Easy Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe with Homemade Tzatziki

Chicken gyros are the Greek street food classic: juicy, lemony chicken with oregano and garlic, piled into warm pita with cool, creamy tzatziki, crisp tomatoes, and red onion. They are fresh, flavorful, and easier to make at home than you might think.

This easy Greek chicken gyros recipe uses a simple yogurt marinade and a skillet or oven for juicy, lightly charred results. It is a quick Greek chicken gyros with homemade tzatziki that works for weeknights, meal prep, and casual entertaining.

Recipe at a Glance

Why You’ll Love These Chicken Gyros

• Juicy, lemony chicken with bright Greek flavors
• Cool, creamy homemade tzatziki
• Easy to cook in a skillet, on the grill, or in the oven
• Great for wraps, bowls, and salads
• Fresh, healthy, and full of flavor

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
• For the marinade: ½ cup plain Greek yogurt, 3 tablespoons olive oil, 3 tablespoons lemon juice, 4 cloves garlic (minced), 2 teaspoons dried oregano, 1 teaspoon paprika, 1½ teaspoons salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper
• For the tzatziki: 1 cup plain Greek yogurt, ½ English cucumber (grated and squeezed dry), 2 cloves garlic (grated), 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill, and ¼ teaspoon salt
• To serve: warm pita bread, sliced tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, and fresh parsley

How to Make Greek Chicken Gyros

1. Whisk all of the marinade ingredients together in a large bowl, add the chicken, and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to overnight.
2. Make the tzatziki by stirring the yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, dill, and salt together. Refrigerate until serving.
3. Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 5 to 6 minutes per side until deeply golden and the internal temperature reaches 175°F (80°C). Alternatively, roast on a sheet pan at 425°F for 20 to 25 minutes.
4. Rest the chicken for 5 minutes, then slice it into thin strips.
5. Warm the pita bread in a dry skillet or in the oven for 1 to 2 minutes.
6. Fill the pita with the chicken, tzatziki, tomatoes, red onion, and parsley and serve right away.

Tips for the Best Homemade Chicken Gyros

• Squeeze the grated cucumber dry so the tzatziki stays thick.
• Use chicken thighs for the juiciest meat.
• Marinate for at least an hour so the lemon and herbs penetrate.
• Do not crowd the pan; sear in batches for char.
• Slice the chicken thin across the grain.

Variations to Try: Chicken Gyros Ideas

• Serve as a gyro bowl over rice with a Greek salad.
• Add crispy fries inside the pita for a street-style gyro.
• Use ground lamb or beef for a classic gyro-style patty.
• Add crumbled feta and Kalamata olives.

How to Store It

Refrigerate leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days and the tzatziki for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken in a skillet. Freeze cooked chicken for up to 3 months.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a gyro?

A gyro is a Greek sandwich of seasoned meat, traditionally cooked on a vertical rotisserie, served in pita with tzatziki, tomatoes, and onions.

How long should I marinate chicken for gyros?

At least 1 hour, but overnight gives the most tender, flavorful results.

Can I make chicken gyros in the oven?

Yes. Roast the marinated chicken on a sheet pan at 425°F for 20 to 25 minutes, then broil briefly for char.

How do I keep tzatziki from getting watery?

Grate the cucumber and squeeze out as much liquid as possible using a clean towel.

Easy Greek Chicken Gyros

Lemon-oregano marinated chicken thighs served in warm pita with creamy homemade tzatziki, tomatoes, and red onion.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Servings: 6

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Calories: 430

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
• ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1½ teaspoons salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt for the tzatziki
• ½ English cucumber grated
• 2 cloves garlic grated
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice for the tzatziki
• 1 tablespoon olive oil for the tzatziki
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
• Warm pita bread tomatoes, and red onion, for serving

Equipment

• Large skillet or grill pan
• Large mixing bowl
• Box grater
• Clean kitchen towel
• Instant-read thermometer

Method

 

1. Step 1: Whisk the marinade, coat the chicken, and marinate at least 1 hour.
2. Step 2: Stir together the tzatziki ingredients and chill.
3. Tip: Squeeze the cucumber dry.
4. Step 3: Cook the chicken in a hot skillet 5 to 6 minutes per side to 175°F.
5. Step 4: Rest and slice the chicken.
6. Step 5: Warm the pita.
7. Step 6: Fill the pita with chicken, tzatziki, tomatoes, and onion.

Notes

Calories are an estimate per serving without pita.
Use halal chicken if preferred.