Greek Chicken Gyro

4.65 from 17 votes
Jump to RecipeComment

This post may contain affiliate links.

This Greek chicken gyro recipe is easy and exceptionally delicious. It offers a unique balance of juicy, spiced chicken, creamy tzatziki, and fresh vegetables all wrapped in soft pita bread. Whether craving a quick lunch or a satisfying dinner, gyros never disappoint.

A plate of two chicken gyro wraps with a rotisserie pan in the back.


 

If you love Greek cuisine, my Greek recipes will satisfy your cravings. From chicken souvlaki and one pan Greek chicken and rice to easy baked Greek chicken, every single dish will brighten your taste buds and take you to the shores of the Mediterranean! Now, if you love the gyro from your local Greek restaurant, this homemade chicken gyro will be one of your favorite recipes!


Recipe Highlights

Cultural Influence: Greek

Primary Cooking Technique: Marinating and roasting on a vertical skewer or a pan

Dominant Flavor Profile: Savory and tangy, with juicy, yogurt-marinated chicken complemented by creamy tzatziki, fresh veggies, and soft pita

Skill Level Required: Beginner-friendly

This is a classic Greek recipe that you can make at home with a few ingredients.

About This Recipe

Gyro (pronounced Yee-ro) is a classic Greek dish commonly made with chicken, lamb, or beef stacked and cooked on a rotating vertical spit, similar to but distinct from doner kebab.

This Greek chicken gyro recipe will instantly transport you to the streets of Athens! That’s what you’ll typically find at Greek restaurants.

I’ve crafted this easy homemade chicken gyro recipe that delivers all the rich delicious Mediterranean flavors without needing a spit or grill.

In this Greek chicken gyros recipe, use yogurt-marinated chicken thighs, cook them to perfection, and serve them wrapped in a pita with homemade tzatziki, tomatoes, onions, and your favorite toppings.

This is the perfect weeknight dinner since it’s so fast and easy. You can marinate the chicken ahead of time and cook it when you’re ready to have dinner. One bite and you’ll never miss takeout!


Ingredients

Chicken gyro ingredients: chicken thighs, yogurt, olive oil, salt, dried oregano, lemon, and garlic
  • Chicken thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are the best option because they stay juicy and flavorful.
  • Greek yogurt: Use full-fat Greek yogurt in the marinade to tenderize the chicken and add a rich, tangy flavor. In addition to making the chicken tender and delicious, it forms a crust around it, resulting in that nice golden color.
  • Lemon: Freshly squeezed lemon juice helps break down proteins and make the chicken more tender. It also adds such nice and bright flavor to the chicken.
  • Olive oil: A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil for more flavor.
  • Garlic: Freshly minced garlic infuses the marinade with pungent, savory depth. I use about 4 cloves of garlic, but you can add less.
  • Spices: For this recipe, you need dried oregano, salt, and pepper. I used dried oregano, but you can also use fresh.

To Serve

  • Pita bread: Warm your homemade pita bread slightly before assembling it to make it more pliable and enhance its flavor.
  • Tomato: Use ripe, firm tomatoes to add a burst of freshness. Slice tomatoes just before adding them to the gyro to enhance their flavor and prevent them from making the pita soggy.
  • Parsley: Fresh parsley adds an herbaceous, peppery note. For maximum flavor, chop the parsley just before serving.
  • Red onion: Thinly slice onions then soak in water with a splash of vinegar for 10 minutes to mellow their sharpness.
  • Tzatziki: Make your tzatziki sauce in advance and refrigerate it for a few hours allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

How to Make Chicken Gyro

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Start by patting dry the chicken thighs and set aside. Then, in a large bowl mix the chicken thighs with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, pepper, oregano, and minced garlic. Make sure they are coated with the yogurt marinade. Cover and marinate for one hour up to 6 hours in the fridge.

Step 2: Roast the Chicken

Once ready to cook, brush the bottom of the pan (I used this pan) with a tablespoon of olive oil. Thread marinated chicken thighs onto a vertical skewer pan. Roast at 400°F for 90 minutes until the chicken is golden and cooked through.

If using an instant-read thermometer, insert it into the thickest part of the stack. If it reads 165°F, the chicken is done.

