Description
The Ultimate Chicken Gyro Recipe is a mouthwatering Mediterranean delight that brings the authentic flavors of Greece to your kitchen. Juicy, marinated chicken is cooked to perfection, paired with creamy homemade tzatziki sauce, and layered with fresh vegetables like tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions. All these components are wrapped in soft, pillowy pita bread, creating a satisfying and flavorful dish. Perfect for a quick lunch, a casual dinner, or a party, this gyro recipe is easy to make and will transport your taste buds straight to the streets of Athens.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 2 lbs (1 kg) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 cucumber, grated and squeezed to remove excess water
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
- Juice of 1/2 lemon
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt, to taste
For the Gyros:
- 6–8 pita bread rounds
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (or 2 large tomatoes, diced)
- 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup cucumber, thinly sliced or diced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
- Lettuce leaves or shredded lettuce (optional)
Optional Toppings:
- Kalamata olives, sliced
- Pickled onions
- Hummus or tahini sauce
For Cooking:
- Olive oil (for grilling or pan-frying)
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken:
- In a large mixing bowl, combine Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, coriander, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth.
- Add the chicken thighs or breasts, ensuring they are fully coated in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (preferably overnight) for the best flavor.
2. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce:
- Grate the cucumber and squeeze it in a clean kitchen towel to remove excess water.
- In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, dill, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt. Mix well. Cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
3. Cook the Chicken:
- Heat a large skillet, grill pan, or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil if using a skillet.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and cook for 5-6 minutes per side (depending on thickness) until golden brown and fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C).
- Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing into thin strips.
4. Assemble the Gyros:
- Warm the pita bread in a dry skillet or microwave for a few seconds until soft and pliable.
- Spread a generous layer of tzatziki sauce on the pita.
- Add slices of cooked chicken, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and lettuce (if using).
- Sprinkle with feta cheese and optional toppings like Kalamata olives or pickled onions.
5. Wrap and Serve:
- Fold the pita around the filling and secure it with parchment paper or foil for easy handling.
- Serve immediately with extra tzatziki on the side.
Notes
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Marination Time: For the best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. If you’re short on time, aim for at least 2 hours to allow the spices to penetrate the meat.
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Chicken Choice: Chicken thighs are recommended for their juiciness, but chicken breasts work well too—just be careful not to overcook them to avoid dryness.
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Cooking Method: For authentic charred flavor, use a grill or grill pan. However, a skillet works perfectly for indoor cooking.
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Tzatziki Tips:
- Squeeze out as much water as possible from the cucumber to prevent the sauce from becoming watery.
- Adjust garlic and dill to your taste for a stronger or milder flavor.
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Customizations:
- Add or swap toppings based on your preference (e.g., bell peppers, roasted eggplant, or hummus).
- For extra spice, drizzle with hot sauce or sprinkle red chili flakes.
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Pita Bread: Use high-quality, soft pita bread. You can also lightly toast the pita for added texture.
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Make-Ahead:
- The tzatziki can be made up to 2 days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the fridge.
- Chicken can be marinated in advance and frozen in the marinade for future use.
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Serving Suggestions: Pair your gyros with sides like Greek salad, fries, or lemon rice for a complete meal.
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Leftovers: Store leftover chicken and toppings separately in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet or microwave before serving.
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Vegetarian Option: Substitute the chicken with grilled halloumi, falafel, or roasted vegetables for a delicious vegetarian gyro.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Per Serving
- Calories: 350 calories
- Sugar: 4 grams
- Sodium: 500 mg
- Fat: 12 grams
- Saturated Fat: 4 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 grams
- Carbohydrates: 30 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Protein: 30 grams
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: Chicken Gyro, Greek Gyro, Mediterranean Recipe, Homemade Gyro, Chicken Marinade, Tzatziki Sauce, Pita Bread, Greek Street Food, Healthy Dinner, Easy Chicken Recipe, Family Meal, High Protein, Greek Cuisine, Marinated Chicken, Quick Dinner, Meal Prep, Mediterranean Flavors, Authentic Gyro Recipe, Low Carb Option, Dairy-Free Option