Name: Chicken Gyros Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts; 2 Tablespoons olive oil; 2 Tablespoons lemon juice; 2 teaspoons smoked paprika (or use regular); 2 teaspoons ground cumin; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon ground turmeric; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1/4 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon; 1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, or more, to taste; 1 cup plain Greek yogurt; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed; 2 teaspoon lemon juice; Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste; 1 inch piece of an English cucumber, peeled and finely diced; 6 pitas, or flatbreads; 1 small romaine heart, chopped; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1/2 of a red onion, thinly sliced; 1/2 of an English cucumber, thinly sliced; Crumbled feta cheese, optional

Jump to Recipe

Imagine biting into pillowy pockets of warm pita wrapped around juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken, crisp veggies, and a creamy homemade tzatziki sauce bursting with bright flavors. Chicken Gyros are a classic Greek favorite that never fails to make you feel like you’re sitting at a sun-soaked taverna, no matter where you are. This recipe walks you through every simple step, from a lively marinade to building those mouthwatering handheld masterpieces you’ll crave over and over.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Chicken Gyros come together with just a handful of fresh, everyday ingredients—but don’t let the list fool you. Each one plays a starring role, adding vibrant color, incredible flavor, or dreamy texture to these crave-worthy wraps.

Boneless skinless chicken breasts: The tender canvas for all those Greek spices, these soak up the marinade beautifully.
Olive oil: Adds rich flavor and helps lock in moisture during grilling.
Lemon juice: Lends tangy brightness and keeps the chicken irresistibly juicy.
Smoked paprika: Infuses a subtle smokiness—regular paprika works, too, if that’s what you have!
Ground cumin: For that unmistakable earthy depth traditional to Chicken Gyros.
Garlic (minced): Fresh garlic packs a savoriness no jarred version can match.
Ground turmeric: Gives a sunny golden hue and gentle warmth.
Ground coriander: Adds brightness without overpowering the marinade.
Kosher salt: Pulls all the flavors together and seasons the chicken thoroughly.
Freshly ground black pepper: Balances the earthiness with just a little bite.
Onion powder: Lightly sweet, it echoes the flavor of the fresh red onion in your gyros.
Ground cinnamon: A dash brings surprising depth, don’t skip it!
Crushed red pepper flakes: A tiny kick—add more if you love a little heat.
Plain Greek yogurt: For ultra-creamy, tangy tzatziki sauce.
Garlic (minced): Extra in the sauce for signature zing.
Dried dill weed: Brings classic herby freshness to your tzatziki.
Lemon juice: A spritz brightens up the yogurt dip.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste): Fine-tunes every component.
English cucumber (peeled and diced): Crisp, cool texture for the sauce and to layer into the pita.
Pitas or flatbreads: Soft, warm vessel for all those beautiful fillings.
Romaine heart (chopped): Crunchy greens to balance the warm chicken.
Cherry tomatoes (halved): Juicy bursts of sweetness in every bite.
Red onion (thinly sliced): Delicate and vibrant, these add an irresistible bite.
English cucumber (thinly sliced): Even more cooling crunch layered in.
Crumbled feta cheese (optional): For a creamy, salty flourish—totally up to you!

How to Make Chicken Gyros

Step 1: Make the Tzatziki Sauce

Start your Chicken Gyros adventure with the creamy, tangy tzatziki that ties everything together. In a bowl, combine plain Greek yogurt, two cloves of minced garlic, dried dill, and a splash of lemon juice. Stir in diced cucumber for delightful texture, then season the whole thing with salt and pepper. Pop it into the fridge—it’ll only get better as the flavors mingle, making this sauce irresistible when it’s time to assemble.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Flavor is king with Chicken Gyros, and marinating is the secret! In a large bowl or ziplock bag, add your chicken breasts and pour over a blend of olive oil, lemon juice, both kinds of paprika, cumin, turmeric, coriander, garlic, salt, black pepper, onion powder, cinnamon, and just a pinch of red pepper flakes. Give it a good toss so every piece is coated, then let it marinate for at least 1 hour (up to 4 is even better). The aromatic spices and rich citrus instantly infuse the chicken with the big, bold flavors that make gyros unforgettable.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

When you’re ready, fire up your grill to medium and oil the grates. Shake any excess marinade from your chicken and place it over the direct heat. Grill for just a few minutes per side, flipping once, until the outside is golden and the inside is perfectly cooked through—juices should run clear. Transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest for a few minutes before chopping it into juicy, bite-sized pieces.

