Chicken Gyros

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Chicken Gyros are the perfect balance of vibrant flavors and textures. The chicken is marinated in a savory blend of spices, lemon juice, and olive oil, ensuring each bite is packed with flavor. Paired with crisp veggies like cucumber, red onion, and lettuce, along with the creamy and tangy tzatziki sauce, this dish is light yet filling. It’s customizable, easy to prepare, and makes for a fun and interactive meal when served with warm pita or flatbreads. Whether you’re craving something fresh or just want to switch up your routine, Chicken Gyros are always a hit!

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade:

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts

2 tablespoons olive oil

2 tablespoons lemon juice

2 teaspoons smoked paprika (or regular paprika)

2 teaspoons ground cumin

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon ground turmeric

1 teaspoon ground coriander

1 teaspoon kosher salt

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

1/4 teaspoon onion powder

1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/8 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, adjust to taste)

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

1 cup plain Greek yogurt

2 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon dried dill weed

2 teaspoons lemon juice

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

1-inch piece of English cucumber, peeled and finely diced

For Serving:

6 pitas or flatbreads

1 small romaine heart, chopped

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 red onion, thinly sliced

1/2 English cucumber, thinly sliced

Crumbled feta cheese (optional)

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

Directions

Make the Tzatziki Sauce: In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, minced garlic, dried dill, and lemon juice. Stir in the diced cucumber, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Refrigerate while you prepare the chicken.

Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to a large bowl or ziplock bag. Combine the olive oil, lemon juice, paprika, cumin, minced garlic, turmeric, coriander, salt, pepper, onion powder, cinnamon, and crushed red pepper flakes. Pour the marinade over the chicken and stir to coat evenly. Refrigerate for 1-4 hours.

Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium heat and oil the grates. Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess sauce drip off. Grill the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, flipping once, until cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F). Remove from the grill and allow to rest for a few minutes before chopping into bite-sized pieces.

Assemble the Gyros: Toast or warm your pitas. Layer each pita with a generous scoop of chopped chicken, then add lettuce, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, and a drizzle of tzatziki sauce. Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese, if desired.

Servings and Timing

Yield: 6 servings

Prep time: 20 minutes

Cook time: 10 minutes

Total time: 30 minutes

Variations

Chicken Options: If you prefer, you can swap chicken breasts for chicken thighs for a richer, juicier option.

Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with falafel or grilled vegetables like zucchini, eggplant, and bell peppers.

Make it Spicy: Add extra crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to the tzatziki for some heat.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover chicken, tzatziki sauce, and veggies separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2-3 days.

Reheating: To reheat, warm the chicken in a skillet or microwave. Warm the pita bread briefly on a hot skillet for a few seconds before assembling the gyros.

FAQs

1. Can I use store-bought tzatziki sauce?

Yes, you can use store-bought tzatziki, but making your own from scratch really enhances the flavor and freshness of the dish.

2. How long should I marinate the chicken?

For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but up to 4 hours for more intense flavor.

3. Can I prepare the gyros in advance?

You can prep the marinade and tzatziki sauce up to 2-3 days in advance. Chop the vegetables a few hours ahead of time to save on preparation time.

4. Can I grill the chicken indoors?

If you don’t have access to a grill, you can cook the chicken in a grill pan or regular skillet on medium-high heat.

5. What can I serve with Chicken Gyros?

These gyros are delicious on their own, but you can also serve them with sides like Greek salad, roasted potatoes, or rice pilaf.

6. How do I know when the chicken is done?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.

7. Can I freeze the chicken before cooking?

Yes, you can freeze the chicken in the marinade for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before grilling.

8. Can I make this recipe with lamb instead of chicken?

Yes, lamb is a traditional meat for gyros, and it would work wonderfully with this marinade. Just adjust the grilling time based on the thickness of the lamb.

9. What kind of pita should I use?

You can use any kind of pita, but the thicker, pocket-style pita bread works best for holding all the fillings.

10. Can I add other vegetables to the gyros?

Feel free to add other vegetables such as roasted bell peppers, olives, or even arugula for extra flavor and crunch.

Conclusion

Chicken Gyros are a flavorful and versatile dish that’s sure to become a family favorite. The marinated chicken, fresh veggies, and tangy tzatziki sauce wrapped in warm pita create a perfect balance of flavors. Whether you’re making this for a quick dinner or serving it at a gathering, it’s a Mediterranean-inspired meal that’s both satisfying and delicious

Print