Save
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.
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.
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.