Craving Greek street food? You don’t need to travel to Greece to enjoy a mouthwatering chicken gyro.
With tender, marinated chicken, fresh veggies, warm pita, and creamy tzatziki sauce, this recipe brings authentic flavors right to your kitchen.
Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a meal-prep favorite, these homemade chicken gyros are easy to make and packed with flavor.
Let’s get cooking!
Ingredients for the Perfect Chicken Gyros
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- ½ cup cucumber, grated and drained
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Other Essentials:
- 4-6 pieces of Greek pita bread
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, diced
- ½ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ½ cup shredded lettuce
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
How to Make Chicken Gyros (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and coat evenly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably overnight, for the best flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Grill Method: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until fully cooked and slightly charred.
- Pan-Searing Method: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Oven Method: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
Let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
Step 3: Make the Tzatziki Sauce
Grate the cucumber and squeeze out excess moisture with a paper towel. In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, cucumber, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, dill, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and refrigerate until ready to use.
Step 4: Assemble the Gyros
Warm the pita bread in a dry pan or oven. Layer with lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, and sliced chicken. Drizzle with tzatziki sauce and sprinkle with feta cheese if using. Fold the pita around the fillings and wrap it in parchment paper for easier handling.
Tips for the Best Homemade Gyros
- Use Greek-style pita for an authentic, soft wrap.
- Marinate the chicken overnight for the most flavorful results.
- Drain the cucumber well to prevent watery tzatziki.
- Serve immediately to keep the pita warm and soft.
What to Serve with Chicken Gyros
- Classic Greek sides: Greek salad, lemon rice, roasted potatoes
- Light and fresh sides: Cucumber salad, hummus, or tabbouleh
- Beverage pairings: Homemade lemonade or a crisp white wine
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I use store-bought tzatziki?
Yes, but homemade tzatziki has a fresher taste and allows you to control the ingredients.
What’s the best way to store and reheat leftovers?
Store chicken and tzatziki separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat chicken in a pan or microwave before assembling gyros.
Can I make gyros in advance?
Yes! Marinate the chicken ahead of time and prepare the tzatziki sauce a day in advance. Assemble fresh before serving for the best taste.
Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce (30-Minutes)
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- ½ cup cucumber grated and drained
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh dill chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Other Essentials:
- 4-6 pieces of Greek pita bread
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes diced
- ½ cup red onion thinly sliced
- ½ cup shredded lettuce
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese optional
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and coat evenly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably overnight, for the best flavor.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
- Grill Method: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the chicken for 5-6 minutes per side until fully cooked and slightly charred.
- Pan-Searing Method: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Oven Method: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
- Let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
Step 3: Make the Tzatziki Sauce
- Grate the cucumber and squeeze out excess moisture with a paper towel. In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, cucumber, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, dill, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth and refrigerate until ready to use.
Step 4: Assemble the Gyros
- Warm the pita bread in a dry pan or oven. Layer with lettuce, tomatoes, red onions, and sliced chicken. Drizzle with tzatziki sauce and sprinkle with feta cheese if using. Fold the pita around the fillings and wrap it in parchment paper for easier handling.