Greek Chicken Gyros are a tasty and comforting meal packed with juicy grilled chicken, fresh veggies, and a cool, creamy tzatziki sauce all wrapped up in a soft pita. The chicken is usually seasoned with classic Mediterranean spices like oregano, garlic, and lemon, giving it that unmistakable Greek flavor that makes every bite satisfying.
I love making these gyros for dinner because they’re easy to put together but still feel special. What really makes them stand out for me is the tzatziki sauce — it adds a refreshing touch that balances the savory chicken perfectly. I usually marinate the chicken for a few hours to soak in all those lovely flavors, and it always turns out juicy and tender every time.
Serving these gyros with some crisp lettuce, ripe tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onions makes a simple but filling meal that everyone enjoys. I often make a batch of these when friends come over because they’re fun to assemble together at the table, and everyone can add just the right amount of sauce or veggies they like. It feels casual and inviting, perfect for sharing good food and good company.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I prefer thighs because they stay juicy and tender, but breasts work fine if you want leaner meat. You can swap chicken for lamb or pork for a traditional gyro twist.
Greek Yogurt: It’s the base of the tzatziki sauce. Use full-fat for creaminess. If unavailable, Greek-style yogurt or strained plain yogurt works well.
Cucumber: Grated cucumber adds freshness. Peel and seed it to avoid extra water. If you don’t have cucumber, finely chopped celery can add crunch but changes flavor.
Spices: Oregano, cumin, paprika, and coriander give the chicken its Mediterranean flavor. If you don’t have coriander, just omit it or add a pinch of ground cinnamon for warmth.
Pita Bread: Soft flatbreads work best for wrapping. You can use naan or tortillas in a pinch, though they won’t be quite the same.
How Do You Get Juicy, Flavored Chicken Every Time?
Marinating the chicken is the secret to juicy, flavorful meat. Here’s my simple way:
- Mix the marinade ingredients well to blend the flavors.
- Coat the chicken thoroughly so every piece gets a good soak.
- Refrigerate at least 1 hour; longer (up to overnight) makes flavors deeper.
- Cook on medium-high heat to get a nice char while keeping it moist inside.
- Let the chicken rest a few minutes after cooking to lock in juices.
Grilling is best but a hot pan works too. Just watch closely to avoid drying the meat.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Grill or grill pan – I like using this to give the chicken those nice char lines and smoky flavor.
- Measuring spoons and cups – helps you mix the marinade and sauces accurately.
- Grater – essential for finely shredding the cucumber for the tzatziki.
- Mixing bowls – for marinating the chicken and preparing the sauce and toppings.
- Cooking thermometer (optional) – to make sure the chicken is cooked through without overdoing it.
- Sharp knife – for slicing the cooked chicken and chopping veggies easily.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Protein swap: Use lamb, pork, or even plant-based chicken alternatives for different tastes.
- Veggie addition: Add roasted peppers, sliced cucumbers, or kalamata olives for extra flavor.
- Cheese: Sprinkle crumbled feta or add slices of mozzarella for a richer bite.
- Spice twist: Mix in a pinch of cinnamon or sumac to the marinade for a unique flavor or spice up with red pepper flakes for heat.
Greek Chicken Gyros
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Marinade:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon coriander powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Toppings and Assembly:
- 4-6 pita breads or flatbreads
- 1 cup chopped romaine or iceberg lettuce
- 1 large tomato, diced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- ½ cucumber, peeled, seeded, and finely grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare the marinade and tzatziki sauce, plus at least 1 hour to marinate the chicken (longer if you can!), about 15 minutes to grill, and 5-10 minutes to assemble. Overall, plan for about 1.5 to 2 hours if including marinating time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, oregano, cumin, paprika, coriander, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and coat it well. Cover and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight for best flavor.
2. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce:
Grate the cucumber and squeeze out any extra water using a clean towel. In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, the grated cucumber, minced garlic, dill, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir well and keep it chilled until ready to serve.
3. Grill the Chicken:
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side until it’s cooked through and has a nice char. Let the chicken rest a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
4. Warm the Pitas:
Gently warm the pita breads on the grill or in a dry skillet until soft and easy to fold.
5. Assemble Your Gyros:
On each pita, layer chopped lettuce, sliced chicken, diced tomato, thinly sliced red onion, and crumbled feta cheese. Top with a good drizzle or dollop of tzatziki sauce. Fold the pita and enjoy!
Serve with fries or a Greek salad if you like. Enjoy your delicious, homemade Greek Chicken Gyros!
Can I Use Chicken Breast Instead of Thighs?
Yes! Chicken breasts work well if you prefer leaner meat. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out faster than thighs. Marinate well and grill until just cooked through.
How Long Should I Marinate the Chicken?
At least 1 hour is good to let the flavors soak in, but for the best taste and tenderness, marinate for 2-4 hours or even overnight in the fridge.
Can I Make Tzatziki Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Prepare the tzatziki a few hours or even a day in advance. Keep it refrigerated and give it a good stir before serving to refresh the flavors.
What’s the Best Way to Store Leftover Gyro Ingredients?
Store cooked chicken and tzatziki in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep the veggies and pita separate to prevent sogginess, and assemble fresh when ready to eat.