A classic Greek-inspired chicken gyro featuring juicy marinated grilled chicken, warm pita bread, fresh vegetables, and creamy tzatziki sauce.
Yield
- 6 gyros
Prep Time
- 20 minutes
Marinating Time
- 2–8 hours (overnight preferred)
Cook Time
- 15–20 minutes
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
- 2 lb (900 g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs (preferred) or chicken breasts
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tbsp)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
For the Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup (240 g) Greek yogurt
- ½ English cucumber, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
- ¼ tsp salt
- Pinch of black pepper
For Assembly
- 6 pita breads or flatbreads
- 1 large tomato, diced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- Optional: crumbled feta cheese
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl combine:
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Garlic
- Oregano
- Paprika
- Cumin
- Salt
- Pepper
Add chicken and coat thoroughly.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight.
Step 2: Make the Tzatziki
- Grate the cucumber.
- Squeeze out as much liquid as possible using paper towels or a clean kitchen towel.
In a bowl combine:
- Greek yogurt
- Cucumber
- Garlic
- Lemon juice
- Olive oil
- Dill
- Salt
- Pepper
Mix well.
Cover and refrigerate until serving.
The flavor improves as it sits.
Step 3: Prepare the Grill
Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400–450°F / 205–230°C).
Lightly oil the grates.
Step 4: Grill the Chicken
Place chicken on the hot grill.
Cook:
- Chicken thighs: 6–7 minutes per side
- Chicken breasts: 5–6 minutes per side
Cook until internal temperature reaches:
165°F (74°C)
Remove and rest for 5–10 minutes.
Step 5: Slice the Chicken
Slice the grilled chicken into thin strips, similar to traditional gyro meat.
For extra flavor, return the sliced chicken to the grill or a hot skillet for 1–2 minutes to crisp the edges.
Step 6: Warm the Pita
Warm pita breads:
- On the grill for 30–60 seconds per side
- Or in a dry skillet
- Or wrapped in foil in a warm oven
Step 7: Assemble the Gyros
On each pita add:
- A generous layer of tzatziki
- Sliced grilled chicken
- Lettuce
- Tomatoes
- Red onion
- Feta cheese (optional)
Step 8: Fold and Serve
Fold the pita around the filling.
Wrap the bottom half in parchment paper or foil if desired for easier eating.
Serve immediately.
Optional Gyro Fries
Serve with seasoned fries:
Seasoning Mix
- 1 tsp oregano
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt to taste
Sprinkle over hot fries and serve alongside the gyros.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Gyro)
Using chicken thighs and pita:
- Calories: 450–550
- Protein: 35–40 g
- Carbohydrates: 25–30 g
- Fat: 18–25 g
