The Zesty Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe Everyone Loves

Crafting authentic Mediterranean chicken gyros brings pure culinary magic right into your kitchen.

Greek street food inspiration meets home cooking creativity with this delightful recipe.

Succulent marinated chicken transforms simple ingredients into a mouthwatering experience you’ll absolutely love.

Tender spices dance through perfectly seasoned meat, creating layers of incredible flavor.

Warm pita bread becomes the perfect canvas for these incredible Mediterranean-style wraps.

Each bite promises a delicious journey through traditional Greek street cuisine.

Fresh herbs and zesty tzatziki sauce complete this irresistible meal that connects you directly to Mediterranean cooking traditions.

You won’t believe how easy it is to recreate this restaurant-quality favorite at home!

Chicken Gyros Recipe That Feels Just Like Greece

• Craft a Culinary Adventure: Transform ordinary ingredients into a mouthwatering Greek-inspired feast that transports your taste buds straight to the Mediterranean.
• Master Homemade Delights: Create restaurant-quality gyros from scratch with simple techniques that boost your cooking confidence and impress family and friends.
• Quick and Customizable Meal: Prepare a versatile dish that allows endless variations, perfect for picky eaters or those wanting to experiment with flavors and ingredients.
• No-Fuss Family Dinner: Enjoy a protein-packed meal that comes together quickly, requires minimal cleanup, and satisfies everyone from kids to adults with its delicious components.

All You Need For Chicken Gyros Recipe

• Chicken Thighs: Tender meat that serves as the primary protein for the gyros and absorbs the flavorful marinade.

• Olive Oil, Red Wine Vinegar, Lemon Juice: Create a tangy and rich liquid base that tenderizes and enhances the chicken's flavor.
• Oregano, Garlic, Salt, Pepper: Aromatic spices and seasonings that add depth and traditional Greek-style taste to the chicken.

• Flour, Sea Salt: Essential dry ingredients that form the base of the soft and chewy homemade flatbread.
• Warm Water, Olive Oil: Liquid ingredients that help bind the flour and create a smooth, pliable dough.

• Yogurt: Creamy base that provides a cool and tangy sauce for the gyros.
• Cucumber: Fresh vegetable that adds crunch and lightness to the tzatziki.
• Garlic Granules, Dill, Salt, Lemon Juice: Seasonings that give the tzatziki its signature zesty and herbal flavor.

• Lettuce, Red Onion, Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh vegetables that add color, crunch, and additional layers of flavor to the gyros.

Step-By-Step Chicken Gyros Recipe Guide

Step 1: Create Flavor-Packed Marinade

In a spacious mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, dried oregano, tangy red wine vinegar, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper. Submerge chicken thighs completely in the marinade, ensuring each piece gets coated evenly. Let the chicken soak up those delicious Mediterranean flavors for 30 minutes to 2 hours.

Step 2: Craft Homemade Flatbreads

Grab a large mixing bowl and combine all-purpose flour with sea salt. Pour in warm water and olive oil, then mix until a soft dough forms. Knead the dough on a clean surface for 5 minutes until it becomes smooth and elastic. Allow the dough to rest and relax for 10 minutes, which helps develop its texture.

Step 3: Grill Juicy Chicken

Fire up a grill pan or heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and cook for 6-8 minutes on each side. Look for a golden-brown exterior and ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to lock in those succulent juices.

Step 4: Whip Up Creamy Tzatziki

• Grated cucumber
• Tangy Greek yogurt
• Garlic granules
• Chopped fresh dill
• Pinch of salt

Squeeze in some lemon juice and stir until ingredients are perfectly blended. The sauce should have a smooth, creamy consistency.

Step 5: Assemble Mouthwatering Gyros

• Sliced grilled chicken
• Crisp lettuce
• Thinly sliced red onion
• Juicy cherry tomatoes

Generously top with tzatziki sauce. Fold the flatbread and enjoy your homemade gyros immediately while everything is warm and fresh!

Pro Tips To Nail Chicken Gyros Recipe

• Marinate chicken longer for deeper, more intense flavors that truly pop in every bite.
• Choose full-fat Greek yogurt for tzatziki to create a richer, creamier sauce that clings perfectly to the flatbread.
• Rest chicken after grilling to lock in juices and ensure tender, succulent meat that melts in your mouth.
• Pat cucumber dry before mixing into tzatziki to prevent watery sauce and maintain a thick, creamy consistency.
• Use fresh herbs like oregano and dill for an authentic Greek taste that elevates the entire gyro experience.

Fun Variations For Chicken Gyros Recipe

• Spicy Mediterranean Chicken Gyros: Add chili flakes and paprika to the marinade for a fiery kick. Replace regular tzatziki with a spicy yogurt sauce mixed with harissa paste.
• Herb-Infused Greek Chicken Gyros: Incorporate fresh rosemary and thyme into the marinade. Use whole wheat flour for the flatbreads and add chopped parsley to the tzatziki for extra herbaceous flavor.
• Lemon Garlic Chicken Gyros: Increase lemon zest and garlic in the marinade. Create a zesty lemon-garlic aioli to replace traditional tzatziki, adding bright citrus notes to the dish.
• Vegetarian Greek Wrap Option: Substitute chicken with grilled halloumi cheese or marinated portobello mushrooms.

