Easy Chicken Gyros

These Easy Chicken Gyros are packed with tender marinated chicken, crisp vegetables, and creamy homemade Tzatziki sauce—all wrapped in warm, fluffy pita bread. Inspired by classic Greek street food, this recipe brings authentic Mediterranean flavors to your kitchen with simple, wholesome ingredients. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep, these gyros are a fresh and satisfying way to change up your chicken routine.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Flavor-packed marinade with yogurt, lemon, and spices

• Juicy, tender chicken in every bite

• Fresh veggies and herbs for brightness and crunch

• Customizable toppings to suit any taste

• Great for meal prep or weeknight dinners

• Easy to make ahead—marinate the chicken in advance

• Healthy and balanced with protein, fiber, and good fats

• Authentic Greek flavor at home

• No special equipment needed

• Fun to assemble—perfect for family-style meals

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Chicken Marinade:

• 1 pound chicken breasts, thinly sliced into strips

• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt

• ¼ cup olive oil

• ½ lemon, juiced

• 2 tablespoons red vinegar

• 1 tablespoon garlic paste (or finely minced garlic)

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 teaspoon ground black pepper

For Cooking and Assembly:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for cooking)

• 4–6 Greek-style pita breads

• 2 cups chopped romaine lettuce

• 1½ cups cherry tomatoes, cut into thirds

• 1 cucumber, deseeded and diced

• ½ red onion, diced

• Tzatziki sauce, for serving

Directions

1. Marinate the chicken:
   In a large bowl, whisk together the yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, red vinegar, garlic paste, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and stir to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 8 hours.

2. Cook the chicken:
   Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Remove the chicken from the marinade (letting excess drip off) and cook for about 6 minutes per side, or until golden and fully cooked. Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into long strips.

3. Warm the pitas:
   While the chicken cooks, warm the pita breads in a clean skillet over medium heat for 1 minute on each side.

4. Assemble the gyros:
   Lay out the warmed pitas and layer with chopped romaine, sliced tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and the cooked chicken.

5. Add the sauce and serve:
   Drizzle with Tzatziki sauce and serve immediately.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4 people

• Prep time: 10 minutes

• Cook time: 12 minutes

• Marinating time: 2 hours (minimum 30 minutes)

• Total time: 2 hours 22 minutes

Variations

• Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for extra juiciness

• Add feta cheese or olives for a briny, savory twist

• Spice it up: Add crushed red pepper or hot sauce to the marinade

• Make it vegetarian: Substitute grilled halloumi, chickpeas, or falafel

• Try different sauces: Swap tzatziki for hummus or tahini dressing

• Low-carb version: Serve over a salad or in lettuce wraps instead of pita

• Add grilled veggies like bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrition

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store leftover chicken and veggies in separate containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.

• Freezing: Freeze the cooked chicken (without veggies) in an airtight container for up to 2 months.

• Reheating: Reheat chicken in a skillet or microwave until warm. Toast pita just before serving.

FAQs

Can I grill the chicken instead of using a skillet?

Yes, grilling adds a delicious smoky flavor. Cook over medium-high heat for about 5–6 minutes per side.

Do I have to use Greek yogurt in the marinade?

Greek yogurt helps tenderize the chicken and adds flavor, but you can substitute plain regular yogurt if needed.

Can I use store-bought Tzatziki?

Absolutely. Homemade is great, but high-quality store-bought Tzatziki works in a pinch.

What kind of pita should I use?

Look for Greek-style pita that’s soft and thicker than traditional pita pockets—it wraps better and holds up to fillings.

Can I prep everything ahead of time?

Yes! Marinate the chicken, chop the veggies, and make the sauce ahead of time. Cook and assemble just before serving.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pita bread to make this recipe gluten-free. All other ingredients are naturally gluten-free.

Can I use a different protein?

Yes, try lamb, beef, or even tofu for different variations.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

At least 30 minutes, but 2 to 8 hours is ideal for maximum flavor and tenderness.

How do I make it dairy-free?

Use a non-dairy yogurt in the marinade and a dairy-free alternative for Tzatziki or a tahini-based sauce.

What sides go well with chicken gyros?

Serve with lemon rice, Greek salad, roasted potatoes, or a side of hummus and pita chips.

Conclusion

These Easy Chicken Gyros deliver big flavor with minimal effort, making them a go-to option for dinner any night of the week. With juicy marinated chicken, fresh toppings, and cool Tzatziki sauce wrapped in warm pita bread, this recipe is a satisfying and wholesome take on a Mediterranean classic. Whether for a family dinner or a casual gathering, these gyros are sure to impress.

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