Flavorful Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe for Cozy Family Dinners

Tender marinated chicken sings with authentic Greek chicken gyros recipe flavors that transport you straight to a bustling street in Athens.

Aromatic herbs and zesty spices dance together, creating a mouthwatering melody of taste.

Juicy chicken wrapped in soft, warm pita bread promises a culinary adventure that’s both comforting and exciting.

Fresh ingredients blend seamlessly to craft a dish bursting with Mediterranean charm.

The combination of tangy tzatziki, crisp vegetables, and perfectly seasoned meat turns an ordinary meal into an extraordinary experience.

Each bite tells a story of traditional Greek cuisine, inviting you to savor every delicious moment.

You’ll want to gather your ingredients and embark on this delectable journey right away.

What Makes Greek Chicken Gyros a Hit

• Infuse chicken with Mediterranean zest by letting it soak in a blend of herbs and citrus, guaranteeing maximum taste without complicated techniques.
• Easily adapt the recipe by swapping ingredients or adjusting spice levels, ensuring everyone from picky eaters to adventurous food lovers can enjoy their personalized gyro.
• Pack your plate with lean protein, crisp vegetables, and homemade tzatziki, creating a nutritious dinner that doesn't compromise on flavor or satisfaction.

Ingredients for Greek Chicken Gyros

• Chicken Tenderloins: Tender meat cuts that absorb the delicious marinade flavors perfectly.

• Olive Oil, Lemon Juice: Creates a bright and zesty base for tenderizing the chicken.
• Garlic, Oregano, Thyme, Paprika: Provides a robust and aromatic Mediterranean seasoning profile.
• Salt, Pepper: Enhances the overall flavor of the chicken marinade.

• Greek Yogurt: Provides a creamy and tangy base for the traditional sauce.
• Cucumber: Adds freshness and a cool texture to the tzatziki.
• Lemon Juice, Lemon Zest: Brings a bright citrus note to the sauce.
• Dill, Garlic: Contributes additional herbal and aromatic complexity.
• Salt, Pepper: Balances and seasons the tzatziki sauce.

• Pita Bread: Soft and warm wrap for holding the gyro ingredients.
• Romaine Lettuce: Adds crisp and fresh green element.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Provides sweet and juicy burst of flavor.
• Red Onion: Introduces a sharp and slightly pungent taste.

How to Make Greek Chicken Gyros

Step 1: Create Flavor-Packed Marinade

• Olive oil
• Lemon juice
• Minced garlic
• Dried oregano
• Dried thyme
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Add chicken tenderloins to the bag, seal tightly, and shake until every piece is coated.

Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, allowing the flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.

Step 2: Whip Up Creamy Tzatziki Sauce

Grate cucumber and thoroughly squeeze out excess moisture.

• Grated cucumber
• Greek yogurt
• Lemon juice
• Lemon zest
• Fresh dill
• Minced garlic
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir until ingredients are well combined.

Refrigerate to let flavors meld together.

Step 3: Grill Succulent Chicken

Preheat grill to medium heat.

Place marinated chicken on grill and cook approximately 8 minutes, turning occasionally.

Ensure chicken reaches 165°F internal temperature for safe consumption.

For indoor cooking, use a grill pan with a touch of oil over medium-high heat.

Step 4: Toast Warm Pita Bread

Quickly grill pita bread for about one minute per side, creating a light char and warming through.

Step 5: Build Mouthwatering Gyros

• Sliced chicken
• Romaine lettuce
• Cherry tomatoes
• Sliced red onion
• Generous tzatziki sauce

Fold pitas, serve immediately, and enjoy your homemade Greek feast!

Tips for Better Greek Chicken Gyros

• Remove excess moisture from grated cucumber to prevent watery tzatziki sauce, ensuring a thick and creamy consistency that clings perfectly to your gyros.
• Let chicken soak in marinade for at least 2 hours or overnight to develop deeper, more intense Mediterranean flavors that penetrate every bite of the meat.
• Use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches 165°F internally, guaranteeing safe and juicy meat without overcooking or drying out the tender pieces.
• Warm pitas briefly on the grill to enhance their texture, creating a slight char and softening them for easy folding without making them crispy or brittle.
• Build gyros by placing lettuce first to prevent pita from getting soggy, then add sliced chicken, vegetables, and finish with a generous tzatziki sauce drizzle for maximum flavor impact.

Storing Greek Chicken Gyros Properly

• Store leftover chicken and tzatziki separately in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days. Keep chicken and sauce chilled at 40°F or below to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
• Wrap grilled chicken tightly in plastic wrap, then place in freezer-safe bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Separate tzatziki sauce into individual portions before freezing to prevent texture changes.
• Warm refrigerated chicken in microwave for 30-45 seconds, or reheat in skillet over medium heat with splash of olive oil. Ensure internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.
• Warm cold pitas in toaster oven or skillet for 30-60 seconds to restore softness and prevent dryness. Avoid microwaving to maintain texture.

