Authentic Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe
Gyros is one of the most beloved dishes in Greek cuisine—tender, flavorful meat served in warm pita bread, topped with fresh vegetables and tangy tzatziki sauce. While traditionally made with lamb or pork, chicken gyros have become a favorite in many homes and restaurants for their lighter, yet equally delicious, take on the classic. This Authentic Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe brings the irresistible flavors of Greece into your kitchen with juicy marinated chicken, creamy tzatziki sauce, and all the traditional toppings.
🧑🍳 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Flavorful and Authentic
This recipe captures the essence of traditional Greek gyros with a marinated chicken that’s full of flavor from lemon, garlic, oregano, and olive oil. The chicken is tender and juicy, with just the right balance of spices and seasoning.
Easy to Make
Making gyros from scratch might sound complicated, but this recipe is simple and manageable. With just a bit of prep time for the chicken marinade and a few minutes of grilling, you can create an authentic, mouthwatering dish that rivals what you’d find at a Greek taverna.
Customizable
The beauty of gyros is that they are entirely customizable to your tastes. Feel free to adjust the toppings or sauce to suit your preferences. You can use any combination of vegetables or even swap the pita for a wrap if you prefer.
Healthy and Fresh
The chicken is marinated with olive oil, herbs, and lemon, making it not only flavorful but also heart-healthy. Pairing it with fresh vegetables and a yogurt-based tzatziki sauce adds a refreshing contrast and makes it a balanced, satisfying meal.
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by marinating the chicken, as this will ensure the meat is packed with flavor. If you’re using chicken thighs, keep the skin off for a leaner option but retain the moisture. Here’s how to prepare the marinade:
-
Mix the marinade ingredients: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, cumin, paprika, and cinnamon. Stir well to combine. Taste the marinade and adjust the seasoning if needed with salt and freshly ground pepper.
-
Prepare the chicken: Place the chicken thighs into a large resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it is fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or up to 8 hours) to allow the flavors to meld. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be.
Step 2: Make the Tzatziki Sauce
While the chicken marinates, you can prepare the tzatziki sauce. This creamy, tangy sauce is a critical component of any Greek gyro. It’s easy to make and can be prepared ahead of time.
-
Grate the cucumber: Peel the cucumber and grate it using a box grater or food processor. After grating, place the cucumber in a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth and wring out the excess moisture. This helps prevent the tzatziki from becoming watery.
-
Mix the tzatziki ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, fresh dill, lemon juice, and olive oil. Stir until smooth and well-combined.
-
Season: Add white wine vinegar, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. If you like a bit more tang, you can add extra lemon juice or vinegar.
-
Chill: Cover and refrigerate the tzatziki for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to develop and gives the sauce a cool, refreshing taste when served with the warm chicken.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Once the chicken has marinated, it’s time to cook it. The traditional method for cooking gyros is grilling, but if you don’t have access to a grill, you can easily cook the chicken in a skillet or under the broiler.
Option 1: Grilling the Chicken
-
Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat. If you’re using a gas grill, preheat for about 10-15 minutes.
-
Cook the chicken: Place the marinated chicken thighs on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness. The chicken should be golden brown with grill marks, and the internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
-
Rest the chicken: Once cooked through, remove the chicken from the grill and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This helps retain the juices in the meat.
Option 2: Cooking the Chicken in a Skillet
-
Heat the skillet: Heat a large cast-iron skillet or non-stick pan over medium-high heat and add a little olive oil.
-
Cook the chicken: Add the marinated chicken thighs to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
-
Rest the chicken: Let the chicken rest before slicing to preserve its juiciness.
Step 4: Assemble the Gyros
Once the chicken is cooked, it’s time to assemble your gyros! This is where you can get creative with toppings.
-
Warm the pita: Heat the pita bread on the grill or in a dry skillet for about 30 seconds per side to warm it up.
-
Slice the chicken: After resting, slice the chicken into thin strips. The slices should be tender and juicy, allowing the marinade flavors to shine through.
