Greek Chicken Gyros Delight

Category: Everyday Mains Made Simple

This dish features thinly sliced chicken breast marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and cumin, allowing vibrant Mediterranean flavors to infuse deeply. The chicken is cooked to golden perfection, then combined with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, onions, feta, and parsley, all wrapped in warm pita bread. A cool, creamy tzatziki sauce made from Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon, and fresh dill adds a refreshing balance. Together, these ingredients create a harmonious and delicious meal that highlights fresh, bright flavors and satisfying textures.

Breanna smiling at the camera.
Created By Breanna
Last updated on Thu, 12 Feb 2026 21:19:51 GMT
A gyro with chicken and vegetables. Save
A gyro with chicken and vegetables. | foodiffy.com

This Greek chicken gyros recipe is perfect for bringing a taste of the Mediterranean into your kitchen any night of the week. The combination of marinated chicken with fresh vegetables and creamy tzatziki makes for a fulfilling meal that feels like a little celebration wrapped in warm pita bread.

I first made this recipe when craving something fresh yet hearty after a long day. It quickly became a favorite since it requires minimal fuss but delivers maximum flavor and satisfaction.

Ingredients

  • Chicken breast: sliced thin for quick and even cooking making sure to choose fresh or well-thawed poultry for the best texture
  • Olive oil: adds richness and helps the marinade coat the chicken thoroughly opt for a good quality extra virgin when possible
  • Lemon juice: brightens the marinade with citrus notes and tenderizes the meat for juicy results
  • Fresh garlic: minced fresh brings a punch of flavor that is essential in Greek cuisine
  • Dried oregano and ground cumin: provide the classic herb and spice character that elevates the chicken’s profile choose aromatic spices stored in airtight containers for freshness
  • Salt and pepper: enhance all flavors and balance the marinade nicely
  • Greek yogurt: is thick and creamy forming the base of the tzatziki sauce that contrasts beautifully with the crisp vegetables
  • Cucumber: grated and drained to avoid watery sauce and add refreshing crunch and moisture
  • Fresh dill or mint: chopped finely for a herbal brightness that lifts the sauce
  • Pita bread rounds: warm for soft and pliable wraps preferably fresh or lightly toasted for better texture
  • Tomatoes red onions cucumber: chopped fresh to add vibrant color and satisfying crunch
  • Crumbled feta cheese: adds saltiness and creaminess that tie the fillings together
  • Chopped parsley: brings a final hint of freshness that complements all other components

Instructions

Marinate The Chicken:
Mix olive oil lemon juice garlic oregano cumin salt and pepper in a bowl. Add the thin chicken slices and toss until everything is coated evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors soak in. Overnight marination enhances the depth but half an hour is enough for a tasty quick meal.
Prepare The Tzatziki Sauce:
In a small bowl combine Greek yogurt grated and drained cucumber garlic lemon juice olive oil and fresh dill. Stir well to combine and season with salt and pepper to taste. Chill in the fridge to let the flavors meld properly before serving.
Cook The Chicken:
Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat until hot. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove from heat and allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes so juices redistribute for juicy tender meat. Slice into strips before assembling.
Warm The Pita Bread:
Heat pita rounds in a dry skillet or wrap them in foil and warm in the oven for a few minutes. This makes them soft and easier to fold around the filling without cracking.
Assemble The Gyros:
Place a warm pita flat on a plate. Add a generous portion of cooked chicken in the center. Top with chopped tomatoes sliced red onions chopped cucumber crumbled feta cheese and chopped parsley for a bouquet of flavors and textures.
Add The Tzatziki:
Spoon or drizzle enough tzatziki sauce to cover the fillings. This adds creamy coolness that complements the savory chicken and fresh veggies.
Wrap And Serve:
Fold the pita around the filling tightly to create a wrap that is easy to hold and eat. Serve immediately while still warm for the best taste and texture.
A gyro with chicken and vegetables.
A gyro with chicken and vegetables. | foodiffy.com

Tzatziki is my favorite ingredient here because it brings that perfect tangy creaminess. I remember making gyros when my family came over and everyone kept asking for seconds of this sauce. It really makes the dish sing.

Storage Tips

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge and use within three days. Keep the tzatziki sauce separate to avoid soggy pita. When reheating warm the chicken gently either in a skillet or microwave and serve with fresh pita.

