Description
Greek Chicken Gyros are a delicious and flavorful Mediterranean main course featuring tender marinated chicken grilled to perfection, served in warm pita bread with fresh veggies, crumbled feta cheese, and creamy tzatziki sauce. This homemade gyro recipe is perfect for a quick and satisfying meal that brings the authentic taste of Greece to your table.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
For Serving
- 4–6 pita breads, warmed
- 1/2 cup sliced red onion
- 1 cup diced tomato
- 1 cup shredded lettuce or cucumber slices
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken breasts or thighs to the marinade and toss to coat evenly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for enhanced flavor.
- Preheat the Grill Pan or Skillet: Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat until hot. This will ensure a nice sear and golden-brown color on the chicken pieces.
- Cook the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken onto the hot grill pan or skillet. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side until the chicken is cooked through, golden brown, and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain juices.
- Slice the Chicken: After resting, slice the chicken into thin strips suitable for filling the pita bread.
- Assemble the Gyros: Warm the pita breads and lay them flat. Place sliced chicken onto each pita, then top with sliced red onion, diced tomato, shredded lettuce or cucumber slices, crumbled feta cheese, and a generous spoonful of tzatziki sauce. Fold or roll up the pita to enclose the filling.
- Serve Immediately: Serve the assembled gyros fresh, optionally accompanied by extra tzatziki sauce or a side Greek salad for a complete Mediterranean meal experience.
Notes
- For an extra smoky flavor, consider grilling the chicken outdoors instead of pan-searing.
- You can prepare and marinate the chicken in advance and refrigerate for up to 3 days for convenience.
- Serve with additional tzatziki sauce or a fresh Greek salad as a side to complement the gyros.
