Chicken Gyros – Jo Cooks

Ridiculously tender chicken, warm fluffy pita, and a creamy tzatziki sauce… this is next-level gyros! When I say these homemade Chicken Gyros are unbelievable, I mean it. We’re talking perfectly seasoned chicken, infused with bold Mediterranean flavors, wrapped in warm, pillowy pita, and finished with cool, garlicky tzatziki.

Sounds like something you’d only get from a Greek taverna? Nope. You can make it at home—with just a few simple steps. And the best part? That marinade. It’s game-changing—full of yogurt, lemon, red wine vinegar, and warm, smoky spices that infuse every bite with incredible depth.

If you’re obsessed with Greek food or just want something easy, fresh, and packed with flavor, this Chicken Gyros recipe is a must-try.

• Chicken thighs – The best choice for juicy, flavorful gyros. They stay tender and soak up the marinade beautifully. If you’re using chicken breasts, reduce the cooking time slightly to prevent drying out.
• Greek yogurt – This does two jobs: it tenderizes the chicken and helps the spices cling to the meat. Use full-fat yogurt for the richest flavor!
• Lemon juice & red wine vinegar – This acid duo brings the signature tangy, zesty flavor that makes Greek chicken so irresistible. Don’t have red wine vinegar? White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar works too.
• Olive oil – Helps distribute the flavors in the marinade and keeps the chicken moist while roasting. A good extra virgin olive oil will add authentic Mediterranean depth.
• Garlic – Essential! Freshly minced garlic gives a stronger, more aromatic kick than pre-minced or powdered versions.
• Cumin & oregano – The backbone of Greek seasoning. Cumin adds earthy warmth, while oregano brings that herby, slightly citrusy note you expect in Greek food.
• Smoked paprika – Adds a deep, smoky undertone that enhances the charred flavor of the chicken.
• Cinnamon – The unexpected but essential spice! It adds a hint of warmth and complexity, making this taste like a true Greek taverna dish.
• Salt & pepper – Never skip these! Seasoning every step of the way enhances every flavor in the dish.
• Tzatziki sauce – In my opinion this is what make gyros awesome. You can use store bought, but it’s super simple to make your own. Check out my recipe for homemade tzatziki here.
• Pitas – I love to toast up my pitas a bit to get some golden color on them. You can also use tortillas if that’s all you have.

Combine Greek yogurt, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, olive oil, garlic, and spices in a large freezer bag or bowl. Add the chicken and massage the marinade all over—make sure every piece is coated really well. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but 4+ hours (or overnight) is best.

✔ Pro Tip: If you’re short on time, let the chicken sit at room temp for 20-30 minutes—this speeds up marination slightly.

✔ Oven Method (Easiest!): Preheat to 425°F (220°C). Place chicken on a rack over a baking sheet (this helps it crisp up). Bake for 15-18 minutes, then broil for 2-3 minutes until lightly charred.
✔ Grill Method: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the chicken for about 5-6 minutes per side.
✔ Stovetop Method: Heat a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken in batches, about 5 minutes per side.

Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This keeps it juicy and flavorful!

✔ Warm your pita: Either microwave for 15-20 seconds or toast in a dry skillet until soft and pliable.
✔ Chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces.
✔ Layer the fillings: Start with tzatziki, then pile on the chicken, onions, tomatoes, and extra sauce (because why not?).

Wrap, devour, repeat!

Make This Tonight!

Once you try homemade Chicken Gyros, you’ll never go back. The juicy, flavorful chicken, warm pita, and creamy tzatziki come together for a meal that’s fresh, bold, and ridiculously delicious. So… are you making these tonight or right now?

More Delicious Greek Recipes

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Chicken Gyros

Prep 10 minutes minutes

Marinate 2 hours hours

Cook 18 minutes minutes

Total 2 hours hours 28 minutes minutes

Juicy, flavorful chicken gyros made easily at home! Marinated in a blend of Greek yogurt, lemon, garlic, and warm Mediterranean spices, this chicken is incredibly tender and bursting with authentic gyro flavor. Wrapped in soft pita with creamy tzatziki, crisp red onions, and juicy tomatoes, it’s the perfect Greek-inspired meal—ready to impress with minimal effort!

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Before You Begin! If you make this, please leave a review and rating letting us know how you liked this recipe! This helps our business thrive & continue providing free recipes.

Instructions 

• Add the chicken and marinade ingredients to a large freezer bag. Squeeze to mix all the ingredients around and transfer the bag to the fridge. Marinate for 1-4 hours.

• Preheat the oven to 425℉. Equip a baking sheet with a roasting rack. Line the chicken on the rack and bake for 15-18 minutes, or until the edges begin to crisp. You can turn on the broiler for 2-3 minutes if you’d like more crispiness without drying the chicken out.

• Roughly chop the chicken into bite-sized pieces. Warm the pitas for 15-20 seconds in the microwave or toast them individually in a dry skillet over medium-high heat. Spoon some of the chicken into the pita, then top with tzatziki, onion, and tomatoes.

Notes

1. Marination Time Matters – Even one hour in the yogurt marinade makes a difference, but for best flavor, marinate for 4+ hours or overnight.
2. Chicken Thighs vs. Breasts – Thighs stay juicier and are more forgiving, but breasts work too—just reduce cooking time slightly.
3. Baking vs. Grilling vs. Stovetop – The oven method is easiest, but grilling adds authentic smoky flavor. A cast-iron pan works great for stovetop cooking!
4. Pita Bread Tip – Warm your pitas briefly in a dry skillet or microwave for 15-20 seconds for the best texture.
5. Make-Ahead Friendly – The chicken can be marinated up to 24 hours in advance, and leftovers store well for up to 4 days in the fridge.
6. Reheating Tip – Warm chicken gently on the stove or in the oven. Avoid microwaving, as it can dry it out.
7. Freezing Instructions – Freeze marinated raw chicken for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and cook as usual. Cooked chicken can also be frozen, but won’t be as juicy when reheated.

Nutrition Information

Serving: 1servingCalories: 555kcal (28%)Carbohydrates: 40g (13%)Protein: 53g (106%)Fat: 20g (31%)Saturated Fat: 4g (25%)Polyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 9gTrans Fat: 0.04gCholesterol: 219mg (73%)Sodium: 1174mg (51%)Potassium: 832mg (24%)Fiber: 3g (13%)Sugar: 3g (3%)Vitamin A: 1102IU (22%)Vitamin C: 9mg (11%)Calcium: 171mg (17%)Iron: 5mg (28%)

Notice: Nutrition is auto-calculated for your convenience. Where relevant, we recommend using your own nutrition calculations.