Bring the taste of Greece to your kitchen with these Authentic Greek Chicken Gyros! Juicy marinated chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy tzatziki sauce are wrapped in warm pita bread for the ultimate Mediterranean street food experience. This recipe is easy to make at home and tastes just like the ones you’d find at a Greek taverna.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Flavors – A traditional Greek marinade with lemon, olive oil, and oregano.
- Fresh & Healthy – Protein-packed chicken with crisp veggies and yogurt sauce.
- Quick & Easy – Marinate ahead, then cook in under 20 minutes.
- Versatile – Grill, bake, or pan-cook the chicken to your preference.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- ¼ cup olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For Serving
- Warm pita bread
- Sliced red onion
- Sliced tomatoes
- Shredded lettuce or cucumber
- Crumbled feta (optional)
For Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- ½ cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh dill (or mint), chopped
- Salt & pepper to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken – In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add chicken, coat well, cover, and marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour (overnight is best).
- Make the Tzatziki – Mix Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper. Chill until ready to serve.
- Cook the Chicken
- Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high and cook chicken 5–6 minutes per side until cooked through (165°F internal temp).
- Stovetop: Heat a skillet or grill pan with olive oil and cook chicken until golden and fully cooked.
- Oven: Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes.
- Slice the Chicken – Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
- Assemble the Gyros – Warm pita bread, add chicken slices, top with onion, tomato, lettuce/cucumber, feta, and drizzle with tzatziki.
- Serve & Enjoy – Fold and wrap in parchment or foil for a true street food feel!
Tips & Variations
- Use Chicken Thighs – For juicier and more authentic flavor.
- Add Fries – In Greece, gyros often include crispy French fries tucked inside.
- Make Ahead – Marinate the chicken overnight for maximum flavor.
- Vegetarian Option – Swap chicken for grilled halloumi or roasted chickpeas.
What to Serve with Greek Chicken Gyros
- Greek salad 🥗
- Lemon rice or orzo 🍋
- Roasted potatoes with oregano 🥔
- Extra tzatziki for dipping
Storage
- Chicken: Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Tzatziki: Keep refrigerated up to 4 days.
- Pita bread: Best served fresh, but can be warmed in the oven or skillet.
These Authentic Greek Chicken Gyros are fresh, flavorful, and perfect for a family dinner, summer grilling, or meal prep. Once you try them, you’ll want to make them again and again! 🇬🇷