Quick Greek Chicken Gyro Recipe: Authentic Flavor Made Simple

Culinary adventures with a classic greek chicken gyro can transport you straight to the bustling streets of athens.

Mediterranean flavors dance through this simple yet mouthwatering dish.

Tender marinated chicken creates a perfect harmony of herbs and spices.

Each bite promises a delightful journey through authentic greek cuisine.

Crisp vegetables and creamy tzatziki sauce complement the juicy meat beautifully.

Fresh ingredients make this recipe shine with minimal effort.

You’ll want to savor every single morsel of this incredible gyro creation.

What Makes Greek Chicken Gyros Unbeatable

• Boost Flavor Profile: Packed with vibrant Greek spices like paprika, cumin, and oregano that transform ordinary chicken into a mouthwatering meal with incredible depth and complexity.
• Master Simple Cooking Technique: Broiling creates perfect charred edges on chicken, delivering restaurant-quality results without complicated culinary skills, making it accessible for home cooks of all levels.
• Customizable Crowd-Pleaser: Flexible recipe allows easy modifications for dietary preferences, letting everyone build their perfect gyro with preferred vegetables and toppings, perfect for family gatherings or casual dinner parties.
• Quick and Nutritious Meal: High-protein chicken combined with fresh vegetables and protein-rich yogurt creates a balanced dish that satisfies hunger while providing essential nutrients in a deliciously convenient package.

Ingredients That Bring Greek Chicken Gyros to Life

• Chicken Thighs: Juicy and flavorful meat that absorbs the marinade beautifully and provides the main protein for the gyro.

• Greek Yogurt, Lemon Juice, Vinegar, Olive Oil: Create a tangy and tenderizing base that helps enhance the chicken's flavor and texture.
• Garlic, Paprika, Cumin, Cinnamon, Oregano, Pepper, Salt: Blend of spices that adds depth and authentic Greek seasoning to the chicken.

• Pita Bread: Soft, round flatbread that serves as the wrap for the gyro.
• Tzatziki: Creamy yogurt sauce that adds a cool and refreshing element to the gyro.
• Cucumber, Tomatoes, Red Onion: Fresh vegetables that provide crunch, moisture, and additional flavor to the gyro.

Instructions for the Best Greek Chicken Gyros

Step 1: Marinate The Chicken

• Paprika
• Cumin
• Cinnamon
• Oregano
• Pepper
• Salt
• Olive oil

Thoroughly coat chicken thighs in the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for deeper flavor infusion.

Step 2: Char The Chicken

Turn broiler to highest setting. Line baking tray with foil.

Place chicken on tray and broil for 10 minutes until edges turn golden brown. Flip chicken and broil another 10 minutes.

Check internal temperature reaches 165°F. Allow chicken to rest 10 minutes, then slice into tender bite-sized pieces.

Step 3: Prepare Fresh Veggie Toppings

Deseed cucumbers and tomatoes. Dice vegetables into small, uniform cubes.

Thinly slice red onion for crisp texture and sharp flavor.

Step 4: Wrap And Serve Gyros

Generously spread tzatziki on warm pita bread.

Layer with diced vegetables and freshly sliced chicken. Fold pita into classic gyro wrap.

Secure with foil for easy handling. Serve immediately while ingredients remain warm and fresh.

Greek Gyro Tips for That Perfect Bite

• Marinate chicken overnight for deeper, more intense flavor and tender meat that falls apart easily.
• Pat chicken dry before broiling to achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior with perfect charring.
• Use fresh herbs like oregano and mint to enhance the authentic Greek taste and aroma of the gyros.
• Choose thick Greek yogurt for tzatziki to create a creamy, rich sauce that clings perfectly to the pita.
• Allow chicken to rest after cooking to retain maximum juiciness and prevent dry meat when slicing.

Gyro Variations That’ll Keep Things Interesting

• Spicy Mediterranean Kick: Add red pepper flakes and harissa paste to the marinade for a fiery flavor profile that elevates the traditional Greek chicken gyro.
• Vegetarian Greek Wrap: Replace chicken with grilled halloumi cheese or seasoned portobello mushrooms, maintaining the same marinade and filling ingredients for a plant-based alternative.
• Mediterranean Fusion Gyro: Incorporate roasted red peppers and crumbled feta cheese into the filling, creating a richer and more complex taste experience with added Mediterranean elements.
• Lean Protein Option: Substitute chicken thighs with skinless chicken breast, reducing fat content while keeping the original marinade and cooking method intact for health-conscious individuals.

