I’m so happy to share my Greek Chicken Gyros recipe with you because it is full of bright, simple flavors that make every bite exciting. The chicken is soaked in a yogurt marinade that helps it turn soft and tasty. Fresh cucumber, tomato, and onion add a cool crunch, and the creamy tzatziki ties everything together. You can wrap it all in warm flatbread for a fun, hands on meal. It is easy to prepare and great for both busy nights and relaxed weekends.
Level: Easy
Total Time: about 35 to 40 minutes plus marinating time
Prep Time: about 20 minutes
Cook Time: about 10 minutes
Yield: about 4 to 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: Greek inspired
I still remember the first time I made this at home, the smell of garlic and oregano filled the kitchen right away. It made me excited before the first bite even happened.
What I love about these gyros is how the soft chicken, cool vegetables, and creamy yogurt sauce all come together in one warm wrap. Every part feels simple, but when you put them together, the flavor becomes really special.
This recipe works well for weeknight dinners, but it is also a great choice when you have friends or family visiting. You can set everything out on the table and let everyone build their own wrap, which makes the meal fun and easy.
How to Make Greek Chicken Gyros
These gyros use tender marinated chicken, fresh salad vegetables, and a cool yogurt sauce to make a tasty wrap. Here is how everything fits together:
• Chicken soaks in a yogurt marinade with garlic, lemon, and oregano
• A simple tzatziki made from grated cucumber, yogurt, and a little garlic
• A small salad of tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and parsley
• Warm flatbreads or pita to hold everything together
• Fresh, bright flavors from lemon juice and simple seasonings
• A quick cook on a grill pan or outdoor grill for golden color
All the parts are easy to prepare, and when you build the wrap, it feels like a fresh and comforting meal.
Ingredients
• 2 lb boneless skinless chicken thigh fillets
• 3 large garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 tablespoons Greek yogurt
• 1 and 1 half tablespoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• Black pepper to taste
For the tzatziki:
• 2 cucumbers, seeds removed and grated
• 1 and 1 quarter cups Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 quarter teaspoon salt
• Black pepper to taste
For the salad:
• 3 tomatoes, deseeded and diced
• 3 cucumbers, diced
• 1 half red onion, finely chopped
• 1 quarter cup fresh parsley leaves (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
To serve:
• 4 to 6 pita breads or flatbreads
Directions
- Prepare the Marinade:
- Mix the garlic, vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, yogurt, oregano, salt, and pepper in a zip top bag.
- Add the chicken and rub the bag gently so the marinade coats every piece. Let the chicken rest in the fridge for at least 2 hours or up to 12 hours.
- Make the Tzatziki:
- Cut each cucumber in half and scrape out the soft seeds with a spoon.
- Grate the cucumber, wrap it in a towel, and squeeze out extra water.
- Stir the cucumber with yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Let it sit for about 20 minutes.
- Make the Salad:
- Add the tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and parsley to a bowl.
- Sprinkle with a little salt and pepper, then toss gently.
- Heat the Grill or Pan:
- Brush a grill or pan with a small amount of oil and warm it over medium high heat.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and place the pieces on the hot grill or pan.
- Cook for about 2 to 3 minutes per side until the chicken is golden and cooked through.
- Rest the Chicken:
- Transfer the chicken to a plate and cover it loosely with foil. Let it rest for about 5 minutes.
- Warm the Bread:
- Heat pita or flatbread in a dry pan or microwave until soft and warm.
- Assemble the Gyros:
- Slice the chicken if the pieces are large.
- Add some salad to the center of each warm bread, then top with chicken and a spoonful of tzatziki.
- Roll the wrap and enjoy.
Process Details
• Marinating the Chicken: The yogurt helps soften the chicken and hold the herbs and garlic close to the surface.
• Removing Water from the Cucumber: Squeezing the cucumber keeps the tzatziki thick instead of watery.
• Searing the Chicken: Cooking over medium high heat gives the chicken a nice golden outside while keeping it juicy.
• Balancing the Wrap: The warm chicken and cool vegetables make the wrap taste fresh and full of life.
• Resting the Chicken: Letting the chicken sit for a few minutes helps keep the juices inside.
Tips for Success
• Use chicken thighs for softer, juicier results.
• Do not skip squeezing the cucumber or the sauce may get runny.
• Warm the bread right before serving so it stays soft and easy to fold.
• Add a little extra lemon to the salad if you want more brightness.
• You can swap parsley for mint if you prefer a cooler taste.
• Let guests build their own wraps for a simple, friendly meal.
Serving Ideas
• Serve with extra lemon wedges for a bright finish.
• Add a small bowl of olives on the side.
• Enjoy with roasted potatoes for a heartier meal.
• Add a simple green salad if you want more freshness.
• Serve with warm flatbread chips for dipping into leftover tzatziki.
Storage & Freezing
• Refrigerator: Store cooked chicken in an airtight container for about 3 to 4 days.
• Tzatziki: Keep in the fridge for about 2 days, but stir before using.
• Salad: Best eaten the same day because the vegetables release water.
• Freezing Chicken: Freeze uncooked marinated chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before cooking.
• Reheating: Warm chicken gently in a pan or microwave with a small splash of water so it stays soft.
Nutrition Info (Approximate per Serving)
• Calories: ~600
• Protein: ~55g
• Carbohydrates: ~45g
• Fat: ~20g
• Fiber: ~4g
• Sodium: ~900mg
• Sugar: ~10g
These Greek Chicken Gyros bring together soft chicken, cool vegetables, and creamy tzatziki to make a meal that feels fresh and cozy at the same time. Each wrap is full of simple flavors that work nicely together, and the steps are easy for any home cook.
I hope you enjoy making and eating these gyros as much as I do. They are fun to prepare, even better to share, and they might become one of your regular favorite meals.