These Chicken Gyros are juicy, flavorful, and packed with fresh Mediterranean flavor! Chicken is marinated in yogurt, lemon, and herbs, and then cooked until tender and juicy, tucked into warm pitas, and topped with tzatziki and fresh toppings. An easy, restaurant-quality dinner made at home.
Chicken Gyro
These Chicken Gyros are juicy, flavorful, and loaded with classic Mediterranean flavor, thanks to a tangy yogurt-lemon marinade and warm spices. This recipe is one of my current obsessions, and my whole family loves it just as much as me.
The yogurt and lemon marinade makes the chicken super juicy and tender, and the garlic and seasonings make it so flavorful.
The chicken cooks up tender and lightly charred, then gets tucked into soft pitas and piled high with fresh toppings and creamy tzatziki. It’s an easy, restaurant-quality dinner you can make right at home that's perfect for busy weeknights or casual entertaining.
This homemade version keeps things approachable while delivering everything you love about gyros: bold seasoning, juicy chicken, and endless topping options that let everyone build their own.
Why You’ll Love These Chicken Gyros
- Big flavor, simple ingredients - The yogurt marinade keeps the chicken tender and packed with Mediterranean flavor.
- Weeknight-friendly - Marinade the night before for minimal prep and quick stovetop cooking at dinner time. So easy to pull together.
- Customizable - Serve with your favorite toppings so everyone gets exactly what they love.
- Great for feeding a crowd - Perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
Tips & Variations
- Cook the chicken whole for juicier results: Cooking the thighs whole helps them retain moisture and develop better browning. Letting the chicken rest before slicing allows the juices to redistribute, giving you tender, juicy slices that don’t dry out once tucked into the pita.
- Don’t skip the marinade time: Even 1 hour makes a big difference, but marinating overnight delivers the most flavor.
- Chicken: Boneless skinless breasts can be used, but watch closely to avoid overcooking.
- Grilling option: Preheat a grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil the grates. Grill marinated chicken thighs for 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and nicely charred. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice and serve.
- Low-carb: Skip the pita and serve the sliced chicken over lettuce or in romaine leaves with your favorite toppings.
- Meal prep friendly: This recipe makes about 6 servings and works great for meal prep. Store the sliced chicken separately and pair it with rice and lettuce to make easy gyro bowls throughout the week. Add toppings and tzatziki just before serving.
What to Serve With Chicken Gyros
When it comes to gyro toppings, keep things simple or let everyone build their own. Creamy tzatziki is a must, but sliced tomatoes, sliced onions or pickled red onions, crumbled feta, kalamata olives, shredded lettuce, and even chickpeas or hummus all work beautifully. Offering a variety of toppings makes this an easy, customizable dinner that everyone at the table can enjoy.
Serve these chicken gyros with classic Mediterranean sides like tabouli, roasted potatoes, or a simple cucumber tomato salad. Tabouli becomes an especially hearty side when you add a can of chickpeas, making it a more filling, carb-forward option that pairs perfectly with the bold, lemony chicken. Extra hummus, pita wedges, or lemon rice also round out the meal beautifully.
More Easy Chicken Recipes You'll Love
- Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas - Juicy chicken, peppers, and onions roasted together on one pan for an easy, flavor-packed weeknight dinner.
- Cilantro Lime Chicken - Bright, zesty, and incredibly versatile, this cilantro lime chicken works for tacos, bowls, or simple family dinners.
- Skillet Honey Mustard Chicken - Tender chicken simmered in a creamy, tangy honey mustard sauce that feels fancy but comes together fast.
- Romesco Chicken - Pan-seared chicken served with a rich, smoky romesco sauce made from roasted red peppers and almonds.
- Baked Maple Mustard Chicken - Sweet, savory, and oven-baked, this maple mustard chicken is an easy hands-off dinner the whole family loves.
Chicken Gyros Video
Chicken Gyros
Ingredients
For the Marinade
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- ¼ cup lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 teaspoons paprika
- 2 teaspoons marjoram
- 1 teaspoon rosemary leaves chopped, if necessary
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- 2 pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs
To Assemble
- Olive oil for cooking
- 6 pitas
- Toppings such as quartered cherry tomatoes, feta, pickled red onions, kalamata olives, chickpeas, hummus, or shredded lettuce
- Tzatziki Sauce
Instructions
- In a large zip-top bag or shallow dish, combine all of the marinade ingredients, except chicken. Massage or stir to combine.
- Add chicken to the marinade and massage to coat. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 12 hours.
- Pre-heat a cast iron to medium high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil if necessary.
- Remove the chicken from the marinade and add the thighs to the hot skillet in a single layer. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes per side, or until nicely browned and cooked through.
- Transfer the chicken to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Once rested, slice chicken into thin strips.
- Warm the pitas, then fill with sliced chicken and your favorite toppings. Finish with tzatziki and serve immediately.
Notes
- Storage: Store leftovers covered in the refrigerator for up to 4 to 5 days.
Nutrition
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