Chicken Gyros

There’s something incredibly comforting about the warmth of spiced meat wrapped in a soft pita, layered with crisp vegetables, and drizzled with cool, creamy tzatziki. Every bite of a gyro feels like a little escape—whether it’s a memory of a bustling Greek street market, a laid-back summer dinner on the patio, or just a quick weeknight meal that makes you feel like you put in more effort than you really did.

For me, gyros bring back memories of a sun-soaked trip to the Mediterranean. We wandered through narrow stone alleyways filled with the scent of oregano and grilled meats wafting from little tavernas. The first time I bit into an authentic gyro, I remember thinking: how can something so simple taste so good? It’s the perfect harmony—tender meat, fresh veggies, tangy yogurt sauce, and that pillowy warm flatbread.

This chicken version is a lighter twist on the classic, still packed with all the bold, herby flavor you love, but easy enough to make on a weeknight. And if you’re cooking for your family or just yourself, this is the kind of recipe that always feels like a win. It’s fast, flavorful, and surprisingly satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

• It’s a healthier spin on a beloved takeout favorite.
• Perfect for meal prep—just marinate the chicken and cook it up when you’re ready.
• Bursting with flavor thanks to a bright, herby marinade.
• Great for family dinners, picnics, or backyard get-togethers.
• Totally customizable—add your favorite toppings or serve it deconstructed as a bowl.

INGREDIENTS YOU’LL NEED:

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 3 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar (omit if replacing)
• 1 ½ teaspoons kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh dill
• 1 small cucumber, grated and squeezed to remove liquid
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon salt

To Serve:

• Pita bread or flatbread
• Shredded lettuce
• Chopped tomatoes
• Sliced red onions
• Crumbled feta cheese (optional)

HOW TO MAKE CHICKEN GYROS:

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS:

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together the lemon juice, yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, salt, oregano, and pepper in a bowl. This marinade is where all that tangy, herby flavor begins. Toss in the chicken thighs and coat them well. Let it marinate for at least one hour, but if you can plan ahead, a few hours (or even overnight) really helps those flavors soak in.

Step 2: Make the Tzatziki
While the chicken’s marinating, make your tzatziki. It’s quick and so worth it. Mix the Greek yogurt with garlic, lemon juice, salt, dill, and that grated cucumber. Don’t skip the step of squeezing out the liquid from the cucumber—it makes a big difference in texture! Pop the sauce in the fridge to chill; it gets even better as it sits.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Once the chicken is ready, heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for about 5–6 minutes per side, until it’s golden and cooked through. Let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into strips.

Step 4: Assemble Your Gyros
Warm your pita or flatbread just until soft and pliable. Then layer it up: a smear of tzatziki, a pile of sliced chicken, some crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, red onions, and a sprinkle of feta if you’re using it. Wrap it up and enjoy while everything’s warm and fresh!

HELPFUL TIPS:

• Use chicken thighs for the juiciest, most flavorful meat. You can use chicken breast if preferred, but thighs really hold up well to the bold marinade.
• Let it marinate longer if time allows—it makes the flavor pop.
• Tzatziki shortcut: If you’re short on time, store-bought tzatziki can work in a pinch. But homemade really brings the whole dish together.
• Prep ahead: Make the marinade and tzatziki the night before for easy assembly the next day.
• No pita? Try serving everything over rice or salad greens for a gyro bowl version.

DETAILS:

• Prep Time: 15 minutes (+ marinating time)
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes (not including marination)
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilled or Skillet
• Cuisine: Greek
• Diet: High Protein, Mediterranean

NOTES:

You can easily adjust the toppings based on what you love or have on hand. Add cucumbers, olives, or even swap in turkey ham if you want a little something extra.

NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION:

(Per Serving – approximate)
Calories: 350
Protein: 28g
Fat: 18g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 2g
Sugar: 4g

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Absolutely. Chicken breast will work fine, but thighs are more forgiving and flavorful.

How long can I store the cooked chicken?
It’ll keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days. Perfect for meal prep!

Is this freezer-friendly?
You can freeze the cooked chicken (not the assembled gyro). Just let it cool, slice it, and store in an airtight container.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Sure! Use a dairy-free yogurt for both the marinade and tzatziki.

STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS:

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The tzatziki can be stored separately in the fridge for about 3 days. Assemble gyros fresh for best texture. Pita can be frozen and reheated as needed.

Related Recipes

If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other cheesy delights:

• Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps
• Greek Chicken Gyros
• The Best Greek Chicken Marinade

CONCLUSION

These Chicken Gyros are the kind of meal you’ll find yourself craving again and again. They’re easy to throw together, perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings, and packed with fresh, bold flavors that just feel good. Whether you’re sharing them with friends or enjoying a quiet lunch, they bring a little bit of the Mediterranean into your kitchen. And really, who couldn’t use more of that?

Print