Greek Chicken Gyros

I struggled to name this post.  Turns out chicken gyros (pronounced YEE-ros) go by many names.  First - is it gyro or gyros?  Gyro, as I have since learnt, is one pita wrap.  Gyros is multiple.  This recipe is for 4 so gyros it is.

Then there's the more complicated matter - it's sometimes spelt 'yiros'.  Oh Greek food - how you constantly keep me on my toes with your different spellings.

Feta / Fetta

Haloumi / Halloumi

Filo / Phyllo

Why!

Anyway, all I can hope is that whatever you googled got you here, because these chicken gyros are absolutely irresistible.

Why you'll love this recipe...

• Tender, juicy and flavourful chicken - the yoghurt marinade gives flavour and tenderises.
• Quick and easy - mix your marinade in 5 mins flat before work & dinner will be on the table in less than 30 mins.
• Great for feeding a crowd - can easily double or triple the recipe and cook on the BBQ / grill.

What are Chicken Gyros?

The chicken gyro is a popular Greek dish.  It is essentially a pita sandwich filled with chicken and other salad items (you get to choose your own adventure here) and tzatziki sauce.

When you order Chicken Gyros from a takeaway restaurant you'll typically see a slab of chicken meat hanging on the "spit" or a vertical rotisserie.

I don't know about you guys, but I don't have a "spit" in my house, so I've opted to make this recipe with classic pan-fried / grilled chicken instead.  Much easier to do at home.  Still just as delicious.

Ingredients

The marinade below might seem like a lot of ingredients but you probably already have most (if not all) on hand!  Each adds to the flavour - no bland chicken allowed!

Marinade:

• Chicken Thighs / Chicken Breast (either work)
• Greek Yoghurt
• Lemon
• Olive Oil
• White Wine Vinegar
• Dried Oregano (preferably Greek)
• Paprika
• Garlic
• Salt + Pepper

To Serve:

Pick your favourites but the tzatziki is a non-negotiable!

• Homemade Tzatziki Sauce
• Pita Bread (warmed to packet instructions)
• Lettuce
• Tomato
• Red Onion
• Cucumber

How to make Chicken Gyros - Step by Step

1. Place chicken and marinade ingredients in a bowl and mix well to combine, ensuring all chicken pieces are covered.  Cover the bowl and leave in fridge for 3 hours, or overnight (photo 1).
2. Heat oil in a frying pan (or grill) on medium heat.  Shake excess marinade off chicken, then place in pan.  Cook undisturbed for 5 minutes or until browned, then flip and cook the other side.  Transfer to a plate.
3.  Place a warmed pita on top of a square of parchment paper (photo 2).  Smear with tzatziki, then top with your chicken and salad ingredients in the middle (photo 3).  Roll the pita up tightly, and wrap in parchment paper, twisting the end so the ingredients don't fall out (photo 4)!

Top Tips

• If you want the yummiest option (who doesn't?) - make this with chicken thighs.  They are a bit fattier than chicken breast, and are more flavourful and juicy.  Chicken breasts work and are still delicious, but chicken thighs take these to the next level.
• Leave your chicken in the yoghurt marinade for at least 3 hours, but preferably overnight.  This will help tenderise the chicken and keep it juicy.
• Shake off as much marinade as you can before cooking your chicken.
• You can cook your chicken on the grill or in the pan.
• If your chicken pieces are large, you may want to slice before assembling into pitas.
• If you're feeding a crowd, place all the ingredients in the middle of the table and let everyone assemble their own wrap - simples!
• You can easy make this into a salad - just omit the pitas and load a bowl up with the ingredients.   YUM.

What to serve with your Chicken Gyros

A chicken gyro is a meal in itself.  You definitely have to make Greek Tzatziki to slather inside your gyro, but if you want to add some more options to the table, why not make an Easy Greek Salad and some Greek Lemon Potatoes.  My tummy is grumbling just talking about it.

More Greek Recipes

• Sheet Pan Greek Chicken and Potatoes
• One Pot Greek Chicken and Rice
• Greek Roast Chicken
• Kolokithokeftedes (Greek Zucchini Fritters)
• Spanakopita
• How to Cook Halloumi
• OR see all Greek Recipes

If you’ve tried these Chicken Gyros I’d love to hear how you enjoyed them! Pop a comment and a star rating below!

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