Oh, let me tell you about one of my all-time favorite lunch ideas that always brings a smile to my face—Greek Chicken Gyros! The very first time I made them, I remember the whole kitchen filled with the mouthwatering aroma of garlic, lemon, and oregano. It was a lazy Sunday afternoon, and I wanted to try something that tasted like it came straight from a cozy Greek taverna. Safe to say, it was love at first bite. The chicken turned out so juicy, the tzatziki was refreshingly tangy, and the warm pita brought it all together like a hug in sandwich form.
What I adore most about these gyros is how easy they are to prep and how satisfying they are to eat. Whether you’re cooking for your family or just treating yourself to a homemade Mediterranean feast, they never disappoint. Plus, you can mix and match toppings depending on what’s in your fridge—crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, thinly sliced red onions, or even some grilled veggies if you’re feeling fancy.
The real hero, though, is the marinade. Trust me, once you taste that lemon-garlic-herb combo soaking into the chicken, you’ll want to make this on repeat. And don’t even get me started on the tzatziki—cool, creamy, and loaded with cucumber and dill. I could eat it by the spoonful!
So, ready to bring the flavors of Greece to your kitchen? Let’s get into the good stuff.
What’s in Greek Chicken Gyros?
Chicken Breast or Thighs: Boneless and skinless—both work great! Thighs are a bit juicier, but breasts give that leaner bite. Just slice thinly so they cook fast and soak up all the marinade goodness.
Greek Yogurt: Used in the marinade and the tzatziki. It helps tenderize the chicken and gives the sauce that rich creaminess.
Lemon Juice: Bright and zesty, it adds freshness and balances out the richness of the chicken.
Garlic: Don’t hold back—this is where the bold flavor comes from. It’s essential in both the marinade and the tzatziki.
Olive Oil: Adds a lovely depth to the marinade and helps everything blend smoothly.
Dried Oregano: A must-have! This herb brings that classic Greek flavor and aroma.
Cucumber: Grated and drained, it goes into the tzatziki for that refreshing crunch.
Fresh Dill: Optional, but it takes the tzatziki to the next level.
Pita Bread: Soft and warm, the perfect vessel for wrapping up all those delicious ingredients.
Toppings: Think lettuce, tomato, red onion—whatever you love!
Is Greek Chicken Gyros Good for You?
Absolutely! These gyros are a wholesome, balanced meal that delivers big on flavor without going heavy on your stomach.
Chicken: A great source of lean protein that keeps you full and fuels your day.
Greek Yogurt: Full of probiotics, calcium, and protein—great for gut health and digestion.
Vegetables: Loaded with vitamins and fiber, they add both nutrition and crunch.
Olive Oil: Healthy fats that support heart health when used in moderation.
And the best part? You can adjust the ingredients to suit your dietary needs. Go easy on the sauce for fewer calories or stuff in extra veggies for a more filling wrap. This recipe is as flexible as it is tasty.
Ingredients
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500g chicken breast or thighs, sliced thin
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1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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Juice of 1 lemon
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3 garlic cloves, minced
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1 tablespoon dried oregano
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Salt and pepper to taste
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4 pita breads, warmed
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Sliced tomato, red onion, and lettuce (optional for toppings)
Tzatziki Sauce
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1 cup Greek yogurt
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1/2 cucumber, grated and drained
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1 garlic clove, minced
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 tablespoon lemon juice
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1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill (optional)
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Salt to taste
Serves: 4 wraps (perfect for a family meal or meal prep for the week)
How to Make Greek Chicken Gyros
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Marinate the Chicken:
Start by placing the sliced chicken into a large bowl. Add Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix everything thoroughly so the chicken is well coated. Cover the bowl and let it marinate for at least 1 hour in the fridge. For best flavor, let it sit overnight—your taste buds will thank you. -
Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce:
While the chicken is marinating, make the tzatziki. In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated and drained cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and chopped dill (if using). Stir until smooth, then add a pinch of salt to taste. Chill in the fridge until ready to serve. This sauce also gets better with time! -
Cook the Chicken:
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook for 4–5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and fully cooked through. You want those nice crispy edges! Once done, transfer to a plate and let it rest for a couple of minutes. -
Warm the Pitas:
While the chicken rests, heat your pita breads. You can do this in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds on each side or wrap them in foil and warm them in the oven for a few minutes. -
Assemble the Gyros:
Spread a generous layer of tzatziki sauce down the center of each pita. Add a few slices of the cooked chicken. Top with tomato slices, red onion, and lettuce—or mix and match with your favorites. -
Wrap and Serve:
Fold the pita over the filling and wrap it in parchment paper or foil if you’re on the go. Serve immediately and enjoy the flavor explosion in every bite!
Sweet Tips and Fun Variations
– Want a spicy kick? Add a pinch of cayenne or a few chili flakes to the marinade for a bold twist.
– Craving extra crunch? Toss in some shredded cabbage or sliced cucumbers for a fresh bite.
– No pita? Turn this into a rice bowl or salad—just pile everything on a bed of rice or greens.
– Meal prep magic: Store cooked chicken and tzatziki in separate containers. When hunger hits, assemble fresh gyros in minutes!
This recipe is one of my go-tos because it’s quick, flexible, and seriously delicious. Whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just want to elevate your lunch routine, Greek Chicken Gyros are always a winning choice. So grab your apron and get ready to create something amazing. Next up, I’ll dive even deeper with extra cooking tips and fun serving ideas!
How to Make Greek Chicken Gyros: Step-by-Step Guide with Extra Tips
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
To start, place your sliced chicken breast into a large bowl or resealable plastic bag. Add Greek yogurt, olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, a pinch of salt, and black pepper. Mix well to ensure every piece is coated.
