Name: Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lbs chicken tenders or chicken breasts cut into strips; 1/4 cup Greek yogurt; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 1 tablespoon dried Mediterranean oregano; 1 teaspoon granulated garlic; 1 teaspoon onion powder; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt; 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground pepper; 1 cup Greek yogurt; 2 baby cucumbers, grated on a box grater; 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill; 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin; 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest; 1 tablespoon olive oil; Kosher salt, to taste; Freshly ground pepper, to taste; 6 pitas, warmed; 2 cups shredded lettuce; 1/4 cup pickled onions; 2 baby cucumbers, diced; 1 beefsteak tomato, diced; 2 oz feta, crumbled

If you’ve ever craved the vibrant flavors of a Mediterranean street market, this Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe will transport your taste buds straight to Greece with every bite. Think tender, juicy chicken marinated in classic herbs and spices, paired with creamy homemade tzatziki dripping over fresh, crunchy veggies all wrapped in warm, pillowy pita bread. It’s the perfect crowd-pleaser that’s as satisfying as it is refreshing, and I can’t wait to share how easy it is to bring these bright, bold flavors to your own kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A clear glass bowl holds several pieces of light pink raw chicken soaked in a creamy, thick white sauce that has black specks of pepper and herbs scattered throughout. A silver spatula is tucked into the mixture on the right side of the bowl. The bowl sits on a smooth white marbled surface with subtle grey veins. The overall colors are pale pink, white, and black specks, with a shiny glass texture on the bowl and a matte look on the sauce and chicken. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

The beauty of this Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe lies in its simplicity and the quality of its ingredients. Each element works together to build layers of flavor, from the zesty marinade that keeps the chicken moist to the cool, herby tzatziki sauce that adds a cooling touch. Let’s take a look at the essential ingredients that make this dish shine with authentic Mediterranean character.

Chicken tenders or breasts: Tender strips are perfect for quick cooking and soaking up the marinade fully.
Greek yogurt (for marinade and sauce): Adds tanginess and helps tenderize the chicken for juicy results.
Olive oil: Brings richness and is key in both the marinade and sauce for a silky texture.
Red wine vinegar: Offers a subtle acidity that brightens the flavors of the chicken.
Dried Mediterranean oregano: Classic herb lending an earthy, aromatic touch.
Granulated garlic & onion powder: Give deep savory notes without overpowering the marinade.
Ground cumin: Introducing a warm, slightly nutty nuance to both chicken and tzatziki sauce.
Kosher salt and freshly ground pepper: Essential seasonings to highlight the natural flavors.
Baby cucumbers: Used grated in tzatziki and diced for garnish to add crisp freshness.
Fresh dill: Bright herb that elevates the tzatziki with its unique flavor.
Lemon zest: Gives a burst of citrus aroma and brightness to the sauce.
Warm pitas: The perfect soft, slightly chewy vehicle to hold all the delicious fillings.
Shredded lettuce, pickled onions, diced tomato, feta cheese: Crunch, tang, juiciness, and creaminess to complete the gyro experience.

TIP

You’ll find the full ingredient list, instructions, and print option in the recipe card below.

How to Make Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by whisking together the Greek yogurt, olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, granulated garlic, onion powder, ground cumin, kosher salt, and freshly ground pepper until you get a smooth, flavorful marinade. Toss in the chicken strips and make sure every piece is fully coated. Cover the mixture and let it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, though overnight will deepen the flavor beautifully.

Step 2: Prepare the Grill

Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat to achieve that perfect sear. If using an outdoor grill, a little cleaning and oiling of the grates will prevent sticking. For an indoor grill pan, add a splash of olive oil to keep things nice and slick.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Place the marinated chicken strips onto your grill and cook for about 5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Keep an eye on the heat to avoid burning while ensuring the chicken remains juicy and tender inside.

Step 4: Make the Tzatziki Sauce

While the chicken cooks, mix together the Greek yogurt, grated cucumbers, chopped fresh dill, ground cumin, lemon zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth. This creamy, refreshing sauce is a star player in the final gyro, adding coolness that balances the spices perfectly. Pop it in the fridge to chill until serving time.

Step 5: Assemble Your Gyros

Warm your pita bread just before serving to make them soft and pliable. Divide the grilled chicken among the pitas, then layer on shredded lettuce, pickled onions, diced cucumbers and tomatoes, crumbled feta, and generous spoonfuls of that homemade tzatziki sauce. Fold or roll, and get ready to dig in!

How to Serve Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe

Garnishes

Freshness is everything here, so adding toppings like crisp lettuce, juicy tomato chunks, and salty feta cheese brings a delightful contrast to the savory chicken. Pickled onions add just the right dash of tang and zing that wakes up the palate.

Side Dishes

To round out your meal, pair your Greek Chicken Gyros with a side salad drizzled with lemon and olive oil or some crispy baked potato wedges seasoned with Mediterranean herbs. A light, chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon complements beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the components deconstructed on a platter — letting everyone assemble their own gyro. Or turn the filling into skewers by threading marinated chicken pieces interspersed with veggies for a playful kebab version that still captures all the signature flavors.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftovers of the grilled chicken or tzatziki sauce can be stored separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. This keeps the chicken moist and the sauce fresh.

Freezing

The chicken can be frozen after cooking if you want to save it for later, although the texture might be best enjoyed fresh. Freeze in a sealed container or freezer bag for up to 2 months, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.

Reheating

When reheating, use a skillet or oven to warm the chicken evenly without drying it out. Reheat tzatziki in the fridge only as this sauce is best served cold and can separate if microwaved.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenders?

Absolutely! Chicken breasts cut into strips work just as well and will absorb the marinade nicely. Just be mindful of cooking times as breasts can dry out faster than tenders.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

While 30 minutes is enough for good flavor, marinating up to 24 hours really enhances the taste and tenderness.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Yes! Simply swap out the pita bread for gluten-free flatbreads or wraps to keep it safe for gluten sensitivities.

What can I use instead of fresh dill?

If you don’t have fresh dill, dried dill can be used in smaller amounts, or fresh mint leaves add an interesting twist that pairs well with tzatziki.

Can I prepare the tzatziki sauce ahead of time?

Definitely. Tzatziki actually tastes better after resting for a few hours as the flavors meld together, so making it a day ahead works great.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly special about making your own Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe at home—it’s fresh, packed with flavor, and endlessly satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or serving friends for a casual get-together, this recipe promises smiles all around. So grab those ingredients, fire up the grill, and let yourself revel in the delicious joy of Mediterranean cooking today!