Greek Chicken Gyros
Enjoy Greek chicken gyros with tender, flavorful chicken, fresh veggies, and creamy tzatziki, all wrapped in soft pita bread. A perfect meal for family dinners, parties, or a quick, tasty lunch!
Greek chicken gyros are one of those meals that feel like a little slice of heaven. Every bite is packed with bold, vibrant flavors from the marinated chicken, crisp vegetables, and creamy tzatziki. For me, these wraps are fun to make, incredibly satisfying, and way easier than you might think.
What I love most about making chicken gyros at home is controlling ingredients and flavors. You can marinate the chicken just how you like it, load up on your favorite toppings, and even make the tzatziki extra garlicky (if you’re like me). Plus, it’s more impressive than a basic air fryer marinated chicken, and you don’t have to spend hours in the kitchen making it.
If you’re hosting a casual dinner or just want to mix up your usual weeknight meals, this recipe is a must-try. The warm pita bread, juicy chicken, and tangy sauce come together like magic. Serve them with a side of roasted zucchini or a simple Greek salad, and you’ve got a meal that feels fancy but is so approachable. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it’ll be a staple in your kitchen!
Items Needed
Here’s everything you’ll need to make delicious Greek chicken gyros:
For the Marinated Chicken:
- Chicken breasts: A lean protein that absorbs the marinade flavors and cooks quickly.
- Garlic: Adds a robust, aromatic depth to the marinade.
- Greek yogurt: Helps tenderize the chicken and adds a creamy, tangy base to the marinade.
- Vinegar: Enhances flavor while further tenderizing the chicken.
- Lemon juice: Brightens the marinade with a fresh, citrusy tang.
- Dried oregano: Provides an earthy, authentic Greek flavor.
- Onion powder: Adds subtle sweetness and complements the garlic.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavors and ensures a well-seasoned dish.
Other Ingredients:
- Pita bread or tortillas: A soft, convenient wrap that holds all the ingredients together.
- Tomatoes (cut into cubes): Add juiciness and a burst of fresh flavor.
- Cucumber (cut into cubes): Provides a cool, crisp texture and balance.
- Red onion (thinly sliced): Adds a sharp, savory bite to the gyros.
- Chopped lettuce: Introduces a fresh, crunchy layer to the wrap.
- Tzatziki sauce: A creamy, tangy topping that ties all the flavors together.
Tools you’ll need
Before starting the recipe, you’ll want to have all your kitchen essentials ready. I recommend having the following items:
Ways To Customize
Here are some simple and tasty ways to customize your Greek chicken gyros for a personalized twist:
- Swap the protein: Use lamb, beef, or even a plant-based protein like tofu or tempeh for a different twist.
- Try different toppings: Add olives, feta cheese, or roasted red peppers for extra flavor.
- Switch up the sauce: If you’re not a fan of tzatziki, try a garlic aioli or hummus instead.
- Make it spicier: Add some chili flakes or hot sauce to the chicken marinade or as a topping for extra heat.
- Go low-carb: Use lettuce wraps instead of pita or tortillas for a lighter, low-carb version.
- Add more veggies: Toss in some shredded carrots or bell peppers for a crunchy, colorful addition.
- Make it smoky: Grill the veggies along with the chicken for a smoky, charred flavor.
Be sure to check out the full recipe and ingredient list below.
How To Make It
Gather up the ingredients and get your kitchen essentials out. Then, follow these simple step-by-step directions.
Cut the chicken breasts into strips. Cover and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
In a bowl, mix all the ingredients: yogurt, garlic, oregano, vinegar, lemon juice, salt, onion powder, and place the chicken strips in the mixture.
Cover and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Preheat the grill or pan over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken strips until they are thoroughly cooked and golden brown.
Heat the pita bread or tortillas according to the package instructions.
Assemble the gyros by placing the cooked chicken strips on the pita bread or tortilla, adding cucumber, tomato, onion, lettuce, and any other desired toppings.
Finish by adding the tzatziki sauce.
Note
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but letting it sit for a few hours will enhance the taste even more.
Storage
To store Greek chicken gyros, keep the cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For the best results, store the toppings separately to prevent them from getting soggy.
If you have leftover pita or tortillas, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil. To reheat, warm the chicken in a pan over medium heat until heated through, or microwave it for 1 to 2 minutes. You can also heat the pita or tortillas in a skillet for a few seconds on each side to refresh them.
Helpful Hints
Pro tip: Don’t Overcrowd the Pan!
Give the chicken enough space to cook evenly and achieve that perfect golden-brown sear.
Here are some helpful hints to ensure your Greek chicken gyros turn out perfectly every time:
- Marinate longer for deeper flavor: The chicken will be even more flavorful if you marinate it for a few hours or overnight.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: When cooking the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the pan so the chicken can brown evenly and get that perfect crispy texture.
- Warm the pita or tortillas: Heat the pita or tortillas before assembling to make them soft and pliable, which will help hold all the delicious fillings.
- Add extra toppings: Don’t be afraid to get creative with your toppings—try adding feta, olives, or even a drizzle of olive oil for extra flavor.
- Adjust the seasoning: Taste the marinade before adding the chicken to make sure it’s seasoned just how you like it. You can always add more salt, lemon, or herbs for a personal touch.
Serving Suggestions
Greek chicken gyros are perfect for a casual dinner or a fun family meal. Serve them with a side of crispy air fryer potato wedges or a light Greek salad for a balanced and satisfying meal. The fresh cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, and tangy tzatziki sauce complement the savory chicken and soft pita, making each bite deliciously refreshing.
For a heartier meal, pair your gyros with some grilled vegetables, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant. The smoky flavors from grilling the veggies will enhance the gyros and add an extra layer of flavor. You can also serve the gyros with a side of hummus or baba ganoush for dipping, adding a creamy, rich contrast to the fresh, zesty chicken.
If you’re hosting a gathering or meal prep for the week, set up a gyro bar with all the toppings and let everyone build their own. Offer a variety of sauces, like tzatziki, hummus, or a spicy yogurt sauce, and different veggies and toppings to suit everyone’s tastes. This makes for a fun and interactive dining experience that everyone will enjoy.
FAQs
Recipe
Greek Chicken Gyros
Ingredients
For the marinated chicken:
- 1 pound chicken breasts cut into thin strips (500 grams)
- 3 cloves garlic chopped
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon vinegar
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- Salt
Other ingredients:
- Pita bread or tortillas
- Tomatoes cut into cubes
- Cucumber cut into cubes
- Red onion thinly sliced
- Chopped lettuce
- Tzatziki sauce
Instructions
- Cut the chicken breasts into strips. In a bowl, mix all the ingredients: yogurt, garlic, oregano, vinegar, lemon juice, salt, onion powder, and place the chicken strips in the mixture. Cover and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
- Preheat the grill or pan over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken strips until they are thoroughly cooked and golden brown.
- Heat the pita bread or tortillas according to the package instructions.
- Assemble the gyros by placing the cooked chicken strips on the pita bread or tortilla, adding cucumber, tomato, onion, lettuce, and any other desired toppings.
- Finish by adding the tzatziki sauce.
