Delicious Chicken Gyros

What are Gyros?

Gyros (pronounced yee-rohs) are a classic Greek street food made with tender, seasoned meat, fresh veggies, and creamy sauce all wrapped up in warm pita bread. Think of them as the Mediterranean version of a taco—only way more flavorful and super customizable! Traditionally made with lamb or pork, this chicken version brings a lighter, fresher spin on the beloved classic.

Why I Love This Recipe

If you’re craving something that’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and feels like a mini trip to Greece, this recipe is calling your name! These chicken gyros are perfect for meal prep, a casual dinner, or impressing your friends with a dish that tastes way fancier than it is. Plus, it’s loaded with fresh veggies and protein-rich chicken and yogurt, so it’s as wholesome as it is delicious.

The Story Behind the Recipe

This recipe was born out when one day, I was reminiscing about a trip to a local Mediterranean food truck during a college festival, where I had my first gyro. The juicy chicken, fresh veggies, and creamy sauce blew my mind. I knew I had to recreate that magic at home! After some trial and error (and taste-testing with friends), this version became a go-to favorite. It’s proof that you don’t need a plane ticket to experience the world—just a little creativity and the right ingredients!

Prep/Tips for the Perfect Gyros

Cooking Options:

For a smoky flavor, grill the chicken on a barbecue instead of using a skillet.
Bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes if you prefer hands-off cooking.

Customize Your Gyros:

Add kalamata olives for an extra Mediterranean vibe.
Swap out chicken for tofu or portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian option.

Perfect Pitas:

Lightly toast your pita breads on a dry skillet or directly over an open flame for a soft, warm wrap.
If you don’t have pita, tortillas work as a backup!

Serving Ideas:

Serve with a side of roasted potatoes or a simple Greek salad.
Turn it into a gyro bowl by skipping the pita and layering all the ingredients over rice or quinoa.

Chicken Gyros with Creamy Yogurt Sauce

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

1 ½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
3 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp lemon juice
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp ground coriander
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Yogurt Sauce:

1 cup plain Greek yogurt
1 tbsp olive oil
1 clove garlic, minced
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp dill (fresh or dried)
½ cucumber, finely diced or grated
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Veggies & Assembly:

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 small red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup shredded lettuce
½ cup sliced cucumbers
½ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
4-6 pita breads or flatbreads
Fresh parsley for garnish

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, paprika, oregano, coriander, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for extra flavor).
Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium heat. Cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and slightly charred. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes, then slice into strips.
Prepare the Yogurt Sauce
In a small bowl, mix the yogurt, olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, dill, cucumber, salt, and pepper. Chill in the fridge until ready to serve.
Assemble the Gyros
Warm the pita breads in a dry skillet or microwave. Spread a generous layer of yogurt sauce on each pita, then top with chicken slices, cherry tomatoes, red onion, lettuce, and cucumbers. Sprinkle feta on top if desired.
Garnish and Serve
Finish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley and an extra drizzle of yogurt sauce. Fold the pita like a taco and enjoy your homemade chicken gyros!

Nutrition Facts (per gyro, makes 6)

Calories: 350
Protein: 28g
Carbohydrates: 28g
Fiber: 3g
Fat: 13g
Sodium: 450mg
Sugar: 3g