-
Assemble the gyros: Lay the warm pita flat and place a generous portion of sliced chicken in the center. Top with tomato slices, red onion, and shredded lettuce (optional). For extra flavor, sprinkle some crumbled feta cheese and add a few olives. Spoon a generous amount of tzatziki sauce over the top, and garnish with fresh parsley.
-
Wrap it up: Fold the sides of the pita around the fillings to create a wrap. Serve immediately, or wrap it in foil for easier handling and serving.
🍽️ Serving Suggestions
Gyros are often served with a variety of sides, making it a well-rounded and satisfying meal. Here are some great ideas:
1. Greek Salad
A classic Greek salad with fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese is the perfect accompaniment to gyros. The salad’s crisp texture and light dressing balance the richness of the chicken and tzatziki.
2. French Fries
In Greece, it’s common to enjoy gyros with crispy, golden French fries. You can either serve the fries inside the pita with the chicken for an authentic touch or on the side for dipping in the tzatziki sauce.
3. Roasted Vegetables
Roast some zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers for a Mediterranean flair. The slightly charred vegetables add a smoky flavor that complements the chicken perfectly.
4. Hummus and Pita
If you want an additional dipping option, serve some creamy hummus alongside your gyros with extra pita. The creamy texture of the hummus pairs beautifully with the chicken and tzatziki.
🌿 Variations and Customizations
While this recipe sticks to the traditional components of Greek chicken gyros, you can customize it to suit your tastes.
Spicy Chicken Gyros
For a spicier kick, add chili flakes, paprika, or harissa paste to the chicken marinade. You can also add hot sauce to the tzatziki sauce for a fiery touch.
Grilled Vegetables
Add some grilled vegetables, such as mushrooms, zucchini, or eggplant, to your gyro for added flavor and texture.
Pita Alternatives
If you’re not a fan of pita, try swapping it for lavash bread or even a soft tortilla wrap for a slightly different take on the dish.
🧊 Make-Ahead, Storage, and Freezing Tips
Make-Ahead
You can prepare the chicken marinade a day in advance and marinate the chicken overnight. The tzatziki sauce can also be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Storage
Store leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can store the tzatziki in a separate container for up to 3 days as well.
Freezing
For longer storage, you can freeze the cooked chicken. Simply slice the chicken and store it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
💬 Conclusion
Making Authentic Greek Chicken Gyros at home is easier than you might think and results in a mouthwatering meal packed with flavor. From the tender, marinated chicken to the tangy tzatziki and fresh toppings, each bite is a celebration of Greek culinary tradition. Whether you’re serving it for a casual dinner, a weekend treat, or a special gathering, this recipe is sure to delight anyone who loves Mediterranean flavors. Enjoy your homemade gyros and transport yourself to Greece with each delicious bite!
Authentic Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe
Ingredients
- For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 ½ lbs (680g) boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts, but thighs are more flavorful and juicy)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground paprika
- ½ tsp ground cinnamon (optional, for authenticity)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp ground coriander (optional, adds depth)
- For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (preferably full-fat)
- ½ cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
- 1–2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh dill (or 1 tsp dried dill)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- For Assembly:
- 4 pita or flatbreads (soft, not crispy)
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tomato, sliced
- Fresh lettuce, shredded (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken:
In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, cinnamon (if using), salt, pepper, and coriander. Add the chicken to the bowl and coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to overnight, for the best flavor. - Make the tzatziki sauce:
In a small bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, dill, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and well combined. Set aside in the fridge until ready to serve. - Cook the chicken:
You can either grill the chicken, cook it on a stovetop, or bake it: - Slice the chicken:
Once the chicken is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips. - Assemble the gyros:
Warm the pita or flatbread in the oven or on a dry skillet for 30 seconds. Place the pita flat on a plate, then add a few slices of chicken, followed by sliced tomatoes, onions, and a dollop of tzatziki sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley. - Serve:
Wrap the pita around the fillings, folding in the sides to create a delicious handheld gyro. Serve with a side of extra tzatziki, Greek salad, or roasted potatoes!