Greek Chicken Gyros are a delicious Mediterranean street food favorite brought right to your home kitchen. This authentic recipe features marinated chicken tenderloins seasoned with traditional Greek spices, grilled to perfection, and wrapped in warm pita bread with fresh vegetables and homemade tzatziki sauce. The combination of tender, flavorful chicken and cool, creamy tzatziki creates a perfect balance that captures the essence of Greek cuisine.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic Mediterranean flavors that transport you to Greece without leaving your kitchen
• Quick and easy weeknight dinner option that still feels special
• Customizable for everyone at your table with various toppings
• Healthier than takeout but just as satisfying
• Perfect for meal prep – components can be made ahead for quick assembly

Ingredients

• Chicken Tenderloins: These cook quickly and stay juicy. You can substitute chicken breasts or thighs if you prefer.
• Olive Oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor in your marinade.
• Lemon Juice: Fresh is best! The acidity helps tenderize the chicken and adds brightness.
• Garlic: Fresh minced garlic provides aromatic flavor. You can adjust the amount based on your preference.
• Dried Oregano: A quintessential Greek herb that gives the dish its authentic flavor.
• Dried Thyme: Adds earthy notes that complement the oregano beautifully.
• Paprika: Provides a subtle smoky quality and beautiful color to the chicken.
• Kosher Salt and Pepper: Essential for bringing out all the flavors in your marinade.
• Pita Flatbreads: Look for soft, thicker Greek-style pitas rather than thin pocket pitas for an authentic experience.
• Romaine Lettuce: Provides crunch and freshness. You can substitute iceberg lettuce if preferred.
• Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy, these add brightness. Regular tomatoes diced work well too.
• Red Onion: Adds a pop of color and zesty flavor. Soak in ice water for a few minutes to reduce sharpness.
• Greek Yogurt: The base for tzatziki sauce, use full-fat for the creamiest texture.
• English Cucumber: Has fewer seeds and less water than regular cucumbers, making it perfect for tzatziki.
• Fresh Dill: Gives the tzatziki its distinctive flavor. Mint can be used as an alternative.
• Lemon Zest: Intensifies the lemon flavor in the tzatziki without adding too much liquid.

Variations

Mediterranean Bowl Style

Transform this gyro recipe into a deconstructed bowl by serving the grilled chicken and toppings over a bed of rice or quinoa instead of in pita bread. Add a dollop of tzatziki sauce and a drizzle of olive oil for a satisfying grain bowl experience.

Vegetarian Greek Wraps

Replace the chicken with grilled halloumi cheese or marinated tofu using the same Greek seasonings. You’ll still get all the wonderful Mediterranean flavors in a vegetarian-friendly format that’s equally delicious.

Spicy Greek Gyros

Add a kick to your gyros by incorporating some heat. Mix 1/2 teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes into the chicken marinade and add thinly sliced jalapeños to your topping options. For extra spice, mix a small amount of sriracha into your tzatziki sauce.

How to Make the Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Combine chicken tenderloins with olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper in a zip-top bag. Seal the bag, removing as much air as possible, and massage the marinade into the chicken to ensure even coating. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight, turning the bag occasionally to ensure even marinating.

Step 2: Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce

While the chicken is marinating, prepare the tzatziki sauce by combining Greek yogurt, grated and squeezed-dry cucumber, chopped fresh dill, lemon juice, lemon zest, and minced garlic in a medium bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

Preheat your grill to medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, discarding the excess marinade. Grill the chicken for about 4 minutes per side, turning occasionally until it’s cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Step 4: Warm the Pitas and Assemble

Warm the pita bread on the grill for 1-2 minutes per side until soft and pliable. Cut each pita in half to form pockets, then fill with sliced grilled chicken, shredded romaine lettuce, quartered cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion. Finish with a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce and serve immediately.

Tips for Making the Recipe

• Don’t rush the marinating time – longer marinating (up to 24 hours) means more flavorful chicken
• Squeeze the grated cucumber thoroughly to remove excess moisture for a thicker, more authentic tzatziki
• For extra tender chicken, lightly pound the tenderloins to an even thickness before marinating
• If you don’t have a grill, use a grill pan or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat
• Warm your pitas just before serving – this makes them more pliable and enhances their flavor
• For a charred flavor without a grill, broil the chicken on high for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking

How to Serve

Serve your Greek Chicken Gyros fresh and warm for the best experience. You can present them wrapped in parchment paper for an authentic street food feel, or serve deconstructed on a platter allowing everyone to build their own. Complete your Mediterranean meal with sides like lemon rice, a Greek salad with feta cheese, or crispy roasted potatoes seasoned with oregano and lemon. For a refreshing beverage pairing, try serving with a crisp white wine like Assyrtiko, or keep it authentic with a cold Mythos beer.

Make Ahead

The beauty of this recipe is that many components can be prepared in advance for quick assembly:

The tzatziki sauce can be made up to 3 days ahead and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It actually tastes better after the flavors have had time to develop.

The chicken can be marinated up to 24 hours in advance. You can also grill the chicken ahead of time, refrigerate it, and then briefly reheat it wrapped in foil in a 300°F oven until warm.

Prep your vegetables the morning of serving and store them in separate containers in the refrigerator to maintain freshness and prevent sogginess.

For meal prep, store all components separately and assemble just before eating to prevent the pita from becoming soggy.

FAQs

Can I cook the chicken in ways other than grilling?

Yes! While grilling provides the best flavor, you can also cook the chicken in a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat for about 4-5 minutes per side, or bake it in the oven at 425°F for 15-20 minutes until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

To make this recipe dairy-free, replace the Greek yogurt in the tzatziki with dairy-free yogurt made from coconut, almond, or soy. You may need to add a squeeze of extra lemon juice to achieve the same tanginess as traditional tzatziki.

What’s the best way to warm pita bread?

For the best texture, warm pitas on a grill or in a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side. You can also wrap them in damp paper towels and microwave for 20-30 seconds, or wrap in foil and heat in a 350°F oven for 5 minutes.

Can I freeze leftover gyro components?

The marinated uncooked chicken freezes well for up to 3 months. The cooked chicken can also be frozen for up to 2 months. However, tzatziki sauce doesn’t freeze well due to its high water content, and fresh vegetables should not be frozen for this recipe.

Conclusion

These Greek Chicken Gyros bring the vibrant flavors of Mediterranean street food right to your dinner table. With tender, herb-marinated chicken, cool and creamy tzatziki, and fresh crisp vegetables all wrapped in warm pita bread, this meal is sure to become a family favorite. Whether you’re looking for a simple weeknight dinner or an impressive yet easy option for entertaining, this versatile recipe delivers authentic Greek flavors without complicated techniques. Give these homemade gyros a try, and transport yourself to the sunny Mediterranean with every delicious bite!

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