasts for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side until they are cooked through and have a nice, charred outside. Remove the chicken and let it rest for a few minutes. Then, slice thinly or shred the meat.
4. Warm the Pita Breads:
Warm the pita breads in a dry skillet or wrap them in foil and heat in the oven until they’re soft and pliable with a light golden color. This makes them easy to fold and delicious to eat.
5. Assemble the Gyros:
Lay each pita flat on a plate. Add a few leaves of lettuce, then layer on the sliced tomato, cucumber, and red onion. Top with the cooked chicken slices. Spoon a generous amount of tzatziki sauce over the top and sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese.
6. Serve and Enjoy:
Fold the pita around the fillings like a wrap and serve immediately. For extra zest, add lemon wedges on the side or a simple salad to complement the gyros.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for the Gyros?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but be sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator before marinating and cooking. This ensures even cooking and better flavor absorption.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Tzatziki Sauce?
Store leftover tzatziki in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Give it a good stir before serving, as it may separate slightly.
Can I Make These Gyros Ahead of Time?
You can marinate the chicken and prepare the tzatziki sauce a day in advance to save time. Cook the chicken fresh and assemble just before serving for the best texture and taste.
What Can I Substitute for Pita Bread?
If you can’t find pita bread, try using naan, flatbreads, or even tortillas. Just warm them up so they’re flexible enough to wrap around the fillings.
