This Mediterranean Chicken Gyros recipe combines bold spices, fresh ingredients, and savory grilled chicken for a meal that feels both healthy and indulgent. It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep and can easily be customized to suit your tastes. Whether you’re cooking for a family or prepping for the week, this gyro recipe is a versatile and crowd-pleasing option.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Plain Greek yogurt
Fresh lemon juice
Olive oil
Garlic cloves, minced
Dried oregano
Ground cumin
Smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper
Warm pita bread or flatbread
Fresh tomatoes, diced or sliced
Cucumber, thinly sliced or diced
Red onion, thinly sliced
Lettuce, shredded (optional)
Tzatziki sauce
Directions
Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and coat evenly. Cover and marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight in the fridge for best flavor.
Cook the chicken: Preheat a grill, grill pan, or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and cook for 5–7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and nicely charred. Let it rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips.
Assemble the gyros: Warm pita bread in a dry skillet or microwave. Layer with sliced chicken, fresh tomato, cucumber, red onion, lettuce (if using), and a generous spoonful of tzatziki sauce.
Serve: Fold the pita around the fillings and serve immediately.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 4 servings. Prep time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time) Cook time: 15 minutes Total time: 30 minutes (excluding marinating)
Variations
Protein swap: Substitute chicken with lamb, beef, or grilled tofu for a vegetarian option.
Add hummus: Spread hummus on the pita for an extra creamy layer.
Use naan: Swap pita for naan or lavash if you prefer a different type of flatbread.
Spice it up: Add chili flakes or harissa for a spicier twist.
Make it a bowl: Skip the bread and serve over rice or greens for a gyro bowl.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftover chicken separately from the pita and toppings in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat or microwave it in short intervals until hot. Pita bread can be lightly warmed in a dry skillet or oven. Assemble gyros just before serving for the freshest taste.
FAQs
What kind of chicken is best for gyros?
Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are ideal for their juicy texture, but breasts work well too if you prefer leaner meat.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate and cook the chicken ahead of time. Store it in the fridge and assemble the gyros when ready to eat.
Is tzatziki sauce necessary?
Tzatziki adds traditional flavor and creaminess, but you can substitute it with plain Greek yogurt, tahini sauce, or garlic aioli.
What’s the best way to warm pita bread?
You can warm pita in a dry skillet for 1–2 minutes per side, in the oven wrapped in foil, or in the microwave wrapped in a damp paper towel.
Can I grill the chicken outdoors?
Absolutely. Grilling the chicken over an open flame adds a smoky, authentic flavor to your gyros.
Are these gyros gluten-free?
They can be if you use gluten-free pita or flatbread and ensure your other ingredients are gluten-free.
What can I use instead of Greek yogurt in the marinade?
Sour cream or a dairy-free yogurt alternative can be used in place of Greek yogurt.
Can I freeze the cooked chicken?
Yes, cooked chicken can be frozen for up to 2 months. Defrost in the refrigerator and reheat before assembling gyros.
How do I make this vegetarian?
Swap the chicken with grilled vegetables, falafel, or tofu, and use the same seasonings for flavor.
Can I use store-bought tzatziki?
Yes, store-bought tzatziki is a convenient option if you’re short on time.
Conclusion
Mediterranean Chicken Gyros are a fresh, flavorful, and satisfying way to enjoy the vibrant tastes of the Mediterranean at home. Whether you’re grilling for guests or meal prepping for the week, this versatile dish is easy to customize and sure to please everyone at the table.
A vibrant and flavorful Mediterranean Chicken Gyro made with marinated grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and creamy tzatziki sauce wrapped in warm pita bread. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep.
Ingredients
1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 tbsp olive oil
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
Salt and black pepper to taste
4 warm pita breads or flatbreads
1 cup fresh tomatoes, diced or sliced
1/2 cucumber, thinly sliced or diced
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup shredded lettuce (optional)
1 cup tzatziki sauce
Instructions
In a large bowl, combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and coat evenly. Cover and marinate for at least 1 hour or overnight in the refrigerator.
Preheat a grill, grill pan, or skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from marinade and cook for 5–7 minutes per side until fully cooked and nicely charred. Let rest for a few minutes, then slice into strips.
Warm the pita bread in a dry skillet or microwave.
Assemble the gyros by layering sliced chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, lettuce (if using), and tzatziki sauce on the pita bread.
Fold the pita around the fillings and serve immediately.
Notes
For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight.You can substitute chicken with grilled tofu or falafel for a vegetarian version.Store components separately for fresher leftovers.Use store-bought tzatziki for convenience.Add hummus or harissa for extra flavor.
