Greek Gyros Recipe – Greek Special

This Greek Gyros Recipe delivers tender, marinated chicken grilled to perfection and wrapped in warm pita breads with a generous drizzle of tangy tzatziki. Bright, fresh Mediterranean toppings like tomato, red onion, and shredded lettuce add vibrant flavor and texture. Perfect for an elevated lunch or a casual dinner, these gyros are a delicious fusion of classic Greek flavors and American convenience.
- Prep Time15 min
- Cook Time45 min
- Perform Time2 hr 15 min
- Total Time3 hr 15 min
- Course
- Cuisine
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or chicken breast, if preferred)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, finely grated or diced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Assembling:
- 4 large pita breads or flatbreads
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 medium tomato, sliced
- 1 cup lettuce or spinach, shredded
- Optional: French fries or fries (for extra crunch)
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, coriander (if using), salt, and pepper.
Cut the chicken into strips or small chunks and add them to the marinade. Toss to coat the chicken evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
In a separate bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, dill, minced garlic, and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Stir well to combine and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Cook the Chicken:
Heat a grill pan, skillet, or outdoor grill over medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken for 5-7 minutes per side (depending on thickness) until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char.
Once done, remove the chicken from the heat and set it aside.
Assemble the Gyros:
Warm the pita or flatbread in a dry skillet for a few seconds on each side, or wrap it in foil and heat in the oven for 5-7 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
Place the warm pita on a plate and layer with the cooked chicken, sliced red onion, tomato slices, and shredded lettuce or spinach. Add a generous drizzle of tzatziki sauce on top.
For extra crunch, add some crispy French fries inside the pita, if desired.
Garnish with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
Recipe Notes:
Cook the chicken over medium-high heat to achieve a nice char without drying out the meat.
Allow sufficient marinating time—at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours ensures deep flavor penetration.
Warm before serving: heat your pita or flatbreads briefly in a skillet or oven for maximum softness and pliability.
For added crunch and extra indulgence, consider adding optional fries inside the gyros.