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Kalimera’s Famous Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe

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4.1 from 6 reviews

This recipe for Kalimera’s Famous Greek Chicken Gyros delivers a vibrant, flavorful take on the classic Greek street food. Featuring marinated, juicy chicken thighs grilled or pan-cooked to perfection, layered with a tangy paprika-mustard yogurt sauce, fresh crisp lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, and optional thick-cut chips, all wrapped in warm, soft pita bread. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gathering, these gyros balance savory, tangy, and smoky flavors with a satisfying texture.

  • Author: Chef
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes (plus marinating time: minimum 3 hours, ideally 24 hours)
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 3 hours 25 minutes (including minimum marinate and resting time)
  • Yield: 5 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Greek

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade

  • 1.25 kg / 2.5 lb chicken thighs, skinless boneless
  • 1 tbsp sweet paprika (regular, not smoked or spicy)
  • 1 tbsp mustard powder (or substitute with Dijon mustard)
  • 1 tbsp dried oregano (preferably Greek)
  • 1/2 tbsp mild curry powder (secret ingredient)
  • 1 1/2 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt (halve if using table salt, +50% if flakes)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

For the Sauce

  • 1 cup / 250g plain yoghurt (preferably Greek or Greek-style)
  • 3 tbsp whole-egg mayonnaise (or regular mayonnaise)
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp yellow American mustard (or Dijon mustard)
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 2 tsp sweet paprika
  • 1/2 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt

Additional Ingredients

  • 2 tomatoes, halved and sliced
  • 3 cups cos lettuce (romaine), finely sliced (5mm / 0.2″)
  • 1/2 small red onion, diced (5mm / 0.2″)
  • 5 x 20cm / 8″ pita breads (choose slightly bready type)
  • 400g / 14oz thick-cut chips (frozen, optional)
  • Pinch table salt (for the chips or chicken salt)

Instructions

  1. Marinate Chicken: In a large bowl, mix sweet paprika, mustard powder, dried oregano, mild curry powder, salt, black pepper, and olive oil. Add the chicken thighs and coat well with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of 3 hours, preferably 24 hours for best flavor.
  2. Prepare Sauce: Combine plain yogurt, whole-egg mayonnaise, olive oil, yellow mustard, garlic powder, sweet paprika, and salt in a bowl. Mix thoroughly and set aside for at least 20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  3. Make Chips (Optional): If using frozen thick-cut chips, cook them using preferred method—bake, fry, or air fry until crispy. Season with a pinch of salt. Keep warm in a low oven (100°C / 200°F) while cooking the chicken.
  4. Cook Chicken: BBQ method (recommended): Preheat BBQ on medium-high heat. Grill chicken thighs for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply golden with slight charring. Stovetop method: Heat a large non-stick pan over medium-high heat without oil. Cook chicken in batches for 3-4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (72°C / 162°F internal temperature). Wipe pan between batches to remove residue.
  5. Rest & Slice Chicken: Transfer cooked chicken to a tray, cover loosely with foil, and rest for 3 minutes. Slice into 1 cm / 0.4″ pieces.
  6. Warm Pita Bread: Heat pita breads until warm and pliable. To microwave, stack on a plate and heat 45 seconds to 1.5 minutes on high. Alternatively, brush pita with water and warm both sides in a lightly oiled non-stick pan over medium-high heat for 1 minute each side; avoid crisping to prevent cracking when folding.
  7. Assemble Gyros: Spread about 3 tablespoons of sauce onto the center of each pita. Add sliced chicken on top, then layer with lettuce, tomato slices, and diced red onion. Add a handful of chips if using, and drizzle with additional sauce. Fold pita to enclose filling securely and wrap in foil to hold.
  8. Serve: Serve gyros immediately with extra sauce on the side for dipping and enjoy the authentic Greek flavors.

Notes

  • Marinating the chicken overnight or at least 3 hours is essential for maximum flavor.
  • Mild curry powder is a secret ingredient that adds depth without spicing things up.
  • Chips are optional but provide extra texture and authenticity; choose your preferred cooking method for convenience or flavor.
  • Yellow American mustard adds traditional tang; Dijon is a good substitute but avoid spicy English mustard.
  • Pita bread should be warm and pliable to fold easily without cracking.
  • Resting chicken ensures juicy slices and better texture.
  • Use Greek-style yogurt for authentic creaminess in the sauce.

Find it online: https://cheftinaskitchen.com/kalimeras-famous-greek-chicken-gyros-recipe/