Step 4: Assemble Your Chicken Gyros

Now for the fun part: put it all together! Warm your pitas or flatbreads (toast them lightly for extra flavor and sturdiness). Pile on a generous helping of chopped chicken, a handful of romaine, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and those crave-worthy slices of cucumber. Spoon over a big dollop of your homemade tzatziki. If you’re a feta fanatic, sprinkle that salty cheese right on top. Fold, wrap, and devour—immediately!

How to Serve Chicken Gyros

Garnishes

The best Chicken Gyros are all about the finishing touches! Before you roll everything up, scatter on a pinch of chopped fresh parsley or dill for a pop of color and herby freshness. Extra crumbled feta, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a few more flakes of red pepper add even more personality. These little details make each gyro feel special and utterly irresistible.

Side Dishes

Chicken Gyros play beautifully with simple side dishes. Try crunchy homemade potato wedges or oven-roasted oregano fries for a classic pairing. A Greek salad loaded with olives and more feta is always a winner, or serve with a pile of warm, seasoned pita chips for scooping up extra tzatziki. You really can’t go wrong!

Creative Ways to Present

For a festive twist, serve Chicken Gyros in a build-your-own setup. Lay out bowls of all your fillings and let everyone roll their own just the way they like. Or, slice everything into bite-sized pieces for a fun mezze board with warm pita triangles and individual tzatziki cups. This approach is ideal for parties, family gatherings, or any time you want to bring a little Greek sunshine to the table.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Chicken Gyros fillings keep beautifully! Store chicken and veggies separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep your tzatziki covered and chilled, too—this actually lets the flavors meld for even more deliciousness the next day.

Freezing

Cooked chicken for Chicken Gyros can be frozen easily. Slice or shred the cooled chicken, then store it in a freezer-safe bag for up to 2 months. Avoid freezing the veggies or tzatziki, as their textures won’t hold up as well after thawing.

Reheating

To reheat your chicken, just pop it into a skillet with a splash of water or a drizzle of olive oil, warming gently until hot through. You can also microwave it in 30-second bursts. Assemble with fresh toppings and pitas for Chicken Gyros that taste just-made any day of the week.

FAQs

Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?

Absolutely! You can bake marinated chicken in a preheated 400°F (205°C) oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until cooked through. Finish under the broiler for a few minutes for caramelized edges and even more flavor.

Can I make this recipe dairy free?

Definitely! Swap the Greek yogurt for your favorite dairy-free yogurt in the tzatziki. Use dairy-free feta or skip the cheese entirely—your Chicken Gyros will still be packed with flavor.

What’s the best way to reheat pita bread?

The simplest method: wrap the pitas in a damp paper towel and warm them in the microwave for 10-15 seconds. Alternatively, heat them directly over a gas flame or in a hot dry skillet for a lovely char.

Do I have to use chicken breasts?

Not at all! Chicken thighs are a fantastic substitute. They’re a little juicier and more forgiving if you tend to overcook chicken breasts. Just follow the same marinade and grilling instructions.

Can I prep Chicken Gyros ahead for easy lunches?

Yes, and they’re perfect for meal prep! Cook and chop the chicken, prep your vegetables, and portion the tzatziki. Assemble just before serving to keep everything fresh and vibrant—lunch will feel like a treat all week long.

Final Thoughts

Chicken Gyros bring together the best of bold flavors, fresh veggies, and creamy sauces—all wrapped up in a package that’s as fun to make as it is to eat. Once you try this recipe, it will quickly earn a spot in your regular rotation. Gather your favorite people, fire up the grill, and let the magic of homemade Chicken Gyros transport you straight to the heart of Greece!

Chicken Gyros Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 18 reviews

Author: Lila
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Vegetarian

Print Recipe

Description

These Chicken Gyros are a delicious Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring flavorful marinated chicken, fresh veggies, and a creamy tzatziki sauce all wrapped in warm pita bread.

Instructions

Tzatziki sauce: Combine yogurt, garlic, dill, and lemon juice in a bowl. Stir in diced cucumber and season to taste with salt and pepper. Refrigerate.
Chicken Marinade: Add chicken to a large bowl or ziplock bag. Combine marinade ingredients and pour over chicken. Stir well to coat and marinate for 1-4 hours.
Grill: Heat grill to medium and oil the grates. Remove chicken from marinade, letting any excess sauce drip off. Grill chicken for a few minutes on each side, flipping once, until cooked through. Remove to a plate to rest before chopping into bite-size pieces.
Assemble Gyros: Toast or warm your pitas. Layer with a big scoop of chopped chicken, lettuce, tomato, red onion, cucumber, and tzatziki.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Grilling
Cuisine: Mediterranean