The Ultimate Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe That’ll Wow Everyone

Crafting the perfect greek chicken gyros requires patience and a dash of culinary passion.

Mediterranean flavors dance through this classic street food delight.

Tender marinated chicken becomes the star of an incredible sandwich experience.

Crisp vegetables and creamy tzatziki sauce complement the meat’s robust seasonings.

Authentic ingredients blend seamlessly to create a mouthwatering combination.

Simple techniques bring restaurant-quality results right to your kitchen.

Every bite promises a delicious journey through greek street food traditions.

You won’t want to miss creating this incredible meal that transports taste buds to the sunny streets of athens.

Ingredients for Greek Chicken Gyros with Homemade Tzatziki and Lemon Wedges

• Chicken Strips: Lean protein that absorbs the delicious Mediterranean marinade and provides the core of the gyros.

• Olive Oil, Garlic, Oregano, Paprika, Cumin, Coriander, Salt, Pepper: Aromatic spices and seasonings that create a flavorful coating for the chicken and enhance its overall taste profile.

• Greek Yogurt: Creamy base that provides a tangy and smooth texture for the traditional sauce.
• Cucumber, Garlic, Dill, Lemon Juice, Salt, Pepper: Fresh ingredients that combine to create a cool and refreshing tzatziki sauce with balanced flavors.

• Pita Breads: Soft, warm flatbreads that serve as the perfect vessel for holding the grilled chicken and tzatziki.
• Lemon Wedges, Fresh Parsley or Dill: Bright garnishes that add a zesty freshness and visual appeal to the final dish.

Instructions for Greek Chicken Gyros with Homemade Tzatziki and Lemon Wedges

Step 1: Prepare Flavor-Packed Chicken Marinade

• Olive oil
• Minced garlic
• Dried oregano
• Paprika
• Cumin
• Coriander
• Salt
• Black pepper

Add chicken strips and thoroughly coat with the marinade. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors deeply penetrate the meat.

Step 2: Fire Up the Grill

Heat a grill or grill pan to medium-high temperature. Cook chicken strips for 4-5 minutes on each side until they develop beautiful char marks and are completely cooked through. The exterior should be golden and slightly crispy while maintaining juicy interior.

Step 3: Whip Up Creamy Tzatziki Sauce

• Greek yogurt
• Freshly grated cucumber
• Minced garlic
• Chopped fresh dill
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir ingredients until smooth and well-blended. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed for perfect tanginess.

Step 4: Build Mouthwatering Gyros

Warm pita breads slightly in oven or skillet. Layer each pita with grilled chicken strips. Generously top with creamy tzatziki sauce. Finish with fresh lemon wedges and sprinkle of chopped parsley or dill for bright, fresh flavor.

Pro Tips for Greek Chicken Gyros with Homemade Tzatziki and Lemon Wedges

• Maximize Marinade Magic: Let chicken soak in the flavorful marinade for at least 30 minutes or overnight to enhance taste and tenderness.
• Drain Cucumber Carefully: Squeeze excess moisture from grated cucumber using a clean kitchen towel to prevent watery tzatziki.
• Grill with Precision: Ensure medium-high heat and avoid moving chicken too much for perfect char marks and juicy meat.
• Select Authentic Pitas: Choose fresh, soft Greek-style pita bread for the most authentic gyros experience.
• Balance Tzatziki Flavors: Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more lemon or herbs to create a perfectly balanced sauce.

Flavor Variations for Greek Chicken Gyros with Homemade Tzatziki and Lemon Wedges

• Vegetarian Gyros: Replace chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or marinated tofu strips, seasoned with same Greek spices for a plant-based protein option.
• Spicy Mediterranean Version: Add red chili flakes or harissa paste to the marinade for a hot and zesty flavor profile that elevates the traditional recipe.
• Low-Carb Wrap Alternative: Skip pita bread and serve chicken and tzatziki in lettuce wraps or over a fresh Greek salad for a lighter, carbohydrate-reduced meal.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Use gluten-free pita or large lettuce leaves instead of traditional wheat pitas, ensuring all ingredients remain naturally gluten-free.