Once done, let the chicken rest for a few minutes to lock in the juices, then slice thinly for assembly.

slice thinly cooked chicken thighs using a sharp knife

Step 3: Assemble the Gyro Wraps

To assemble, warm the pita and spread a generous layer of homemade tzatziki sauce on it. Add the chicken, tomatoes, parsley, and sliced onion. Finally, drizzle with some lemon juice and serve immediately.

Pita bread stuffed with cooked chicken, tomato slices, parsley, sliced onion, and tzatziki sauce

No Skewer Pan? No Problem!

You may ask what to do if I don’t have the pan with the vertical skewer. Don’t worry, you can still enjoy delicious chicken gyros.

In this case, heat olive oil in a quality nonstick pan over medium heat and bring the chicken out of the fridge. Wait for the oil to get shimmery but not smoking.

Once the olive oil is hot, take the chicken thighs using a pair of tongs and make sure to shake off any excess yogurt marinade.

Place the chicken thighs in the hot pan and sear for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown. Then slice the chicken into strips and serve.


How to Serve Chicken Gyro

Serve your Greek chicken gyro wrapped in warm pita or flatbread with a generous spread of creamy tzatziki.

Besides the usual veggie fixings such as tomatoes, red onion, and parsley that come with pita when making a gyro wrap, you can also include lettuce or cucumber slices for extra texture and crunch.

Pair this Greek wrap with other delicious side dishes such as Mediterranean salad or traditional Greek salad loaded with cucumbers, tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and feta cheese.

In addition to salads, there are other side dishes we love to serve with this dish such as Greek roasted potatoesbriamfried eggplantsGreek lemon ricemelitzanosalata, and skordalia.

Use a knife to cut the chicken off the skewer.

Other Methods to Make Chicken Gyro

Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F, line a baking sheet with aluminum foil, and coat it with non-stick cooking spray. Place the chicken thighs on the baking sheet, bake in the oven for 30 minutes, and flip halfway through.

Air Fryer: Preheat the air fryer to 375°F, then place the marinated chicken in the basket and cook for 12-15 minutes, flipping halfway through. Slice thinly for gyros once cooked.

Grill: If the weather permits, grilling would be a great option too. Heat the outdoor grill and make sure the grates are oiled lightly so the chicken doesn’t stick. Shake the yogurt off the chicken thighs and place them on the grill. Grill for 5 minutes on each side or until it’s fully cooked.

Whatever method you try to make this recipe, the tender marinated chicken, paired with a soft pita and creamy tzatziki, guarantees every bite is a delicious escape. Plus, it’s easy to customize and tastes even better than takeout!

gyro on a plate with tomatoes, herbs and tzatziki,

Recipe Tips

  • Use Chicken Thighs for Juiciness: Chicken thighs stay moist and flavorful during roasting, especially on a vertical skewer. Avoid using chicken breasts, as they may dry out during cooking.
  • Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Marinate the chicken thighs for at least 1 hour. However, if time allows, marinate it for up to 6 hours. This allows the yogurt, garlic, and lemon to infuse the meat deeply.
  • Warm the Pita: Lightly toast or warm the pita bread before assembling it to make it more pliable and enhance the flavors.
  • Customize Your Toppings: Beyond veggies I use, try adding grilled veggies, pickles, or even fries for a twist. Drizzle with extra tzatziki for added creaminess.
  • Adjust Your Marinade: Add rosemary, thyme, or dill for a fresh twist. Mix in cayenne pepper or chili flakes to bring some heat to your marinade for a spicy gyro.
  • Make Gyro Bowls: Transform leftovers into a gyro bowl! Add the chicken, veggies, and pita pieces over a bed of lettuce or rice, and top with tzatziki.

Storage

It’s best to the chicken, toppings, and pita separately to prevent sogginess. Reheat and assemble fresh for the best flavor.

Refrigerator: Store cooked chicken leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days in the fridge. As for toppings, store chopped veggies in separate containers to keep them fresh. And, store tzatziki in a sealed container in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezer: Freeze cooked leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and reheat before serving. As for pita bread, wrap each pita in plastic wrap or foil, place in a freezer bag, and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating Tips: Reheat chicken in a pan with a little olive oil or in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes to maintain moisture. As for pita bread, warm it in a dry pan, oven, or microwave for a few seconds until soft and pliable.

Chicken gyro on a pita with tzatziki and veggies.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between gyro and souvlaki?

