Slow Cooker Chicken Gyros are a delicious and easy way to enjoy the flavors of classic Greek gyros without the fuss. Tender, juicy chicken slow-cooked with garlic, lemon, and a mix of traditional herbs creates a mouthwatering filling that’s full of flavor. Wrapped in warm pita with fresh veggies and creamy tzatziki, these gyros bring a taste of the Mediterranean right to your table.
I love making these gyros on busy days because the slow cooker does all the work while I focus on other things. The best part is how the chicken comes out super tender and juicy, soaking up all those tasty spices. I like to shred the chicken right in the pot and let it soak in the sauce a little longer for extra flavor.
When I serve these chicken gyros, I pile on the classic toppings—sliced cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, and plenty of cool tzatziki. It’s such a simple meal, but everyone always asks for seconds! If you want, you can add a little feta cheese or a squeeze of lemon on top to make it even more special.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: I like boneless, skinless breasts for easy shredding. You can use thighs instead—they keep the meat more moist and tender but may have a stronger flavor.
Greek yogurt: The base for tzatziki sauce. If you want a dairy-free option, try coconut or almond yogurt, but the flavor will be different.
Cucumber: Grate and squeeze out water to avoid watery tzatziki. English cucumbers work great since they have fewer seeds.
Oregano and cumin: These spices give the gyro its Greek and Mediterranean taste. If you don’t have oregano, thyme or marjoram can work well.
Pita bread: Classic choice for gyros. If unavailable, use flatbreads or tortillas as a substitute, but the texture and taste will slightly vary.
How Can You Make the Chicken Super Tender Without Drying Out?
The secret is slow cooking with moisture and seasoning. Here’s what I do:
- Place chicken in the slow cooker with a little broth or water to keep it moist.
- Cover and cook on low heat to let the meat slowly break down, usually takes 5-6 hours.
- Use a flavorful marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and spices to infuse the chicken while it cooks.
- When done, shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker so it soaks up all the juicy marinade flavors.
- If time is short, cooking on high works too, but watch it closely to avoid drying out.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Slow cooker – I love it because it makes tender, juicy chicken with minimal fuss. It keeps everything moist during cooking.
- Mixing bowls – perfect for making the marinade and tzatziki sauce without messes.
- Grater – essential for preparing the cucumber for the tzatziki and adding texture.
- Forks – great for shredding the cooked chicken easily and quickly.
- Skillet or oven (optional) – for warming up the pitas or flatbreads before serving.
- Serving platter – to assemble and serve your gyros in an appealing way.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for lamb or beef—these meats add a richer, more traditional flavor for a special occasion.
- Add avocado slices or feta cheese inside the pita for extra creaminess and tang.
- Mix in chopped fresh mint or dill into the tzatziki for a different fresh herb twist.
- Use spicy harissa or hot sauce to add heat if you like a little kick with your gyros.
Slow Cooker Chicken Gyros
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- ¼ cup chicken broth or water
For Serving:
- 4-6 pita breads or flatbreads
- 1 cup sliced cucumbers
- 1 cup sliced tomatoes
- ½ cup thinly sliced red onions
- Fresh lettuce leaves (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- ½ cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill or mint
- Salt and pepper, to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare your ingredients and 5 to 6 hours to cook on low in the slow cooker. If you’re short on time, you can cook on high for 3 to 4 hours. Preparing the tzatziki sauce and slicing the veggies takes just a few minutes while the chicken cooks.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken in the Slow Cooker:
Place the chicken breasts in the slow cooker. In a small bowl, mix the minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, cinnamon, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Add the olive oil and lemon juice to form a marinade. Pour this marinade evenly over the chicken. Add the chicken broth or water around the chicken to keep it moist. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and cooked through.
2. Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
While the chicken cooks, prepare the tzatziki. In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (with the water squeezed out), minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, chopped dill or mint, salt, and pepper. Mix well and refrigerate until serving time to let flavors meld.
3. Shred the Chicken and Warm Pitas:
When the chicken is done, shred it directly in the slow cooker with two forks. Stir the shredded chicken so it soaks up the juices and marinade. Meanwhile, warm the pita breads or flatbreads briefly in a dry skillet or oven until soft and pliable.
4. Assemble the Gyros:
Lay a warm pita flat and add a few lettuce leaves if you like. Top with sliced cucumbers, shredded chicken, sliced tomatoes, sliced red onions, and a generous spoonful of tzatziki sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for a fresh squeeze of citrus.
5. Enjoy!
Dig in and enjoy your juicy, flavorful Slow Cooker Chicken Gyros — a simple, tasty way to bring Greek flavors to your dinner table.
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can! Just make sure to fully thaw the chicken breasts in the refrigerator overnight before adding them to the slow cooker. This ensures even cooking and food safety.
Can I Make the Tzatziki Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! The tzatziki sauce tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld. Prepare it up to 1 day in advance and keep it refrigerated until serving.
How Should I Store Leftover Chicken Gyros?
Store leftover shredded chicken and toppings separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken gently on the stove or microwave, and warm the pita before assembling again.
Can I Substitute Pita Bread with Something Else?
Sure! If you don’t have pita, flatbreads or soft tortillas work well as alternatives. The texture will be slightly different but still delicious wrapped around the flavorful chicken and toppings.