Pairing Suggestions for Greek Chicken Gyros with Homemade Tzatziki and Lemon Wedges

• Perfect Wine Pairing: Select crisp white wines like Assyrtiko or Santorini, which complement the Greek chicken's herbal marinade and cut through the creamy tzatziki's richness.
• Refreshing Beverage Match: Serve chilled Greek beer such as Mythos or Fix, offering a light, hoppy contrast that balances the grilled chicken's smoky flavors.
• Mediterranean Side Suggestion: Pair with a simple Greek salad featuring tomatoes, cucumbers, and feta cheese, enhancing the meal's authentic Mediterranean profile and providing additional fresh textures.
• Cultural Drink Option: Include ouzo, a traditional Greek anise-flavored aperitif, which adds an authentic touch and cleanses the palate between bites of the flavorful gyros.

Storage Tips for Greek Chicken Gyros with Homemade Tzatziki and Lemon Wedges

• Store leftover chicken and tzatziki separately in airtight containers for up to 3-4 days. Wrap chicken tightly to prevent drying out.
• Place cooled chicken in freezer-safe containers or bags, removing excess air. Tzatziki doesn't freeze well due to cucumber's water content. Chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months.
• Warm chicken gently in microwave with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Alternatively, reheat in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of olive oil, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
• Warm pita bread, add reheated chicken, and top with fresh tzatziki. Add extra herbs or lemon juice to revive flavors and bring back the original zesty taste.

FAQs About Greek Chicken Gyros with Homemade Tzatziki and Lemon Wedges

• How do I choose the best chicken for gyros?

Select boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Look for fresh, high-quality meat with minimal fat for the most tender and flavorful results.

• Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the marinade up to 24 hours in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and add the chicken when ready to marinate.

• What if I don't have a grill or grill pan?

Use a regular skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat. You’ll still get delicious caramelization and flavor on the chicken.

Why Greek Chicken Gyros with Homemade Tzatziki and Lemon Wedges Are Delicious

• Burst with Mediterranean Flavors: Dive into a culinary journey that captures the essence of Greek cuisine with perfectly seasoned chicken, zesty tzatziki, and aromatic herbs.
• Master Grill-to-Table Cooking: Create restaurant-quality gyros at home with simple techniques that bring out incredible char and smoky notes on the chicken.
• Customize Your Meal: Easily adapt the recipe by swapping proteins, adding extra veggies, or adjusting spice levels to suit individual tastes and dietary preferences.
• Quick and Nutritious Dinner Option: Pack a protein-rich meal loaded with fresh ingredients that comes together faster than ordering takeout, making it ideal for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.

Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe

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4.5 from 38 reviews

• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean flavors dance through this Greek chicken gyros recipe, bringing street-food magic right to home kitchens. Juicy marinated chicken, crisp vegetables, and creamy tzatziki sauce wrap perfectly in warm pita, delivering an authentic taste of Greece you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Proteins:

• 1 pound (454 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into strips

Spices and Seasonings:

• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• Salt, to taste
• Ground black pepper, to taste
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Cooking and Additional Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 pita breads or flatbreads

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Instructions

1. Craft a vibrant marinade by whisking olive oil with garlic, oregano, paprika, cumin, coriander, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing vessel.
2. Immerse chicken strips thoroughly in the aromatic mixture, ensuring complete coverage, and refrigerate for minimum 30 minutes to allow flavor penetration.
3. Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high temperature, creating an ideal searing environment around 400°F.
4. Transfer marinated chicken strips onto hot grill surface, cooking approximately 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown with distinct char marks and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
5. While chicken grills, prepare tzatziki by combining Greek yogurt with finely grated cucumber, minced garlic, chopped dill, freshly squeezed lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
6. Whisk tzatziki ingredients until smooth, adjusting seasonings to create a balanced, tangy sauce.
7. Gently warm pita breads in oven or skillet at 300°F for 2-3 minutes until slightly crisp and pliable.
8. Construct gyros by layering grilled chicken strips inside warm pita bread.
9. Crown each gyro with generous tzatziki dollop, then garnish with fresh parsley or dill and accompanying lemon wedges for bright, citrusy accent.

Notes

• Enhance marinade absorption by scoring chicken lightly before seasoning, allowing deeper flavor penetration.
• Choose full-fat Greek yogurt for tzatziki to achieve richer, creamier texture and authentic Mediterranean taste.
• Pat cucumber dry after grating to prevent watery tzatziki sauce and maintain proper consistency.
• Quick alternative for busy weeknights: use pre-sliced chicken tenders or rotisserie chicken to reduce prep time.

• Prep Time: 35 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 375 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 350 mg
• Fat: 18 g
• Saturated Fat: 3.5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 29 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg