If you’re craving bold Mediterranean flavors wrapped in a warm, fluffy pita, this Authentic Greek Chicken Gyros recipe delivers in every bite. Juicy, marinated chicken is grilled to perfection, then tucked into soft pita bread alongside crisp vegetables and a cool, creamy homemade tzatziki sauce. It’s the kind of satisfying meal that feels both fresh and hearty, perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or meal prepping for the week. You can make most of the components ahead of time, which makes this even more convenient without sacrificing flavor. With minimal effort and simple ingredients, you’ll bring the taste of a Greek taverna right to your table.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
½ cucumber, finely grated and moisture squeezed out
1 small garlic clove, grated or finely minced
Pinch of salt
For Assembly:
4–6 pita breads or flatbreads
1 cucumber, diced
2 medium tomatoes, diced
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional: crumbled feta cheese, olives, or lettuce for extra toppings
Instructions
Start by marinating the chicken. In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until fully blended, then add the chicken thighs and toss to coat well. Cover the bowl or transfer the chicken to a resealable plastic bag and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight if you have the time. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it becomes.
Once your chicken has marinated, preheat a grill or large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Grill for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown with a light char and fully cooked through. Set it aside to rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
While the chicken is resting, whip up the tzatziki sauce. In a medium bowl, stir together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, grated garlic, and a pinch of salt. Add the grated cucumber last, making sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible before mixing it in. Stir until smooth and creamy, then refrigerate until ready to use.
To assemble your gyros, warm each pita bread in a dry skillet or on the grill for 15 to 20 seconds per side until soft and pliable. Layer the sliced chicken down the center of the pita, then top with diced cucumber, tomato, and red onion. Add a generous spoonful of tzatziki sauce over the top and sprinkle with chopped parsley. If you’d like, finish with a bit of crumbled feta or a few olives for even more flavor.
Wrap each gyro snugly and serve immediately while everything is warm and fresh. These are fantastic with a simple side salad, roasted potatoes, or even a handful of crunchy chips.
Recipe Notes
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal for this recipe because they stay juicy and flavorful during cooking, but you can also use chicken breasts if preferred. Just be sure not to overcook them. The marinade can be made a day in advance, which makes this recipe perfect for easy weeknight prep. If you want to save time, feel free to use store-bought tzatziki, though the homemade version really elevates the dish.
If you’re serving a crowd, consider setting this up as a build-your-own gyro station. Keep the ingredients separate and let everyone create their own wrap just the way they like it. It’s a fun and interactive meal option for parties or family dinners.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this with chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they may be slightly less juicy. Make sure not to overcook them, and consider tenderizing them slightly before marinating to help retain moisture.
Can I cook the chicken in the oven?
Absolutely. Bake the marinated chicken on a sheet pan at 400°F (200°C) for about 20–25 minutes, or until fully cooked. You can broil it for the last couple of minutes for a lightly charred finish.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers?
For the chicken, reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Pita bread can be warmed in a skillet or oven. Keep the tzatziki and veggies chilled until ready to serve.
How long does tzatziki sauce last in the fridge?
Homemade tzatziki can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days. Just give it a stir before serving again.
Can I use store-bought pita bread?
Yes! Most grocery store pita breads or flatbreads work perfectly for this. If you want them extra soft and pliable, warm them briefly before assembling the gyros.
Authentic Greek Chicken Gyros
If you’re craving bold Mediterranean flavors wrapped in a warm, fluffy pita, this Authentic Greek Chicken Gyros recipe delivers in every bite. Juicy, marinated chicken is grilled to perfection, then tucked into soft pita bread alongside crisp vegetables and a cool, creamy homemade tzatziki sauce. It’s the kind of satisfying meal that feels both fresh and hearty, perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or meal prepping for the week. You can make most of the components ahead of time, which makes this even more convenient without sacrificing flavor. With minimal effort and simple ingredients, you’ll bring the taste of a Greek taverna right to your table.
- Prep Time: 35 minutes
- Cook Time: 55 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
½ cucumber, finely grated and moisture squeezed out
1 small garlic clove, grated or finely minced
Pinch of salt
For Assembly:
4–6 pita breads or flatbreads
1 cucumber, diced
2 medium tomatoes, diced
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Optional: crumbled feta cheese, olives, or lettuce for extra toppings
Instructions
Start by marinating the chicken. In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, garlic, oregano, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together until fully blended, then add the chicken thighs and toss to coat well. Cover the bowl or transfer the chicken to a resealable plastic bag and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight if you have the time. The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it becomes.
Once your chicken has marinated, preheat a grill or large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Grill for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is golden brown with a light char and fully cooked through. Set it aside to rest for 5 minutes before slicing it into thin strips.
While the chicken is resting, whip up the tzatziki sauce. In a medium bowl, stir together the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, grated garlic, and a pinch of salt. Add the grated cucumber last, making sure to squeeze out as much moisture as possible before mixing it in. Stir until smooth and creamy, then refrigerate until ready to use.
Notes
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal for this recipe because they stay juicy and flavorful during cooking, but you can also use chicken breasts if preferred. Just be sure not to overcook them. The marinade can be made a day in advance, which makes this recipe perfect for easy weeknight prep. If you want to save time, feel free to use store-bought tzatziki, though the homemade version really elevates the dish.
If you’re serving a crowd, consider setting this up as a build-your-own gyro station. Keep the ingredients separate and let everyone create their own wrap just the way they like it. It’s a fun and interactive meal option for parties or family dinners.