What To Serve With Chicken Gyros Recipe

• Flavor Fusion Pairings for Chicken Gyros
• Crisp Greek White Wine: Complement the herbal marinade and tangy tzatziki with a refreshing Assyrtiko from Santorini, cutting through the richness of grilled chicken.
• Mediterranean Mezze Sides: Enhance the gyros experience with small plates like dolmades, kalamata olives, and roasted red pepper dip to add depth and variety to the meal.
• Bright Citrus Salad: Create a zesty side dish with mixed greens, orange segments, and a light lemon vinaigrette that mirrors the recipe's citrusy notes and provides a fresh counterpoint to the grilled meat.

How To Store Chicken Gyros Recipe Safely

• Store leftover chicken, flatbreads, and tzatziki separately in airtight containers. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and prevent soggy textures.
• Wrap cooled sliced chicken tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm sliced chicken in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, adding a splash of olive oil to prevent drying. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, checking to avoid overcooking.

Chicken Gyros Recipe FAQs Answered

• Is this recipe truly authentic to Greek cuisine?

This recipe follows traditional Greek gyros preparation methods, using key ingredients like oregano, tzatziki, and flatbreads that are staples in Greek street food cooking.

• Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?

Chicken thighs work best due to their higher fat content and more tender texture, but you can substitute chicken breast if preferred. Just be careful not to overcook and dry out the meat.

• How spicy are these chicken gyros?

This recipe is mild with simple Mediterranean seasonings. The flavor profile is more herbaceous and tangy from oregano, lemon, and vinegar rather than being hot or spicy.

Chicken Gyros Recipe

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4.7 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 57-61 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Greek street fare comes alive with these mouthwatering chicken gyros, blending zesty Mediterranean spices and tender marinated meat. Wrapped in warm pita and topped with cool tzatziki, you’ll savor an authentic culinary journey that transports taste buds straight to Athens.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 skinless, boneless chicken thighs

Bread Ingredients:

• 200 grams (7 ounces) strong white bread flour
• 1 large pinch of sea salt
• 100 milliliters (5 1/2 tablespoons) warm water
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

Marinade and Seasoning:

• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 large garlic clove (crushed)
• Freshly ground sea salt
• Freshly ground black pepper

Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1/4 English cucumber (grated)
• 125 grams (4 1/2 ounces) natural yogurt
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic granules
• 1 teaspoon finely chopped fresh dill
• Sea salt to taste
• Squeeze of fresh lemon juice

Toppings:

• Large handful of shredded lettuce
• 1/2 small red onion (thinly sliced)
• Large handful of cherry tomatoes (roughly chopped)

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Instructions

1. Craft the marinade by whisking together olive oil, oregano, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, minced garlic, salt, and pepper in a large mixing vessel.
2. Submerge chicken thighs completely in the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Refrigerate for 30-120 minutes to intensify flavor profiles.
3. Create flatbread dough by blending flour and sea salt in a mixing bowl. Gradually incorporate warm water and olive oil, kneading for approximately 5 minutes until texture becomes smooth and elastic.
4. Allow dough to rest at room temperature for 10 minutes, enabling gluten relaxation and improved texture.
5. Preheat grill pan or skillet to medium-high heat around 375°F, preparing for chicken cooking.
6. Remove chicken from marinade, gently patting dry with paper towels to encourage proper caramelization.
7. Grill chicken thighs for 6-8 minutes per side, rotating once to achieve golden-brown exterior and internal temperature of 165°F.
8. While chicken rests, prepare tzatziki by combining grated cucumber, yogurt, garlic granules, fresh dill, salt, and a splash of lemon juice.
9. Slice cooked chicken into thin, uniform strips for optimal gyro assembly.
10. Warm flatbreads briefly to enhance pliability and flavor.
11. Layer gyros with sliced chicken, crisp lettuce, thinly sliced red onion, and halved cherry tomatoes.
12. Crown each gyro with a generous dollop of freshly prepared tzatziki sauce.
13. Serve immediately to maintain optimal temperature and texture.

Notes

• Swap chicken thighs with chicken breast for a leaner protein option, ensuring you reduce cooking time to prevent drying out.
• Marinate chicken overnight in the refrigerator to enhance deeper, more intense Mediterranean flavors and tenderize the meat completely.
• Create gluten-free flatbreads by substituting regular flour with almond or chickpea flour, maintaining authentic taste while accommodating dietary restrictions.
• Elevate tzatziki’s freshness by straining cucumber through cheesecloth, removing excess water and preventing sauce from becoming watery during serving.

• Prep Time: 45 minutes
• Cook Time: 12-16 minutes (6-8 minutes per side for chicken)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 344 kcal
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 320 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 26 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg