Authentic Greek Chicken Gyros

Are you ready to embark on a culinary adventure that brings the vibrant flavors of Greece right to your kitchen? Authentic Greek Chicken Gyros are not only juicy and flavorful but also super simple to prepare! Picture this: succulent marinated chicken wrapped in warm pita bread, topped with fresh veggies and a creamy, tangy tzatziki sauce. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or looking for a quick weeknight meal, these gyros are sure to impress!

Did you know that gyros is a beloved street food in Greece, often enjoyed during outdoor festivals? With its quick preparation time and ability to please even the pickiest eaters, this dish is a must-try for everyone. If you enjoy the flavors of Mediterranean cuisine, you might also love our mouth-watering Mediterranean Quinoa Salad! So get your aprons on, and let’s whip up this delightful dish together.

What is Authentic Greek Chicken Gyros?

The name “gyros” is derived from the Greek word for “turn,” signifying the way the meat is cooked on a vertical rotisserie. Isn’t that fascinating? It’s like a flavor party that spins around! Imagine stepping into a bustling Greek market, where the scent of marinated meat mingles with spices and fresh vegetables. They say, “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach,” and trust me, these gyros prove that saying true! So grab your ingredients and let’s give this delicious dish a try!

Why You’ll Love This Authentic Greek Chicken Gyros

Authentic Greek Chicken Gyros are a delightful fusion of flavors, textures, and budget-friendly cooking. First and foremost, the marinated chicken is bursting with seasoning, ensuring each bite is a joyful journey for your taste buds. Making these gyros at home is not only cost-effective, saving you money compared to dining out, but it also allows you to customize each gyro to suit your preferences.

Topped with fresh vegetables like crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and cooling tzatziki sauce, these gyros are the perfect blend of freshness and comfort. What’s even better? You can pair this dish with homemade Greek salad or roasted potatoes for a complete meal. So, roll up your sleeves and dive into this recipe that promises flavor and fun!

How to Make Authentic Greek Chicken Gyros

Quick Overview

Making Authentic Greek Chicken Gyros is both easy and satisfying, with its mouthwatering taste that will have you craving seconds! With a prep time of about 15 minutes and a cook time of 15 minutes, you can serve this delicious meal on the table in just half an hour. The standout element of this dish is the homemade marinade, which infuses the chicken with a flavorful punch you’ll keep coming back for.

Key Ingredients for Authentic Greek Chicken Gyros

• 1 lb chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• 4 pita breads
• 1 cup lettuce (shredded)
• 1 cup tomatoes (diced)
• 1/2 cup red onion (thinly sliced)
• Tzatziki Sauce:
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1 cucumber (grated and drained)
  • 2 cloves garlic (minced)
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt (to taste)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. Add chicken thighs, ensuring they are well-coated. Let marinate for 15-30 minutes.
2. Prepare Tzatziki Sauce: In a separate bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (make sure to drain excess moisture), minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt. Mix well and refrigerate.
3. Cook the Chicken: Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook marinated chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked and accompanied by a golden-brown crust.
4. Assemble Gyros: Slice cooked chicken into strips. Lay warmed pita bread flat, place a generous amount of lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, and chicken strips. Drizzle tzatziki sauce on top. Roll or fold the pita, and it’s ready to enjoy!

What to Serve Authentic Greek Chicken Gyros With

For a complete meal, serve your gyros with a refreshing Greek salad adorned with cucumbers, olives, and feta cheese. Roasted potatoes seasoned with lemon and herbs also make a delightful side, complementing the chicken’s robust flavors. To wash it all down, try a glass of chilled tzatziki or a light Mediterranean white wine that pairs perfectly with the dish. Your friends and family will be delighted!

Top Tips for Perfecting Authentic Greek Chicken Gyros

1. Marinating Time: For maximum flavor, let your chicken marinate longer—up to overnight in the refrigerator.
2. More Veggies: Feel free to add grilled bell peppers or feta cheese to your gyros for an extra layer of flavor.
3. Watch the Heat: Be careful not to overcook the chicken to keep it juicy. A meat thermometer should read 165°F (74°C) when fully cooked.
4. Tortilla Alternative: For a twist, use lavash or tortilla wraps if pitas aren’t available.

Storing and Reheating Tips

Leftover gyros can be stored in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To keep the pita bread fresh, store it separately from the filling. When it’s time to reheat, it’s best to use a skillet over medium heat to warm the chicken, keeping its moisture intact. Just heat until warm and enjoy.

Now you have all the tools and tips you need to create your very own Authentic Greek Chicken Gyros. Don’t wait—grab the ingredients and bring the taste of Greece into your home!

Authentic Greek Chicken Gyros

Juicy and flavorful, these Authentic Greek Chicken Gyros are wrapped in warm pita bread and topped with fresh veggies and creamy tzatziki sauce, making for a perfect quick meal or family dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 15 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean

Calories: 500

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken

• 1 lb chicken thighs (boneless, skinless)
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
• Salt and pepper (to taste)

For Assembly

• 4 pieces pita breads
• 1 cup lettuce (shredded)
• 1 cup tomatoes (diced)
• 1/2 cup red onion (thinly sliced)

For the Tzatziki Sauce

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 piece cucumber (grated and drained)
• 2 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt (to taste)

Method

 

Preparation

1. In a bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. Add chicken thighs, ensuring they are well-coated. Let marinate for 15-30 minutes.
2. In a separate bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (make sure to drain excess moisture), minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and salt. Mix well and refrigerate.

Cooking

1. Preheat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook marinated chicken for about 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked and accompanied by a golden-brown crust.

Assembly

1. Slice cooked chicken into strips. Lay warmed pita bread flat, place a generous amount of lettuce, tomatoes, red onion, and chicken strips. Drizzle tzatziki sauce on top. Roll or fold the pita, and it’s ready to enjoy!

Notes

For maximum flavor, let your chicken marinate longer—up to overnight in the refrigerator. Feel free to add grilled bell peppers or feta cheese for extra flavor. Watch the heat to keep it juicy, cooking until a thermometer reads 165°F (74°C). If pitas aren’t available, you can use lavash or tortilla wraps.