Name: Greek Chicken Gyros
Prep time: 2 h 20 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 2 h 30 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 ½ lbs chicken tenderloins; 3 tbsp olive oil; 3 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp dried thyme; 1 tsp paprika; 1 tsp kosher salt; ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper; 6 pita flatbreads; 2 cups romaine, shredded; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered; ½ red onion, thinly sliced; 1 cup Greek yogurt; ½ English cucumber, grated and squeezed dry; 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped; 1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1 tsp lemon zest; 1 clove garlic, minced; ½ tsp kosher salt; ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Greek chicken gyros bring together tender, flavorful grilled chicken with crisp vegetables and a tangy, refreshing tzatziki sauce. The make-ahead marinade allows the chicken to soak in Mediterranean spices, making the final dish rich and savory. It’s a balanced, customizable, and family-friendly meal that feels both light and satisfying.

Greek Chicken Gyros

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 ½ lbs chicken tenderloins
3 tbsp olive oil
3 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp dried thyme
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp kosher salt
½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
6 pita flatbreads
2 cups romaine, shredded
1 cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
½ red onion, thinly sliced

For the tzatziki sauce:

1 cup Greek yogurt
½ English cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
1 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
1 clove garlic, minced
½ tsp kosher salt
¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper

Directions

In a large resealable bag, combine the chicken, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Marinate for at least 2 hours in the refrigerator, turning occasionally.
Preheat the grill to medium heat. Grill the chicken until cooked through and it reaches 165°F internally, about 8 minutes, turning occasionally.
Warm the pita bread on the grill for 1–2 minutes per side.
Slice or halve the pitas and fill them with chicken, romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, and red onion.
Drizzle or spread tzatziki sauce on top and serve immediately.
For the tzatziki: Mix together yogurt, cucumber, dill, lemon juice, lemon zest, and garlic. Season with salt and pepper, then refrigerate until ready to use.

Servings and timing

This recipe makes 6 servings.
Prep time: 2 hours 20 minutes (including marinating)
Cook time: 10 minutes
Total time: 2 hours 30 minutes

Variations

Swap chicken tenderloins for chicken thighs for a juicier option.
Use naan instead of pita for a softer bread wrap.
Add crumbled feta cheese for extra richness.
Replace romaine with arugula or spinach for a peppery bite.
Spice it up with a drizzle of hot sauce or a sprinkle of chili flakes.

Storage/Reheating

Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Tzatziki can be kept in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Reheat chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F until warmed through.
Store pita separately to avoid sogginess and warm them up fresh when serving.

FAQs

How long should I marinate the chicken?

At least 2 hours, but overnight will give the best flavor.

Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling it?

Yes, you can bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes until fully cooked.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of tenderloins?

Yes, just slice them into strips for even cooking.

What’s the best way to warm pita bread?

On the grill, in a dry skillet, or wrapped in foil in the oven for a few minutes.

Can I make the tzatziki ahead of time?

Yes, it’s actually better when chilled for a few hours before serving.

Can I freeze the cooked chicken?

Yes, freeze in airtight containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.

What vegetables go best in gyros?

Classic options are lettuce, tomato, and onion, but you can add cucumbers, bell peppers, or olives.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, replace chicken with grilled halloumi, chickpeas, or roasted vegetables.

How do I keep pita bread soft?

Wrap in a clean kitchen towel after warming to trap steam and prevent drying out.

Is Greek yogurt necessary for tzatziki?

Yes, it provides the thick and creamy texture, but you can substitute with strained plain yogurt if needed.

Conclusion

Greek chicken gyros are a flavorful, satisfying dish that combines tender marinated chicken, fresh veggies, and creamy tzatziki all wrapped in warm pita bread. They’re easy to prepare, versatile, and perfect for both weeknight dinners and casual gatherings. With just a little prep, you’ll have a meal that feels fresh, wholesome, and full of Mediterranean charm.

Lily