Chicken Gyro Recipe

If you’ve ever craved that delicious street-style chicken gyro—juicy, flavorful meat wrapped in soft pita with creamy tzatziki, crisp veggies, and a sprinkle of tangy feta—this recipe is going to become a family favorite.

These easy chicken gyros are marinated in Greek-inspired herbs and spices, then cooked until golden and tender. Wrapped up with your favorite toppings, they make for a healthy, hands-on meal that kids love to build themselves!

Whether you’re planning a fun dinner night or meal prepping for the week, this is one recipe that delivers big flavor with very little fuss.

🛒 What You’ll Need

For the Chicken:

• 1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp ground cumin
• ½ tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp black pepper

For Serving:

• Pita bread or flatbreads (4–6)
• 1 cup Tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• 1 cup shredded lettuce
• 1 tomato, sliced or chopped
• ½ red onion, thinly sliced
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese

👩‍🍳 Pro Tips for Delicious Chicken Gyros

1. Use chicken thighs for extra juicy, flavorful results (but breasts work too!).
2. Marinate overnight for the most depth of flavor—minimum 30 minutes if you’re short on time.
3. Grill or pan-sear for that nice char and texture.
4. Warm your pita before serving—it makes the wrap soft and flexible.
5. Let the kids build their own gyros with toppings—they’ll love the hands-on meal!

🔄 Substitutions & Variations

• No Greek yogurt? Use sour cream or skip it.
• Dairy-free? Skip feta and use a dairy-free tzatziki.
• Add veggies: Try cucumber, roasted red peppers, or olives!
• Use chicken tenders or pre-cooked rotisserie chicken for a quick version.

🔪 Tools You’ll Need

• Large mixing bowl for marinade
• Tongs
• Skillet or grill pan (or outdoor grill)
• Knife and cutting board
• Serving platter or tray

🕒 Make Ahead Tips

• Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance.
• Cooked chicken keeps well in the fridge for up to 4 days—great for meal prep!
• Tzatziki can also be made ahead and stored in the fridge.

🔥 How to Make Chicken Gyros

1️⃣ Marinate the Chicken

1. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, Greek yogurt, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Add chicken and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or overnight.

2️⃣ Cook the Chicken

1. Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, or until browned and fully cooked (165°F inside).
3. Rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.

3️⃣ Warm the Pitas

1. Warm pita breads in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side, or wrap in foil and heat in the oven.

4️⃣ Assemble the Gyros

1. Spread tzatziki on each pita.
2. Top with sliced chicken, lettuce, tomato, red onion, and feta.
3. Fold and serve with lemon wedges on the side!

🧊 Leftovers & Storage Tips

• Fridge: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Freeze marinated raw chicken or cooked chicken for up to 2 months.
• Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before assembling gyros again.

🥙 Bring a Taste of the Mediterranean to Your Table

These chicken gyros are fresh, flavorful, and so easy to make at home, you might never go back to takeout again. They’re perfect for busy weeknights, backyard dinners, or build-your-own gyro parties with the family!

Give them a try and leave a comment to let me know how your family customized theirs. Happy wrapping! 🇬🇷✨