Name: Irresistible Greek Chicken Gyros
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 32 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 1/2 lb boneless skinless chicken thighs; 3 tbsp olive oil; 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice; 3 cloves garlic minced; 2 tsp dried oregano; 1 1/2 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1 tsp kosher salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp crushed red pepper flakes optional; ; 1 cup plain Greek yogurt; 1/2 English cucumber grated and squeezed dry; 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice for tzatziki; 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil for tzatziki; 1 clove garlic finely grated; 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill; 1/4 tsp kosher salt for tzatziki; 1/8 tsp black pepper for tzatziki; ; 4 Greek style pita or flatbreads warmed; 1 cup chopped romaine or leaf lettuce; 1 cup diced tomatoes; 1/2 cup sliced cucumber; 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion; 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese optional; Lemon wedges for serving optional

Juicy marinated chicken, warm pillowy pita, crisp veggies, and a cool garlicky tzatziki sauce – this is the kind of handheld meal that makes everyone quietly happy at the table. These Irresistible Greek Chicken Gyros bring all the flavors of your favorite Mediterranean street food right into your kitchen with simple, everyday ingredients.

Whether you’re feeding a busy weeknight crowd or planning a relaxed weekend spread, these gyros are easy to prep, fun to assemble, and endlessly customizable. Pile them high with fresh toppings, drizzle over extra sauce, and watch them disappear faster than you can say “opa!”.

What Cut of Chicken Works Best for Greek Chicken Gyros?

For truly succulent gyros at home, boneless skinless chicken thighs are the MVP. They stay tender and juicy even over high heat, soak up all that lemony, garlicky marinade, and develop those delicious charred edges that taste like they came straight off a street cart grill.

You can use chicken breasts if that’s what you have, but thighs are more forgiving and far less likely to dry out while you chase those caramelized grill marks. Whichever cut you choose, slicing the chicken into thin strips after cooking is the secret to that classic gyro texture that tucks perfectly into warm flatbread.

Ingredients for Irresistible Greek Chicken Gyros

Chicken and Marinade

Chicken thighs
The star of the show – dark meat stays juicy and flavorful, giving your gyros that satisfying bite.

Olive oil
Coats the chicken so it doesn’t stick, helps the spices cling, and adds rich Mediterranean flavor.

Fresh lemon juice
Brightens everything and lightly tenderizes the chicken for a more flavorful, velvety texture.

Garlic
Brings that bold, savory punch you expect in Greek-style marinades and tzatziki.

Dried oregano
Classic Greek herb that adds earthy, familiar gyro flavor with very little effort.

Ground cumin
Adds warm depth and a subtle smokiness that balances the lemon and yogurt.

Smoked paprika
Gives the chicken gorgeous color and a hint of grilled, smoky flavor even if you cook it indoors.

Kosher salt & black pepper
Essential for waking up all the flavors in the marinade and the chicken itself.

Crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
For just a little heat if you like your gyros with a gentle kick.

Tzatziki Sauce

Plain Greek yogurt
Thick and creamy, it’s the base of the sauce and adds tangy richness to every bite.

Cucumber
Keeps the tzatziki cool, fresh, and slightly crunchy when finely grated.

Lemon juice
Brightens the yogurt and keeps the sauce from feeling too heavy.

Olive oil
Adds silkiness and a subtle fruity note to the finished sauce.

Garlic
A little goes a long way to make the sauce pop and echo the flavors of the chicken.

Fresh dill
Gives tzatziki its signature herby, refreshing flavor.

Salt & pepper
Round out the flavors and keep the sauce from tasting flat.

For Serving

Greek-style pita or flatbreads
Soft, slightly chewy bread that’s sturdy enough to wrap around all those juicy fillings.

Lettuce
Adds fresh crunch and helps soak up the juices so your pita doesn’t get soggy too quickly.

Tomatoes
Sweet, juicy slices that balance the savoriness of the chicken and sauce.

Cucumber
Echoes the tzatziki and adds extra cool crunch in every bite.

Red onion
Provides sharpness and color, cutting through the creaminess of the yogurt.

Feta cheese (optional)
Adds salty, tangy richness that makes each gyro taste extra luxurious.

How To Make Irresistible Greek Chicken Gyros

Step 1: Whisk Together the Marinade

In a medium bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat. The mixture should smell bright, garlicky, and slightly smoky.

