Homestyle Greek Chicken Gyros: Tender & Flavorful (Print Version)

Make tender Greek Chicken Gyros at home! This authentic recipe brings the vibrant flavors of Greece to your kitchen with juicy chicken and creamy tzatziki.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 30 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Intermediate
Cuisine: Greek
Dietary: Dairy-Free Option (with dairy-free yogurt)

# Ingredients:

→ Chicken Gyros Base

01 - 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, sliced into ½-inch strips
02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice

→ Flavor Boosters for Chicken

04 - 2 tsp dried oregano
05 - 1 tsp garlic powder
06 - ½ tsp onion powder
07 - ¾ tsp salt
08 - ½ tsp black pepper

→ Creamy Tzatziki Sauce

09 - 1 cup full-fat plain Greek yogurt
10 - ½ cup grated cucumber, squeezed dry
11 - 1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped
12 - 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
13 - 1 tsp white wine vinegar
14 - ¼ tsp salt

→ Garnish & Serving

15 - 4-6 pita bread rounds
16 - 1 large tomato, sliced or diced
17 - ½ red onion, thinly sliced
18 - French fries (optional, for serving)

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, grab those chicken thighs and pat them super dry. This helps with browning, which means more flavor, yay! Slice them into thin strips, about ½-inch thick. I find this size cooks evenly and gets those lovely crispy edges we all crave. Throw them into a bowl, and honestly, don't worry if it's a bit messy, that's just kitchen life!
02 - Now for the flavor magic! In that bowl with the chicken, drizzle in the olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Get in there with your hands (or tongs, if you're squeamish) and really massage that marinade into every single piece of chicken. Make sure it's all coated. Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, but honestly, an hour or two (or even overnight!) makes these authentic Greek chicken gyros sing.
03 - While the chicken is soaking up all that goodness, let's make the tzatziki. Grate your cucumber, then here's my secret: wrap it in a clean kitchen towel or paper towels and squeeze out as much water as you possibly can. This step is non-negotiable for thick, creamy tzatziki. In a separate bowl, combine the strained cucumber with the Greek yogurt, minced garlic, fresh dill, white wine vinegar, and a pinch of salt. Stir it all up, taste, and adjust seasonings. It should be bright, tangy, and oh-so-refreshing. Chill it until serving.
04 - When you're ready to cook, heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. A little drizzle of olive oil, if needed, but the chicken will release some. Once it's hot, add your marinated chicken in a single layer, making sure not to overcrowd the pan. You want it to sear, not steam! Cook for about 4-6 minutes per side, or until beautifully browned and cooked through. It should smell absolutely incredible at this point, like a Greek taverna in your kitchen!
05 - While the last batch of chicken is cooking, warm your pita bread. You can do this quickly in a dry skillet, in the microwave for a few seconds, or my favorite way: directly over a gas burner for a few seconds until it puffs up slightly. Just be careful not to burn it! A warm, pliable pita is essential for building the best authentic Greek chicken gyros.
06 - Now for the best part! Lay out a warm pita, spread a generous spoonful of that creamy tzatziki sauce, pile on a good amount of the cooked chicken, and top with sliced tomatoes and red onion. If you're feeling extra, a few crispy fries tucked inside are just divine. Fold it up, and honestly, don't worry if it's a little messy – that's how you know it's good! Enjoy your homemade authentic Greek chicken gyros!

# Notes:

01 - Always pat your chicken really dry before marinating; it helps create those lovely browned, flavorful bits we want.
02 - For meal prep, make the tzatziki a day ahead. Store the cooked chicken separately and reheat gently for best texture.
03 - No chicken thighs? Chicken breast works, but slice it thinner and watch it carefully to prevent drying out.
04 - Don't forget to warm your pita bread! A cold pita just doesn't hit the same.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Large skillet or grill pan
02 - Mixing bowls
03 - Whisk
04 - Grater
05 - Tongs

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 450 kcal
Total Fat: 25g
Total Carbohydrate: 35g
Protein: 30g

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