Dinner

Chicken Gyros Smash Tacos Recipe

Byrami Hayes January 28, 2026January 28, 2026

Introduction

These Chicken Gyros Smash Tacos bring together the bold flavors of Greek-style spiced chicken with the satisfying crunch of crispy potatoes or fries. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal, they combine fresh veggies and creamy tzatziki in mini tortillas for a handheld delight.

Two wraps placed on a white plate on a white marbled surface, each wrap made with soft, light golden flatbread slightly browned in spots. Inside, layers of grilled chicken pieces with a spicy reddish-brown crust form the base, topped with creamy white sauce spreading from the bottom to the top. Bright green slices of cucumber and bell pepper add a fresh crunch, along with thin slices of deep red tomato and purple-red onion rings. Dark purple olives add a pop of color near the front of the wraps. The wraps are partly wrapped in white paper at the back. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 teaspoon thyme
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon marjoram
1 teaspoon garlic salt
¼ cup fresh coriander (15g), chopped
500 g chicken mince
1-2 potatoes or 100-150g ready-made fries
½ lemon, juiced
½ cup tzatziki (120g)
½ cup cherry tomatoes (75g), chopped
½ cup cucumber (75g), chopped
1 red onion, diced
8 mini tortillas
Salt and pepper to taste
1 teaspoon cooking oil
1 teaspoon paprika

Instructions

Step 1: If making your own fries, peel and slice 1-2 potatoes into thin, even slices, then cut each slice into skinny fries.
Step 2: Soak the fries in cold ice water for a few minutes to remove excess starch. Pat dry with a kitchen towel, then toss with oil, salt, and paprika.
Step 3: Preheat an air fryer to 200°C (about 400°F). Spread fries in a single layer and cook for 20-25 minutes until crispy.
Step 4: In a large bowl, mix the chicken mince with thyme, cumin, marjoram, garlic salt, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until spices are evenly distributed.
Step 5: Add chopped fresh coriander to the chicken mixture and mix well.
Step 6: Lay out mini tortillas and spoon about 1 tablespoon of the chicken mixture onto each. Press down firmly to spread evenly.
Step 7: Heat a large pan over medium-high heat with 1 teaspoon of oil. Place one or two tortillas chicken-side down and cook about 3 minutes until golden and crispy. Lower heat to medium-low and cook 2 more minutes.
Step 8: Flip tortillas and cook another minute to fully cook chicken. Add more oil if needed for each tortilla.
Step 9: Remove tortillas from pan and spread a generous layer of tzatziki on top.
Step 10: Top with fries or potato slices, then chopped cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and diced red onion. Drizzle more tzatziki and garnish with fresh coriander before serving.

Tips & Variations

Use ready-made fries for a quicker version or bake fries in the oven if you don’t have an air fryer.
Add a sprinkle of crumbled feta on top for extra richness.
Swap chicken mince for lamb or beef mince to change up the flavor.
For extra heat, add a dash of chili flakes or a spicy sauce.

Storage

Store leftover chicken mixture and toppings separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat the chicken gently in a pan or microwave before assembling tacos. Assemble tacos just before serving to keep tortillas from getting soggy.

How to Serve

Two soft white tortillas each hold a colorful, layered mix of food. The first tortilla has strips of golden-brown grilled chicken on the bottom, topped with chunks of bright green cucumber, thin slices of light purple onion, and vibrant red pieces of bell pepper, all showing fresh textures. The second tortilla contains crispy golden fries, melted cheese, and pieces of browned meat with a few red bell pepper pieces visible. The food is arranged casually but clearly on a smooth white marbled surface, with soft shadows adding depth. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use whole chicken pieces instead of mince?

Yes, you can use finely chopped or shredded cooked chicken pieces, but mince holds the spices and shapes into the tortillas more easily for this recipe.

Are these tacos freezer-friendly?

The cooked chicken mixture can be frozen in an airtight container for up to 1 month. Fries and fresh toppings are best prepared fresh to maintain texture and flavor.