Easy Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe

Introduction

Enjoy the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this easy Greek chicken gyros recipe. Tender marinated chicken is cooked to perfection and wrapped in warm pita with fresh veggies and creamy tzatziki. It’s a quick, delicious meal perfect for any day of the week.

Ingredients

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (whole milk preferred)
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenderloin (often labeled “tenders”)
• Pita bread
• Tzatziki sauce
• 1 large tomato, sliced
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, cored and sliced
• 1 small red onion, halved and sliced
• Pitted Kalamata olives

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Stir until well blended.
2. Step 2: Add the chicken tenderloins to the marinade and toss to coat each piece thoroughly. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for more flavor.
3. Step 3: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.
4. Step 4: Remove chicken from marinade, shaking off excess, and place in the skillet. Cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes until well browned.
5. Step 5: Flip the chicken pieces and cook for another 5 minutes until cooked through and no longer pink in the center.
6. Step 6: Warm the pita bread over a gas burner or in a dry skillet until soft and pliable.
7. Step 7: Spread tzatziki sauce on each pita, then add 2 to 3 pieces of cooked chicken. Top with sliced tomato, cucumber, green pepper, red onion, and Kalamata olives as desired.
8. Step 8: Wrap the pita around the fillings tightly and serve immediately. Enjoy your homemade Greek chicken gyros!

Tips & Variations

• For extra tender chicken, marinate overnight to deepen the flavors.
• Try adding crumbled feta cheese or a sprinkle of fresh dill for more authentic Greek taste.
• If you don’t have chicken tenderloins, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be a juicy substitute.
• Use whole wheat pita for a healthier twist.

Storage

Store any leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The pita bread and fresh vegetables are best assembled just before serving. Reheat chicken gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. Avoid reheating pita to prevent it from becoming tough.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Yes, the marinade can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This allows you to quickly combine with the chicken when ready to cook.

What can I use if I don’t have tzatziki sauce?

If tzatziki is unavailable, you can substitute with plain Greek yogurt mixed with minced garlic, grated cucumber, lemon juice, and fresh dill for a similar refreshing sauce.

Easy Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe

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This Easy Greek Chicken Gyros recipe features tender marinated chicken cooked to perfection in a skillet, served on warm pita bread with fresh vegetables and creamy tzatziki sauce. Perfect for a quick, flavorful Mediterranean-inspired meal that’s simple to prepare.

• Author: rami
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Greek

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Marinade

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (whole milk preferred)
• 1 lemon, juiced
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tablespoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 pinch cayenne pepper (optional)
• Kosher salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

Chicken

• 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenderloin (often labeled “tenders”)

For Serving

• Pita bread
• Tzatziki sauce
• 1 large tomato, sliced
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1 green bell pepper, cored and sliced
• 1 small red onion, halved and sliced
• Pitted Kalamata olives

Instructions

1. Marinate the chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, sweet paprika, ground cumin, ground coriander, cayenne pepper (if using), kosher salt, and black pepper. Stir well until all ingredients are fully incorporated. Add the chicken tenderloins and toss thoroughly so each piece is evenly coated with the marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld; marinating overnight is best for deeper flavor.
2. Cook the chicken: Heat about 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking. Remove the chicken from the marinade, shaking off any excess. Place the chicken pieces into the hot skillet in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook undisturbed for about 5 minutes to develop a golden-brown crust. Flip the tenderloins using tongs and cook for another 5 minutes or until chicken is cooked through and no longer pink inside.
3. Assemble the chicken gyros: Warm the pita bread over a medium gas burner flame or in a hot, dry skillet for a few seconds on each side until soft and pliable. Transfer the warm pita onto a serving plate and spread a generous amount of tzatziki sauce over the surface. Layer with 2 to 3 pieces of the cooked chicken tenders, then top with slices of tomato, cucumber, green bell pepper, red onion, and a few Kalamata olives according to your preference. Fold or wrap the pita around the fillings and serve immediately.

Notes

• Marinate the chicken overnight for maximum flavor and tenderness.
• Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) for safe consumption.
• Warming the pita bread before filling prevents tearing and enhances texture.
• Tzatziki sauce can be homemade or store-bought for convenience.
• Feel free to add extra toppings like feta cheese or fresh herbs such as parsley or mint.

Keywords: Greek chicken gyros, easy chicken gyros recipe, Greek recipe, chicken tenderloin gyros, Mediterranean chicken, homemade gyros, tzatziki chicken wraps