Side Pairings for Greek Chicken Gyros

• Flavor Fusion Pairings for Greek Chicken Gyros
• Crisp White Wine Companion: Choose a zesty Assyrtiko or Sauvignon Blanc from Greece that cuts through the rich tzatziki and complements the herb-marinated chicken's bright flavors.
• Mediterranean Salad Sidekick: Prepare a light Greek horiatiki salad with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, feta, and kalamata olives to enhance the gyro's refreshing Mediterranean profile.
• Craft Beer Delight: Select a crisp pilsner or wheat beer like Mythos or Hefeweizen that balances the chicken's herbal marinade and provides a cool, refreshing contrast to the grilled meat.
• Citrus Spritzer Refresher: Mix a quick lemonade or sparkling water with fresh lemon and mint to cleanse the palate between bites and echo the recipe's bright, tangy undertones.

Flavor Ideas for Greek Chicken Gyros

• Vegetarian Gyros: Replace chicken with grilled halloumi cheese or marinated portobello mushrooms, keeping the same marinade and tzatziki sauce.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap pita bread for large lettuce leaves or use cauliflower tortillas, maintaining the original flavor profile and ingredients.
• Spicy Mediterranean Version: Add red pepper flakes to the chicken marinade and mix sriracha into the tzatziki for an extra kick of heat.
• Gluten-Free Alternative: Use gluten-free pita or wrap the ingredients in a large leafy green, ensuring all other ingredients remain the same and are certified gluten-free.

FAQs

• What type of chicken works best for gyros?

Chicken tenderloins are perfect for this recipe because they’re tender, cook quickly, and absorb marinade flavors well. If unavailable, chicken breasts cut into strips can be a great alternative.

• Can I make this recipe without a grill?

Absolutely! Use a grill pan, cast-iron skillet, or even a regular non-stick pan. The key is to cook the chicken over medium-high heat until it reaches 165°F internal temperature.

• How can I tell if my chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Chicken should reach 165°F to be safe to eat. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part of the chicken – it should be white throughout with no pink areas.

• Is tzatziki sauce always the same?

While basic ingredients are similar, tzatziki recipes vary. Some people add mint, use different herbs, or adjust garlic levels. This recipe provides a classic, simple version that complements the Greek chicken perfectly.

Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 8 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Savory Greek chicken gyros bring Mediterranean magic to your kitchen, blending tender marinated meat with zesty tzatziki sauce. Crisp pita bread wraps these flavor-packed delights, promising a delicious journey you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) chicken tenderloins

Herbs and Seasonings:

• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 1/2 tablespoons (22 milliliters) olive oil
• 1 tablespoon (15 milliliters) freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Accompaniments and Toppings:

• 6 pita flatbreads
• 2 cups shredded romaine
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes (quartered)
• 1 red onion (thinly sliced)
• 3/4 cup (180 milliliters) Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cup (120 milliliters) grated English cucumber (squeezed dry)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
• 2 tablespoons (30 milliliters) freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons lemon zest
• 1 clove garlic (minced)
• Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. In a sealed container, blend olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Immerse chicken tenderloins thoroughly, ensuring complete coating. Refrigerate for minimum 2 hours, preferably overnight, to maximize flavor absorption.
2. Create tzatziki by thoroughly draining grated cucumber. Combine with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, zest, dill, and minced garlic. Season with salt and pepper. Refrigerate to allow flavors to meld while chicken marinates.
3. Heat grill to medium temperature (around 375°F). Arrange marinated chicken on grill, cooking approximately 6-8 minutes. Rotate periodically to ensure even browning and consistent 165°F internal temperature throughout meat.
4. During final chicken cooking minutes, briefly warm pita bread on grill, approximately 30-45 seconds per side. Achieve light char and flexible texture without excessive drying.
5. Slice grilled chicken into thin strips. Layer pitas with chicken, crisp romaine lettuce, halved cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and generous tzatziki sauce. Fold pita edges inward, creating compact handheld gyro.

Notes

• Enhance marinade flavor by using fresh herbs instead of dried for a more vibrant taste profile.
• Prevent watery tzatziki by thoroughly draining cucumber using a clean kitchen towel or cheesecloth.
• Opt for Greek-style pita bread to maintain authentic texture and traditional gyro experience.
• Create a low-carb version by replacing pita with lettuce wraps or serving over a fresh salad base.

• Prep Time: 2 hours
• Cook Time: 8 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 410
• Sugar: 3 g
• Sodium: 520 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 4 g
• Protein: 31 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg