Chicken gyros bring the bold, vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean straight to your kitchen. Tender marinated chicken, warm pita bread, crisp vegetables, creamy tzatziki, and zesty herbs come together to create a wrap that’s both comforting and refreshing. It’s one of those meals that tastes restaurant-quality but is surprisingly simple to prepare at home.
What makes chicken gyros so irresistible is the balance of flavors: tangy yogurt and lemon in the marinade, the savory warmth of garlic and herbs, and the cooling creaminess of tzatziki. Every bite is bright, flavorful, and deeply satisfying. Whether you’re craving a wholesome lunch, an impressive dinner, or meal-prep-friendly protein, gyros are a reliable go-to.
This recipe stays true to Greek-inspired flavors while keeping the process approachable for home cooks. With a few pantry-friendly ingredients and a quick marinade, you can create a beautifully layered wrap that tastes fresh, vibrant, and authentic.
Why Chicken Gyros Are a Must-Make
Chicken gyros are popular around the world because they’re:
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Packed with Mediterranean flavor
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Naturally high in protein and nutrient-rich
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Customizable with toppings and sauces
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Perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep
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Comforting yet fresh enough for warm weather
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Family-friendly and easy to adjust for picky eaters
They deliver restaurant-style flavor using simple ingredients.
Equipment You’ll Need
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Mixing bowls
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Cutting board & knife
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Grill pan, skillet, or outdoor grill
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Whisk for marinade
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Tongs or spatula
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Baking sheet (optional)
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Serving plates or gyro wraps
Ingredients for Chicken Gyros
For the Chicken Marinade
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1 ½ lbs boneless chicken thighs or breasts
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½ cup plain Greek yogurt
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2 tbsp olive oil
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2 tbsp lemon juice
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tsp dried oregano
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1 tsp dried thyme
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½ tsp paprika
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½ tsp cumin
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½ tsp salt
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¼ tsp black pepper
For the Tzatziki
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1 cup Greek yogurt
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1 small cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 clove garlic, minced
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1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
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Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Gyros
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4–6 pita or flatbread wraps
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1 cup chopped lettuce
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1 cup sliced tomatoes
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½ cup sliced red onion
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½ cup sliced cucumbers
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Fresh parsley or dill for garnish
Timing & Servings
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Prep Time: 20 minutes
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Marinating Time: 30 minutes–2 hours
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Cook Time: 10–12 minutes
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Total Time: 1–2½ hours (including marinating)
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Servings: 4–6 gyros
How to Make Chicken Gyros
Step 1. Prepare the Chicken Marinade
In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and coat evenly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, though 2 hours gives the best flavor.
Step 2. Cook the Chicken
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden and fully cooked. Transfer to a cutting board and let it rest before slicing into thin strips.
Step 3. Make the Tzatziki
Combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, dill, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth, creamy, and well blended. Refrigerate to allow the flavors to develop.
Step 4. Prep the Vegetables
Slice the tomatoes, onions, lettuce, and cucumbers. Keep everything chilled for best freshness.
Step 5. Warm the Pita
Lightly warm the pita bread in a dry skillet or microwave. Warm pita makes the wraps flexible and soft.
Step 6. Assemble the Gyros
Layer tzatziki onto the pita, add sliced chicken, top with lettuce, onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, and herbs. Drizzle extra tzatziki on top if desired.
Step 7. Serve Immediately
Enjoy your gyros warm with a side salad, fries, or roasted potatoes.
Expert Tips for Authentic-Tasting Gyros
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Use chicken thighs for maximum juiciness.
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Marinate longer for deeper flavor and tenderness.
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Drain the cucumber well for a thick, creamy tzatziki.
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Warm the pita so it folds without tearing.
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Add extra herbs like dill, mint, or parsley for a Greek-style finish.
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For crisp edges, char the chicken on high heat for the last minute.
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Make it spicy by adding harissa, chili flakes, or spicy yogurt sauce.
Delicious Variations
Grilled Chicken Gyro Bowl
Serve everything over rice or quinoa instead of pita.
Mediterranean Veggie Gyro
Swap chicken with roasted chickpeas, falafel, or grilled veggies.
Spicy Gyro
Add sriracha, chili oil, or spicy Greek yogurt sauce.
Creamy Feta Gyro
Add crumbled feta or whipped feta spread.
Low-Carb Gyro
Serve in lettuce cups or low-carb wraps.
Serving Suggestions
Chicken gyros pair beautifully with:
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Greek salad
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Lemon rice
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Roasted potatoes
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Hummus and pita chips
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Tabouli
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Feta fries
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Marinated olives
Serve as a lunch wrap, a quick dinner, or a party-friendly handheld.
Nutritional Facts (Per Gyro)
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Calories: 380–450
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Protein: 28–32 g
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Carbohydrates: 35–40 g
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Total Fat: 12–16 g
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Saturated Fat: 3–4 g
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Fiber: 3–5 g
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Sugars: 4–6 g
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Sodium: 600–750 mg
Values vary based on pita size and toppings.
If you enjoy handheld lunches, you might also like Chicken Apple Salad Wraps, Homemade Sloppy Joes, or BBQ Ranch Chicken Wrap.
Chicken Gyros
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and coat evenly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, though 2 hours gives the best flavor.
- Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden and fully cooked. Transfer to a cutting board and let it rest before slicing into thin strips.
- Combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, dill, salt, and pepper. Stir until smooth, creamy, and well blended. Refrigerate to allow the flavors to develop.
- Slice the tomatoes, onions, lettuce, and cucumbers. Keep everything chilled for best freshness.
- Lightly warm the pita bread in a dry skillet or microwave. Warm pita makes the wraps flexible and soft.
- Layer tzatziki onto the pita, add sliced chicken, top with lettuce, onions, tomatoes, cucumbers, and herbs. Drizzle extra tzatziki on top if desired.
- Enjoy your chicken gyros warm with a side salad, fries, or roasted potatoes.
Conclusion
Homemade Chicken Gyros are flavorful, fresh, and incredibly satisfying. With juicy marinated chicken, cool tzatziki, crisp vegetables, and warm pita, every bite captures the essence of Mediterranean comfort food. Whether you’re hosting guests, preparing a quick weeknight dinner, or building a nutritious meal-prep rotation, gyros offer versatile, vibrant flavor with minimal effort. They’re wholesome, customizable, and guaranteed to become a household favorite.
Recipe FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes—breasts work well but may be slightly less juicy. Adjust cooking time to avoid dryness.
2. How long should I marinate the chicken?
At least 30 minutes, but 2–6 hours delivers optimal flavor.
3. Can I air-fry the chicken?
Absolutely—cook at 380°F (190°C) for 12–14 minutes, flipping halfway.
4. Can I make tzatziki ahead of time?
Yes, and it actually tastes better after chilling for a few hours.
5. What is the best pita to use?
Look for Greek-style pocketless pita—soft, thick, and great for wraps.
6. Can I make a gyro bowl instead of a wrap?
Yes—serve the chicken over rice or greens with all the classic toppings.