Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe

Juicy Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe for Your Homemade Feast

Crafting authentic greek chicken gyros brings pure Mediterranean magic right to your kitchen.

Succulent marinated meat infuses classic Greek street food traditions with incredible flavor profiles.

Tender chicken strips bathed in yogurt and herbs create mouthwatering layers of deliciousness.

Crisp pita bread wraps around perfectly seasoned protein, promising restaurant-quality results at home.

Fragrant oregano and garlic dance together, transporting you to sunny island tavernas.

Minimal ingredients and simple techniques make this recipe accessible for every home cook.

You can master these irresistible gyros and impress everyone with your culinary skills.

Why You’ll Love Greek Chicken Gyros

  • Savor Flavor-Packed Marinade: Olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and oregano create a mouthwatering blend that transforms ordinary chicken into a Mediterranean delight.
  • Master Quick Cooking: The simple skillet method makes preparing this dish a breeze, perfect for busy home cooks wanting a delicious meal without complicated techniques.
  • Customize Your Creation: Easily personalize gyros by adding or removing toppings, making it a crowd-pleaser for picky eaters and adventurous food lovers alike.
  • Elevate Weeknight Dinners: Transform an ordinary meal into a restaurant-quality experience with minimal ingredients and straightforward preparation that brings international flavors to your table.

What You’ll Need For Greek Chicken Gyros

Main Ingredients:
  • Chicken Strips: Lean protein that serves as the primary filling for the gyros.
  • Pita Bread: Soft, round flatbread that wraps the gyro ingredients.
  • Tzatziki Sauce: Creamy Greek yogurt-based sauce that adds tangy flavor.
Marinade Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil, Garlic, Lemon Juice: Combination that tenderizes and adds bright Mediterranean flavors to the chicken.
  • Oregano, Salt, Pepper: Classic Greek seasoning blend that enhances the overall taste profile.
Fresh Ingredients:
  • Tomatoes, Onions, Lettuce: Crisp vegetables that provide freshness and additional texture to the gyro.

Steps To Prepare Greek Chicken Gyros

Step 1: Whisk Flavor-Packed Marinade

Grab a mixing bowl and create a zesty marinade by combining:
  • Olive oil
  • Minced garlic
  • Fresh lemon juice
  • Dried oregano
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Toss chicken strips into the marinade, ensuring each piece gets thoroughly coated. Let the chicken soak up those delicious Mediterranean flavors for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Sizzle Chicken to Perfection

Heat a skillet over medium flame. Cook the marinated chicken strips, turning occasionally, until they’re golden brown and completely cooked through. The chicken should have a beautiful caramelized exterior and juicy interior.

Step 3: Toast Soft Pita Bread

In the same skillet, quickly warm the pita bread. This will make it soft, pliable, and give it a slight crispy edge.

Step 4: Build Mouthwatering Gyro

Lay out the warm pita bread and start layering your delicious ingredients:
  • Grilled chicken strips
  • Cool tzatziki sauce
  • Diced fresh tomatoes
  • Sliced red onions
  • Crisp lettuce leaves

Step 5: Wrap and Enjoy

Carefully roll the pita bread into a classic gyro shape. Cut in half if desired, and serve immediately while everything is warm and fresh. Get ready for a flavor explosion!

Tips That Help With Greek Chicken Gyros

  • Marinate chicken for maximum flavor by letting it sit in the mixture for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
  • Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs for extra juiciness and tenderness in your gyros.
  • Ensure chicken is cooked to an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee food safety.
  • Toast pita bread briefly to enhance its texture and prevent sogginess when adding sauce and toppings.
  • Prepare tzatziki sauce ahead of time to allow flavors to meld and intensify for a more delicious gyro experience.

Flavor Ideas For Greek Chicken Gyros

  • Spicy Mediterranean Gyros: Replace oregano with cayenne pepper and add hot sauce to the marinade for a fiery kick.
  • Vegetarian Greek Wrap: Swap chicken with grilled halloumi cheese or crispy falafel for a plant-based alternative.
  • Lamb Gyros Classic: Substitute chicken with thinly sliced marinated lamb for a traditional Greek protein option.
  • Low-Carb Gyros Bowl: Skip the pita and serve marinated chicken over a bed of mixed greens with tzatziki and fresh vegetables.

What Pairs Well With Greek Chicken Gyros

  • Enhance Mediterranean Flavors: Pair crisp, citrusy white wine like Assyrtiko from Greece to complement the zesty chicken marinade.
  • Refreshing Beverage Boost: Serve cold Greek beer such as Mythos or Fix to balance the rich, herbal chicken and cool down the meal's warmth.
  • Perfect Side Kick: Add a fresh Greek salad with feta cheese and kalamata olives to provide extra texture and brighten the gyro's robust flavors.
  • Mediterranean Herb Complement: Enjoy ouzo as an optional aperitif to introduce traditional Greek spirit notes that echo the oregano and lemon in the dish.

