Greek Chicken Gyros

Make your kitchen smell like the streets of Athens with this chicken gyro recipe! The secret? A rich Greek yogurt marinade infused with bold Mediterranean spices and plenty of garlic!

There’s no friend quite like a really good marinade. It’s the foundation of this chicken gyro recipe, with the seasoned yogurt tenderizing the chicken while infusing it with decidedly Greek flavor. After just 30 minutes, the chicken is perfectly prepped and practically foolproof. Throw it on the stove, on the grill, or roast it in your oven, and it will be absolutely delicious! 

For this easy recipe, I keep things simple and pan-sear the chicken on the stove, but feel free to use the grill if you prefer. Tucked into a soft Pita Bread with herby Tzatziki Sauce and crunchy fresh veggies, it’s a crowd-favorite weeknight dinner or packable lunch that’s even more delicious than takeout!

Table of Contents

1. What’s in a Chicken Gyro?
1. For the Chicken Gyro Marinade 
2. For Serving
2. How to Make a Chicken Gyro
1. Make the Chicken Gyro Marinade 
2. Cook, Assemble, and Serve 
3. What to Serve with Chicken Gyros 
4. More Greek Chicken Recipes
5. Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe

What’s in a Chicken Gyro?

This confidently garlicky and tangy chicken gyro marinade brings bold Greek flavor that knocks this recipe out of the park:

For the Chicken Gyro Marinade 

• Greek yogurt: The acidity tenderizes the chicken while imparting a rich and tangy flavor. 
• Lemon: Brings a fresh, zesty quality. 
• Olive oil: I love a Greek EVOO with this recipe, but any high-quality extra virgin variety you have on hand will work well. 
• Red wine vinegar: Adds yet another layer of tang.
• Garlic: It wouldn’t be a Greek recipe without garlic! 
• Seasonings: Greek oregano, sweet paprika, ground cumin, ground coriander, and cayenne pepper bring bold Greek flavor and an aroma that will make your kitchen smell incredible. Head over to our spice shop if you need a refresh! Kosher salt and black pepper make everything more vibrant. 
• Chicken: Chicken tenderloin (sometimes labeled “chicken tenders”) are nicely lean and stay juicy. You can substitute with chicken breasts, cutlets, or thighs, just be sure to adjust the time to avoid over or under cooking. Chicken should be 165°F at the thickest part.

For Serving

• Pita bread: Use store-bought or make your own. 
• Tzatziki sauce: You can’t beat the freshness of homemade, but store-bought will work here too. 
• Veggies: Tomato, cucumber, bell pepper, and red onion add freshness and texture. Any bell pepper will work (I used green). Feel free to swap green onion or shallots for the red onion, or throw in pickled red onion for added tang. 
• Olives: I love the briny richness of Greek Kalamata olives, but you can leave them off if they’re not your thing. Alternatively, swap with capers or chopped preserved lemons. 

How to Make a Chicken Gyro

This easy Chicken Gyro recipe comes together quickly, you just need to plan ahead. Try to give yourself at least 30 minutes to marinate the chicken for the best flavor. 

Make the Chicken Gyro Marinade 

• Marinate the chicken. In a large mixing bowl, add 1 cup Greek yogurt, juice of 1 lemon, 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, and 3 minced garlic cloves. Season with 1 tablespoon Greek oregano, 1 teaspoon each paprika, cumin, and coriander, a big pinch of salt and pepper, and a pinch of cayenne if you like things a little spicy. Give everything a good whisk to combine.
• Marinate the chicken. Add 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenderloin and mix, ensuring each piece of chicken is coated with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes (or overnight.) 

Cook, Assemble, and Serve 

• Cook the chicken. Heat about 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high until shimmering but not smoking. Add the chicken to the pan, shaking off any excess marinade. Cook on one side undisturbed until well-browned, about 5 minutes. Use tongs to flip the chicken and cook until cooked through, about 5 minutes more. 
• Assemble the chicken gyros. Warm pita over a medium gas burner or a hot, dry skillet. Transfer to your serving plate and spread Tzatziki sauce on top, then add the chicken (about 2 to 3 tenders per bread). Top with sliced tomato, cucumber, green pepper, red onion, and olives. Wrap the pita up and enjoy!

What to Serve with Chicken Gyros 

Chicken Gyros are a convenient meal all wrapped up, so you don’t need anything more. To drink, I love something tart and refreshing, like Karkade (Hibiscus Tea) or Ouzo for a boozy option. And if you’re making this for a dinner party, finish the meal with a Greek dessert like Rizogalo (Greek Rice Pudding).

More Greek Chicken Recipes

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Kleftiko-Style Roasted Chicken and Vegetables

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Greek Sheet-Pan Chicken

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Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe with Tzatziki {Video}

*This post has recently been updated with new information for readers’ benefit.