Tasty Sides to Serve with Chicken Gyros

• Savor Mediterranean Wine Pairing: Crisp Greek white wines like Assyrtiko perfectly complement the chicken's tangy marinade, cutting through the richness with bright, citrusy notes.
• Enhance Herb-Infused Beer Match: Wheat beers or Belgian-style saisons with herbal undertones mirror the oregano and cumin in the gyro, creating a harmonious flavor experience.
• Cool Refreshing Drink Companion: Homemade mint lemonade provides a zesty, cooling counterpoint to the warm, spiced chicken, balancing the gyro's robust Mediterranean flavors.
• Texture-Enhancing Side Suggestion: Greek horiatiki salad with feta cheese adds a fresh, crunchy element that elevates the gyro's overall taste profile and provides additional Mediterranean authenticity.

Keep Your Chicken Gyro Fresh and Flavorful

• Refrigerator Storage: Place leftover chicken and ingredients in separate airtight containers. Consume within 3-4 days for optimal freshness and taste.
• Freezer Method: Wrap chopped chicken and fillings individually in freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Microwave Reheating: Transfer chicken to a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel to prevent drying. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each, until thoroughly warmed.
• Oven Reheating: Preheat oven to 350°F. Wrap chicken in aluminum foil to retain moisture. Warm for 10-15 minutes, checking temperature to ensure even heating.

FAQs About Chicken Gyros You Should Know

• What are the key spices in the Greek chicken gyro marinade?

The key spices include paprika, cumin, cinnamon, and oregano, which create a rich, aromatic flavor profile that’s distinctly Greek and enhances the chicken’s taste.

• Can I use chicken breast instead of chicken thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs with chicken breasts, but thighs are more flavorful and tender. Just ensure you don’t overcook the chicken breast to maintain moisture.

• How do I know when the chicken is properly cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). This ensures the chicken is fully cooked and safe to eat while remaining juicy.

Greek Chicken Gyro Recipe

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4.7 from 17 reviews

• Total Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savor Mediterranean magic with this Greek chicken gyro, where succulent marinated chicken meets creamy tzatziki in a dance of flavors. Crisp pita bread and fresh herbs complete this authentic Greek street food experience that transports you straight to the sunny shores of Greece.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 2 kilograms (10 pieces) chicken thighs, boneless and skinless

Marinade:

• 1/2 cup (125 grams) Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon cumin powder
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon powder
• Freshly ground pepper

Accompaniments:

• 6 pita breads
• 3 Lebanese cucumbers, seeds removed, diced
• 2 ripe tomatoes, seeds removed, diced
• 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 batch homemade tzatziki

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Instructions

1. Create a vibrant marinade by whisking together yogurt, lemon juice, vinegar, minced garlic, and a blend of aromatic spices including paprika, cumin, cinnamon, oregano, salt, and pepper, along with olive oil.
2. Submerge chicken thighs completely in the marinade, ensuring each piece is thoroughly coated. Refrigerate for minimum 2 hours, allowing flavors to penetrate deeply.
3. Position oven rack 6 inches from broiler. Heat broiler to high temperature. Cover baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
4. Remove chicken from marinade, letting excess drip off. Arrange pieces on prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching.
5. Broil chicken for 10-12 minutes, rotating halfway through, until exterior develops a golden-brown char and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
6. Rest broiled chicken for 10 minutes, then slice into thin, uniform strips.
7. Dice cucumber and tomatoes into small, consistent cubes, removing seeds to prevent sogginess. Thinly slice red onion for sharp, crisp texture.
8. Warm pita bread briefly to enhance flexibility and flavor.
9. Spread generous layer of tzatziki across pita, leaving small border around edges.
10. Layer sliced chicken, cucumber, tomatoes, and onion evenly. Fold pita into classic gyro wrap, securing with foil to maintain structure.
11. Serve immediately while ingredients remain fresh and warm.

Notes

• Marinate chicken overnight for deeper, more intense flavor profiles that infuse every bite with Mediterranean seasonings.
• Choose boneless, skinless chicken thighs for maximum tenderness and juiciness compared to leaner breast meat.
• Pat chicken dry before broiling to achieve perfect caramelization and prevent soggy texture during cooking.
• For gluten-free version, swap traditional pita with large lettuce leaves or gluten-free wraps without compromising authentic taste.

• Prep Time: 2 hours (or overnight)
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Broiling
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 500
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 50 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg