Easy & Delicious Homemade Greek Chicken Gyros
Whip up flavorful Greek chicken gyros at home in about 30 minutes (plus marinating time). Marinated lemon-herb chicken strips paired with cool tzatziki and fresh veggies in a warm pita make for a perfect weeknight meal that tastes like a Mediterranean escape.
Equipment
- Medium bowl
- Large skillet or grill
- Tongs or Spatula
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast cut into thin strips (about 1/2 inch thick), thighs can also be used
- 2 tbsp olive oil for marinade
- 2 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed, for marinade
- 2 cloves garlic minced, for marinade
- 1 tsp dried oregano for marinade, use 1 tbsp fresh if available
- 1 tsp salt for marinade
- 1/2 tsp black pepper for marinade
- 4 pita breads soft and pliable
- 1 cup tzatziki sauce store-bought or homemade
- 1 cup chopped lettuce crisp romaine or mixed greens
- 1/2 cup diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup sliced red onion soak in ice water for 10 mins to mellow if desired
Instructions
- Step 1: Whip up the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Step 2: Marinate the Chicken: Cut your chicken breast into thin strips (about 1/2 inch thick). Add the chicken strips to the bowl with the marinade and toss to coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 8 hours).
- Step 3: Heat Things Up: Preheat your grill or a large skillet over medium-high heat while the chicken marinates or towards the end of the marinating time.
- Step 4: Cook the Chicken: Add the marinated chicken strips to the hot grill or skillet in a single layer. Cook in batches if needed. Cook for about 5-7 minutes total, flipping halfway through, until opaque, cooked through, and golden-brown/charred.
- Step 5: Warm Those Pitas: While the chicken rests for a minute, lightly warm your pita breads. You can do this on the grill (30 seconds per side), in a dry skillet, or wrapped in a damp paper towel in the microwave (20-30 seconds) until soft and pliable.
- Step 6: Assemble Your Masterpiece: Open up a warm pita. Spoon tzatziki sauce inside. Pile in cooked chicken strips, chopped lettuce, diced tomatoes, and sliced red onion.
- Step 7: Serve and Enjoy: Fold or wrap your gyro and serve immediately while warm.
Notes
Substitutions & Additions: Use pork tenderloin, beef sirloin, shrimp, halloumi cheese, tofu, or chickpeas instead of chicken. Add cucumber, Kalamata olives, crumbled feta, fresh dill, or parsley. For spice, add red pepper flakes to the marinade or sriracha mayo. Use flatbreads or wraps if pitas are unavailable, or serve as a gyro bowl over rice or lettuce.
Tips for Success: Don't over-marinate chicken (max 8 hours due to acid). Use a hot pan for searing. Rest chicken for a minute after cooking to retain juices. Don't overstuff pitas. Prep veggies and tzatziki ahead.
How to Store: Store cooked chicken, veggies, and tzatziki separately in airtight containers in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat chicken gently (microwave works), warm a fresh pita, and assemble. Veggies and tzatziki are best served cold.