Now, patience is key—cover and refrigerate for at least one hour. But if you can, let it marinate overnight. The longer it sits, the more flavorful and tender your chicken will be. This marinade is what gives your gyro that irresistible tang and richness.
Step 2: Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce
While the chicken is marinating, it’s the perfect time to whip up your homemade tzatziki.
First, grate your cucumber and use a clean towel or paper towel to squeeze out the excess water. This step is super important—no one wants watery tzatziki.
In a bowl, mix the drained cucumber with Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and chopped fresh dill if you like. Season it with a little salt, stir everything together, and pop it in the fridge to chill.
The longer it sits, the better it gets. Trust me, this creamy sauce is a game-changer.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
After marinating, it’s time to cook. Heat a grill pan or non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the marinated chicken slices in a single layer—don’t overcrowd the pan. Let them cook undisturbed for about 4 to 5 minutes until golden brown. Flip and cook the other side until the chicken is fully cooked and has those perfect crispy edges.
Once done, transfer to a plate and let it rest for 2–3 minutes to lock in the juices. Resting makes all the difference!
Step 4: Warm the Pitas
Take your pita breads and warm them just before assembling. You can place them on a dry skillet for about 30 seconds on each side, or wrap them in foil and pop them in the oven at low heat for a few minutes.
This makes them soft, pliable, and oh-so-cozy—perfect for wrapping.
Step 5: Assemble the Gyros
Lay one warm pita flat on a plate or board.
Start with a generous spoonful of tzatziki spread down the center. Add a few slices of that juicy grilled chicken. Top with sliced tomato, red onion, and crisp lettuce.
Feel free to get creative with the toppings—crumbled feta, olives, or thin cucumber slices are amazing extras.
Step 6: Wrap and Enjoy
Fold the pita over the filling and wrap it in parchment paper if you’re taking it on the go—or dig in right away.
The combination of savory chicken, creamy tzatziki, and fresh veggies is simply out of this world. One bite, and you’ll be hooked.
Pro Tips & Variations to Make It Your Own
– Make it spicy: Add a little harissa or hot sauce to the marinade if you like a fiery kick.
– Low-carb option: Skip the pita and build a gyro bowl with all the fixings over a bed of lettuce or cauliflower rice.
– Add crunch: Sprinkle in some shredded cabbage or a few slices of radish for texture.
– Change up the sauce: Not a tzatziki fan? Try hummus or a garlic-yogurt sauce instead.
– Prep ahead: Cook the chicken and make the sauce in advance. Store separately, and you’ve got meals ready for days.
Greek Chicken Gyros aren’t just tasty—they’re fun to make and easy to customize. Whether it’s lunch with friends or a weeknight dinner, this recipe fits the bill. Keep it classic or get creative—it’s always delicious.
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Greek Chicken Gyros
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
These Greek Chicken Gyros are packed with flavor, easy to prepare, and perfect for lunch or dinner. Tender marinated chicken, creamy homemade tzatziki, and crisp vegetables wrapped in warm pita bread make this a satisfying meal you’ll want to make again and again. Whether you’re feeding your family or hosting a casual dinner, this recipe brings fresh Mediterranean flavor to your table.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
– 500g boneless chicken breast, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tbsp lemon juice
– 2 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 tsp dried oregano
– Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
– 1 cup Greek yogurt
– 1/2 cucumber, grated and water squeezed out
– 1 garlic clove, minced
– 1 tbsp lemon juice
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (optional)
– Salt to taste
For Assembling:
– 4 pita breads
– 1 tomato, sliced
– 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
– Lettuce leaves
– Extra toppings: crumbled feta, olives, cucumber slices (optional)
Instructions
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In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the sliced chicken and stir to coat. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour.
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To make the tzatziki, mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and dill in a bowl. Season with salt and refrigerate.
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Heat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken in batches until golden brown and cooked through. Set aside to rest.
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Warm the pita breads in a skillet or oven.
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Spread tzatziki on each pita, then top with chicken, tomato, onion, and lettuce. Add extra toppings if desired.
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Fold the pita, wrap in parchment for easy eating, and serve immediately.
Notes
– For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.
– Use whole wheat pitas for added fiber.
– Tzatziki can be made a day ahead for deeper flavor.
– You can substitute chicken with turkey breast if preferred.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make Greek Chicken Gyros ahead of time?
Yes, absolutely. You can marinate the chicken and prepare the tzatziki sauce a day in advance. Store both in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to serve, simply cook the chicken, warm the pitas, and assemble. This makes it a fantastic meal for busy weekdays or casual gatherings. Moreover, the flavors deepen overnight, making the gyros even more delicious.
2. What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store each component separately in airtight containers in the fridge. Cooked chicken stays good for up to 3 days. Tzatziki will last around 4 days, though its texture may change slightly. As for pita bread, keep it in a zip-top bag at room temperature for 2 days or refrigerate for longer freshness. Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave and assemble fresh when ready.
3. Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breast?
Definitely. Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and richness due to their higher fat content. Just slice them thinly before marinating. The same marinade works perfectly with both cuts, so it’s totally up to your taste preference. Many people actually prefer thighs for their tender texture and bold flavor.
4. Are Greek Chicken Gyros healthy?
Yes, they can be a wholesome choice when prepared thoughtfully. Greek yogurt adds protein and probiotics, while the chicken provides lean protein. Tzatziki is much lighter than mayo-based sauces. Plus, loading your gyro with fresh vegetables boosts the fiber and vitamin content. For an even healthier option, go light on the pita or use whole wheat flatbread.