Ingredient Swaps

Chicken thighs can be used instead of breast for more juiciness but cook slightly longer. If Greek yogurt is not available plain thick yogurt works too. Fresh mint in place of dill gives a slightly different but lovely herbal note.

Serving Ideas

Add some roasted red peppers or a sprinkle of sumac for extra flavor. Serve with a side salad or crispy fries to make it a full Mediterranean feast. Leftover fillings also make great salad toppings or rice bowl additions.

A gyro with meat, tomatoes, onions, and cucumbers.
A gyro with meat, tomatoes, onions, and cucumbers. | foodiffy.com

This Greek chicken gyros recipe brings the Mediterranean to your table with fresh flavors and easy preparation.

Frequently Asked Recipe Questions

→ How long should I marinate the chicken for best flavor?

Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors develop, but soaking it overnight in the refrigerator enhances the taste even more.

→ Can I grill the chicken instead of cooking it in a skillet?

Yes, grilling the marinated chicken adds a smoky char that complements the herbs, enhancing the overall flavor.

→ What is the purpose of draining the grated cucumber for tzatziki?

Draining removes excess moisture from the cucumber so the sauce stays thick and creamy instead of watery.

→ Which herbs pair well with the chicken marinade?

Dried oregano and ground cumin are classic choices that bring earthiness and warmth, but fresh parsley in the final assembly adds brightness.

→ How should I warm the pita bread for assembling?

Warm pita can be heated in a dry skillet, wrapped in foil in the oven, or briefly in a microwave to make it soft and pliable for folding.

Greek Chicken Gyros

Tender lemon-garlic chicken paired with fresh veggies and a creamy yogurt sauce in warm pita bread.

Preparation Time
40 mins
Time to Cook
10 mins
Overall Time
50 mins
Created By: Breanna

Type of Recipe: Lunch & Dinner

Cooking Difficulty: Intermediate Skill Needed

Cultural Origin: Greek

Portion Size: 4 Number of Servings (4 pita wraps)

Dietary Options: ~

Ingredients Required

→ Chicken Marinade

01 450 grams chicken breast, thinly sliced
02 45 milliliters olive oil
03 30 milliliters lemon juice
04 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 1 teaspoon dried oregano
06 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
07 Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Tzatziki Sauce

08 240 grams Greek yogurt
09 1/2 cucumber, grated and thoroughly drained
10 1 clove garlic, minced
11 15 milliliters lemon juice
12 15 milliliters olive oil
13 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or fresh mint)
14 Salt and black pepper to taste

→ Assembly

15 4 pita bread rounds
16 120 grams chopped tomatoes
17 120 grams sliced red onions
18 120 grams chopped cucumber
19 60 grams crumbled feta cheese
20 60 grams chopped fresh parsley

Guide to Cooking

Step 01

Combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl. Add the sliced chicken breast, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, ideally overnight for enhanced flavor infusion.

Step 02

In a small bowl, stir together Greek yogurt, drained grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and chopped dill. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Cover and refrigerate until serving to allow flavors to meld.

Step 03

Preheat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 4 to 5 minutes on each side until golden brown and thoroughly cooked. Remove from heat and let rest briefly before slicing into strips.

Step 04

Heat the pita rounds in a dry skillet or wrap in foil and warm in the oven for a few minutes until soft and pliable.

Step 05

Place warm pita bread flat, layer cooked chicken strips in the center, then top with chopped tomatoes, sliced red onions, chopped cucumber, crumbled feta, and fresh parsley.

Step 06

Drizzle or spoon the prepared tzatziki sauce evenly over the layered ingredients.

Step 07

Fold the pita around the fillings to form a wrap. Serve immediately while still warm for optimal taste.

Extra Suggestions

  1. Marinating the chicken overnight intensifies the flavors and yields a tender texture.

Necessary Equipment

  • Medium mixing bowls
  • Large skillet or grill pan
  • Grater
  • Knife for slicing
  • Measuring spoons and cups

Allergen Info

Always check ingredient labels for allergens, and talk to a health expert if you’re unsure.
  • Contains dairy and gluten

Nutritional Info (Per Serving)

Nutrition facts are for general information and shouldn’t replace professional health advice.
  • Energy (Calories): 480
  • Fats: 20 g
  • Carbohydrates: 38 g
  • Protein: 36 g