How To Store Greek Chicken Gyros

  • Store leftover chicken gyros in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Wrap the gyros separately from the pita bread to prevent sogginess.
  • Keep tzatziki sauce, chicken, and vegetables in individual sealed containers to maintain freshness and prevent ingredients from becoming soggy.
  • Warm chicken in a skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes, turning occasionally to ensure even heating. Briefly toast the pita bread in the same skillet.
  • Reheat chicken in the microwave for 30-45 seconds, then quickly warm the pita bread to prevent it from becoming tough. Reassemble the gyro with fresh vegetables for the best taste.

Greek Chicken Gyros FAQs

  • What are the key ingredients in Greek Chicken Gyros?

The key ingredients include chicken strips, pita bread, tzatziki sauce, fresh tomatoes, onions, and lettuce. The marinade uses olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper to enhance the chicken’s flavor.

  • Is this a healthy recipe?

Yes, Greek Chicken Gyros are relatively healthy. Chicken is a lean protein, and the recipe includes fresh vegetables. The olive oil provides healthy fats, and the herbs add nutritional benefits without excess calories.

  • Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

You can use gluten-free pita bread or wrap the ingredients in lettuce leaves. Ensure all ingredients, especially the tzatziki sauce, are certified gluten-free.

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Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe

Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe


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4.8 from 32 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Mediterranean magic unfolds in this Greek Chicken Gyros recipe, blending zesty marinated chicken with creamy tzatziki and fresh vegetables. Fragrant herbs and tangy flavors will transport you straight to a sunlit Greek taverna, promising a delightful culinary journey.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 1 pound (1 lb) chicken breasts, cut into strips

Seasonings and Liquids:

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon (1 tbsp) lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon (1 tsp) dried oregano
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Serving Components:

  • 4 pita bread
  • Tzatziki sauce
  • Sliced tomatoes
  • Sliced red onions
  • Chopped lettuce

Instructions

  1. Create a vibrant marinade by whisking together aromatic herbs, zesty citrus, and robust seasonings in a mixing container.
  2. Submerge chicken strips completely in the marinade, ensuring thorough coating, and refrigerate for 30-45 minutes to enhance flavor penetration.
  3. Preheat a cast-iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat until surface is evenly heated to approximately 375°F.
  4. Transfer marinated chicken strips to the hot surface, cooking for 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  5. Simultaneously, lightly toast pita breads on the same skillet for 30-45 seconds, creating a warm and slightly crisp texture.
  6. Layer the grilled chicken onto the warm pita bread, creating a generous protein foundation.
  7. Generously spread cool, tangy tzatziki sauce across the chicken, providing a creamy contrast to the warm meat.
  8. Sprinkle fresh diced tomatoes, thinly sliced red onions, and crisp lettuce leaves over the sauce for added texture and freshness.
  9. Carefully fold and roll the pita bread, tucking in the ingredients to create a compact, handheld meal.
  10. Serve immediately while ingredients remain warm and flavors are at their peak.

Notes

  • Marinate chicken longer for deeper flavor infusion, ideally 2-4 hours or overnight in the refrigerator for maximum taste penetration.
  • Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken strips for juicier, more tender meat that holds marinades better.
  • For a gluten-free version, swap traditional pita bread with large lettuce leaves or gluten-free wraps to accommodate dietary restrictions.
  • Quickly sear chicken on high heat for crispy exterior while maintaining a moist interior, ensuring each piece gets a beautiful golden-brown color.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 460 kcal
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 450 mg
  • Fat: 18 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 34 g
  • Fiber: 4 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 85 mg
Samantha Lee

Samantha Lee

Recipe Developer & Content Creator

Expertise

Plant-based and vegetarian recipes, Recipe testing and development, Food blogging and digital content creation, Culinary education and workshops​

Education

Oregon Culinary Institute (Portland, OR)

  • Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts
  • Focus: Emphasized plant-based cooking, global cuisines, and recipe testing methodologies.​

Samantha sees cooking like painting, every fresh herb, every juicy tomato, a new splash of color on a canvas.
After graduating from Oregon Culinary Institute, she blended her love of global cuisines and plant-based cooking into recipes that feel fresh, fearless, and full of heart.
Samantha’s kitchen is a place where comfort food gets a modern remix and every meal feels like a little adventure. When she’s not cooking, she’s out exploring farmers’ markets, sketching new recipe ideas, or getting her hands dirty in a community garden.

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