Step 2: Marinate the Chicken

Add the chicken thighs to the bowl (or a large zip-top bag), turning to coat every piece thoroughly in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 8 hours. The longer it rests, the deeper the flavor, but even a short soak makes a huge difference.

Step 3: Make the Tzatziki Sauce

While the chicken marinates, grate the cucumber, then squeeze out as much liquid as possible using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. In a separate bowl, stir together Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, olive oil, grated garlic, chopped dill, salt, and pepper until creamy. Chill the sauce so the flavors can meld.

Step 4: Prep the Fresh Toppings

Slice the tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions, and chop the lettuce. Crumble the feta if using. Arrange everything on a platter so it’s easy for everyone to build their own gyro later.

Step 5: Cook the Chicken

Heat a grill pan, outdoor grill, or large skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken thighs in a single layer until nicely charred on the outside and cooked through in the center, flipping once. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice it into thin strips.

Step 6: Warm the Pita

While the chicken rests, warm the pita or flatbreads. You can toss them on the hot grill for a few seconds per side or wrap them in foil and heat them in a low oven until soft and pliable.

Step 7: Assemble the Gyros

Spread a generous spoonful of tzatziki down the center of each warm pita. Add a layer of lettuce, followed by sliced chicken, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and a sprinkle of feta. Finish with another drizzle of tzatziki and a squeeze of lemon if you like.

Step 8: Serve and Enjoy

Fold the pita around the fillings, wrap the bottom in parchment or foil if desired, and serve the gyros immediately while everything is warm and the veggies are crisp.

Serving and Storing Your Irresistible Greek Chicken Gyros

Greek Chicken Gyros are best enjoyed as soon as they’re assembled, while the pita is warm, the chicken is juicy, and the tzatziki is cool and creamy. Set up a DIY gyro bar so everyone can customize their own wrap with extra veggies, sauce, or feta.

If you have leftovers, store each component separately to keep everything fresh. The cooked chicken will keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Tzatziki stays good for 3–4 days when chilled, though it may need a quick stir before serving. Keep chopped veggies in separate containers lined with paper towels to preserve their crunch.

When you’re ready for round two, gently reheat the chicken in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until just warmed through, then assemble fresh gyros with new pita and crisp toppings.

What to Serve With Irresistible Greek Chicken Gyros?

Lemon Herb Roasted Potatoes

Crispy-on-the-outside, fluffy-on-the-inside potatoes tossed with olive oil, garlic, and lemon pair beautifully with the bright flavors of the gyros.

Simple Greek Salad

Tomatoes, cucumber, olives, red onion, and feta dressed with olive oil and oregano echo the gyro toppings and add extra freshness to the plate.

Roasted Parmesan Green Beans

Tender-crisp green beans with a savory Parmesan crust add a satisfying, veggie-forward side without feeling heavy.

Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

On cooler nights, a small bowl of cozy broccoli cheddar soup turns these gyros into a complete, comforting dinner.

Garlic Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

Sweet, blistered cherry tomatoes roasted with garlic and olive oil make a juicy, tangy side that you can even tuck into your gyro.

Air Fryer Sweet Potato Cubes

Lightly crisp, caramelized sweet potatoes bring a touch of natural sweetness that plays nicely with the savory chicken and garlicky sauce.

Strawberry Spinach Salad

A bright salad with sweet strawberries, crunchy nuts, and a light vinaigrette balances the richness of the gyros with a refreshing bite.

Want More Chicken Dinner Ideas with a Mediterranean Twist?

If these Irresistible Greek Chicken Gyros have you craving more flavorful chicken dinners, you’ll love exploring these other ChefAlchemy favorites:

Each one brings big flavor with simple steps, perfect for busy weeknights or laid-back weekend cooking.

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📌 Save this Irresistible Greek Chicken Gyros recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time you’re craving a fresh, flavor-packed meal.

When you make it, come back and share how it turned out. Did you grill the chicken outdoors or keep it simple on the stovetop? Did you load yours with extra tzatziki or add your own favorite toppings like olives or roasted peppers?

I love seeing how you make these recipes your own. Questions are always welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter and eat better.

Explore more beautifully curated Mediterranean-inspired meals and health-boosting drinks on ChefAlchemy’s recipes, and discover even more ideas on ChefAlchemy’s Pinterest for your next quick dinner, easy lunch, or snack inspiration.