Souvlaki is marinated chicken, beef, or lamb cooked on a skewer whereas gyro is stacked meat cooked on a vertical rotating rotisserie.

How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?

Use thighs instead of breasts and avoid overcooking. Also, keep the chicken covered while resting after roasting.

Can I use non-dairy yogurt for the marinade?

Yes, you can use any non-dairy and plant-based yogurt as long as it’s plain and not flavored.

What’s the best way to slice the chicken for gyros?

Use a sharp chef’s knife to slice the chicken against the grain into thin strips to keep it tender and easy to eat.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

For sure! Prepare the marinade and marinate the chicken overnight. Refrigerate the marinated chicken until you’re ready to cook.


More Greek Recipes To Try:


Did you make this recipe? I’d love to hear about it! Please comment and leave a 5-star🌟 rating below. You can also follow us on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest or subscribe to our newsletter to get a free e-Cookbook!


chicken gyro in a pan.
4.65 from 17 votes

Greek Chicken Gyro Recipe

This Greek chicken gyro recipe is easy and exceptionally delicious. The marinade makes the chicken extra flavorful and juicy. Stuff it into a pita with fresh veggies and homemade tzatziki for a fabulous Greek deliciousness!
Prep: 15 minutes
Cook: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total: 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Save this Recipe
Enter your email and get it sent to your inbox!
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.

Ingredients 

  • 2 lbs chicken thighs
  • ¾ cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 lemon, juice of
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

To Serve

  • 4 pita bread
  • 1 tomato, sliced
  • ½ cup parsley
  • 1 red onion, sliced
  • cups tzatziki

Instructions 

  • Pat dry the chicken thighs and set aside.
  • In a large bowl, mix the chicken thighs with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, salt, pepper, oregano, and minced garlic. Make sure they are covered with yogurt marinade.
  • Cover and marinate for one hour up to 6 hours in the fridge.
  • Once the chicken is marinated, take the bowl out of the fridge and preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.
  • Brush the pan with 1 tablespoon olive oil and thread marinated chicken thighs onto a skewer pan.
  • Roast for 90 minutes until the chicken is golden and cooked.
  • Once done, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly for assembly.

To Assemble

  • Warm the pita and spread a generous layer of homemade tzatziki sauce.
  • Add the chicken, tomatoes, parsley, and sliced onion. Finally, drizzle with some lemon juice and serve immediately.

Video

Notes

  • Use Chicken Thighs for Juiciness: Chicken thighs stay moist and flavorful during roasting, especially on a vertical skewer. Avoid using chicken breasts, as they may dry out during cooking.
  • Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Marinate the chicken thighs for at least 1 hour. However, if time allows, marinate it for up to 6 hours. This allows the yogurt, garlic, and lemon to infuse the meat deeply.
  • Warm the Pita: Lightly toast or warm the pita bread before assembling it to make it more pliable and enhance the flavors.
  • Customize Your Toppings: Beyond veggies I use, try adding grilled veggies, pickles, or even fries for a twist. Drizzle with extra tzatziki for added creaminess.
  • Make Gyro Bowls: Transform leftovers into a gyro bowl! Add the chicken, veggies, and pita pieces over a bed of lettuce or rice, and top with tzatziki.

Nutrition

Calories: 471kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 38g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 7g | Trans Fat: 0.03g | Cholesterol: 155mg | Sodium: 1032mg | Potassium: 593mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 5g | Vitamin A: 837IU | Vitamin C: 21mg | Calcium: 180mg | Iron: 2mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.

Like this recipe? Leave a comment below!

About Shadi HasanzadeNemati

I'm here to show you how to make delicious Persian, Middle Eastern and Mediterranean food at home. My easy to follow recipes will bring exciting new flavors to your table!

Get a free eBook!
Fill out the form to get exclusive recipes that aren’t available anywhere else, plus receive free weekly recipes!
Please enable JavaScript in your browser to complete this form.
4.65 from 17 votes (9 ratings without comment)

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




9 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    My husband is already asking me to make this again after having it for lunch yesterday! I love chicken marinated in yogurt and the combination with the tangy lemon along with the tomatoes and onions was the perfect lunch on a pita.

  2. 5 stars
    So dang delicious! We loved these gyros and will making them again soon. I had leftover chicken to put on a salad today also, amazing!

  3. 5 stars
    I just went to the grocery store to get everything I need to make these tonight! Can’t wait to have them!