
These Greek chicken gyros pack classic Mediterranean flavors into a meal that feels special but is easy enough for a weeknight. Juicy, marinated chicken, creamy tzatziki, and crisp veggies come together inside warm pita bread for the kind of dinner everyone talks about for days. It is seriously one of the most satisfying ways to bring a fresh Mediterranean vibe to your table.
I first tried this at a little coastal café and got hooked right away after recreating it at home it became my family’s go-to dinner whenever we want to feel like we are on vacation
Ingredients
- Chicken breast: thinly sliced lets the marinade really flavor every bite look for organic or air-chilled for juiciness
- Olive oil: the heart of the marinade choose extra virgin for the best richness
- Lemon juice: gives a bright tang use fresh lemons for the best punch
- Garlic: fresh garlic brings savory depth mince it finely so it blends well
- Dried oregano: adds earthy warmth choose Greek oregano if you can find it
- Ground cumin: adds a subtle warmth and complexity
- Salt and pepper: balances every flavor freshly ground pepper works best
- Greek yogurt: makes the tzatziki super creamy and tangy go for full-fat for richness
- Cucumber: grated and drained keeps sauce fresh and light seedless cucumbers work well
- Fresh dill or mint: herbs give authentic Mediterranean taste pick bright green bunches
- Tomatoes: juicy and sweet for crunch and color look for ripe and firm
- Red onions: sharp bite and color slice very thinly
- Feta cheese: creamy and tangy provides saltiness choose authentic Greek feta
- Parsley: fresh and herbal a hit of color and freshness
- Pita bread: soft rounds for wrapping choose thick and pillowy ones
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken:
- Mix your olive oil lemon juice garlic oregano cumin salt and pepper in a medium bowl until fully combined. Add the sliced chicken and be sure every piece is coated evenly with marinade. Cover and refrigerate for a minimum of thirty minutes the longer the better as more flavor develops overnight is even better.
- Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce:
- In a small bowl mix Greek yogurt grated cucumber garlic lemon juice olive oil and dill. Stir well until fully combined and season lightly with salt and pepper. Let it chill in the refrigerator for at least twenty minutes so the flavors can meld together.
- Cook the Chicken:
- Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high until hot. Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer and cook without moving for about four minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken and let it rest for a couple minutes before slicing into strips this helps keep it juicy.
- Warm the Pita:
- To keep pitas soft warm them in a dry skillet for about one minute per side or wrap in foil and heat in a low oven for five minutes. Keep covered until ready to serve to prevent drying out.
- Assemble and Fill:
- Lay each pita flat and place a stack of chicken down the center. Top generously with tomatoes red onions cucumber feta and parsley for color and crunch. Drizzle a big spoonful of chilled tzatziki sauce over the top.
- Wrap and Serve:
- Fold the pita up around the fillings tucking in one side to create a snug wrap. Serve immediately so everything stays warm and fresh.

My favorite part of these gyros is the moment you slice into the juicy chicken after it has soaked up the garlic lemon and herbs The kitchen always fills with the brightest scent I remember making these for friends on a summer evening and everyone going back for seconds before I even sat down
Storage Tips
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days The tzatziki will keep for four days though the cucumber can soften a bit Warm the chicken gently before assembling wraps and keep pita bread tightly wrapped to prevent it from drying out
Ingredient Substitutions
You can use boneless chicken thighs instead of breasts for a juicier texture If you are not a fan of dill in the tzatziki mint works beautifully For dairy free use a coconut yogurt and skip the feta Try whole wheat or gluten free pitas if you have dietary needs
Serving Suggestions
Serve the gyros with warm roasted potatoes or a classic Greek salad for a complete meal A side of olives or sliced bell peppers adds crunch and color Scatter a few extra herbs or lemon wedges alongside for a pretty presentation

Cultural Context
Gyros are street food favorites all across Greece traditionally made with pork or lamb but chicken is just as beloved The homemade tzatziki ties all the flavors together and each region in Greece offers its own spin I love bringing these festive flavors to my table as a little travel treat without leaving home
Recipe FAQs
- → How long should I marinate the chicken?
For best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. Overnight marination yields even more tender and flavorful chicken.
- → Can I substitute dill in tzatziki sauce?
Yes, fresh mint makes a wonderful substitute for dill and offers a different twist on the classic sauce.
- → Is it better to grill or pan-cook the chicken?
Both methods work well—grilling adds smoky char, while pan-cooking gives a golden-brown finish. Choose your preferred technique.
- → What sides pair well with gyros?
Greek salad or roasted potatoes complement the flavors and round out the meal beautifully.
- → How do I keep pita bread soft and warm?
Warm pita in a dry skillet or wrap in foil and heat in the oven briefly for softness and flexibility.