Greek Gyro Recipe Recipe
This easy Greek gyro recipe is packed with Greek flavor. The marinade infuses the chicken with authentic taste, and is so tender and succulent. Tuck it into warm pita bread with tzatziki, tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions. Vegetarian adaptable.
How to Make the Best Greek Gyro Recipe
Greek gyros are a beloved Mediterranean classic that brings authentic Aegean flavors to your dinner table. This easy homemade version starts with a simple but flavorful yogurt-based marinade infused with garlic, oregano, and warm spices like cumin and paprika that perfectly mimic the traditional spice profile. Tender chicken thighs become succulent and full of character after marinating, then quickly char on a hot grill to develop deep, caramelized flavor that stands up beautifully to fresh pita bread.
What makes this gyro recipe truly special is the balance of fresh, bright components that come together in the final assembly. The cooling, herbaceous tzatziki sauce provides a creamy contrast to the seasoned chicken, while a simple tomato and cucumber salad adds crisp freshness and acidity. Pickled red onions and fresh herbs tie everything together with traditional Greek flair, creating a well-rounded meal that tastes like it came straight from a taverna in Athens.
Best of all, this recipe is highly adaptable. Vegetarian? Swap the chicken for marinated halloumi cheese or crispy roasted chickpeas. Prefer beef or lamb? The marinade works wonderfully with either. Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or hosting a casual dinner party, these Greek gyros deliver restaurant-quality flavor in about an hour, making them perfect for any weeknight dinner or weekend gathering.
Greek Gyro Recipe
This easy Greek gyro recipe is packed with Greek flavor. The marinade infuses the chicken with authentic taste, and is so tender and succulent. Tuck it into warm pita bread with tzatziki, tomatoes, cucumbers, and onions. Vegetarian adaptable.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
Tzatziki Sauce
Tomato Salad
For Serving
Instructions
Preparation
- In a small bowl (or blend in a small blender) whisk yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper and red pepper flakes. Pour this over the chicken thighs (either in a ziplock or medium bowl) and marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 12 hours.
- Sprinkle the cucumber with a bit of salt and toss in a medium bowl, let stand 5-10 minutes, strain, pressing out any liquid, and put it back in the bowl. To the same bowl, add the yogurt, garlic, herbs, and season with salt and pepper. Mix, taste, and add a squeeze of lemon if you like. Refrigerate until using.
- Mix all the ingredients together in a medium bowl for the tomato salad. Set aside, room temp is fine.
Cooking
- Using a grill pan or large cast-iron skillet, heat a tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Let some of the marinade drip off first, then place the chicken on the grill pan. Working in batches, grill each side until deep grill marks appear, and put it in the oven to cook through (170°F). Once cooked, shred it apart with two forks into bite-sized pieces, taste, and add more salt, chili flakes, and lemon to taste. You really want it to be punchy and flavorful to hold up to the pita bread.
Assembly
- Warm the pita bread (in the oven or a toaster oven) so it is nice and pliable. Smear a little Tzatziki on the pita, layer with chicken, top with tomato salad and onions. Wrap it up in paper, and you are good to go!
