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Easy Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe

4.6 from 470 reviews

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.

Ingredients

Scale

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