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Home Chicken

Greek Chicken Gyros recipe

By:Nagi
Published:24 May '20Updated:21 Oct '20
943 Comments
Recipe v Video v Dozer v

The marinade for the chicken for this Greek Chicken Gyros recipe is SO GOOD that I use it even when I’m not making Gyros. Try it once, and I think you’ll be as obsessed with it as I am!

Gyros marinade is made with yoghurt, lemon, garlic and oregano – classic Greek ingredients that infuses the chicken with flavour AND tenderises it. The smell when this is cooking is outrageous!

Close up of Greek Chicken Gryos wrap - easy Gyros recipe!

Greek Chicken Gyros recipe

It’s been ages since I made this Greek Chicken Gyros. But the minute the chicken hit the grill, all I could think was “why don’t I make this more often??”

The smell is incredible. You can REALLY smell garlic and oregano. You know how sometimes you add herbs into things and you can’t really taste it? Or you can, but it’s a very subtle flavour. Definitely not the case with this!!

Cooked chicken for Greek Chicken Gryos fresh off the grill, ready to be served

What goes in Gryos

Here are the components that make up a Greek Chicken Gyros wrap:

  1. Marinated Greek Chicken
  2. Tzatziki
  3. Tomato Cucumber Salad
  4. Flatbread to roll up the gyros – or use smaller pita breads and just fold them over

Photo of the components of Greek Chicken Gryos - marinated Greek Chicken, tzatziki and tomato cucumber salad.

Greek Chicken Gyros Marinade ingredients

Here’s what you need for the marinade. There’s LOTS of garlic and dried oregano. Lots!!

What goes in Greek Chicken Gyros marinade

Yogurt is a magical marinade – it’s a terrific flavour carrier and tenderises the chicken!

Yogurt is the secret ingredient in this recipe. The acid in the yoghurt breaks down the fibres so it not only softens the chicken but also helps the marinade really infuse into the flesh.

Plus, the yoghurt makes this marinade “paste like” so it stays slathered on the chicken when you cook it (unlike many marinades that are thin). So you have extra flavour oomph!

Chicken being marinated in Greek Chicken Gyros marinade

In the video, you’ll see that I cook this indoors on a grill pan. But during the warmer months, this is a BBQ favourite!


What goes in Tzatziki for Greek Gyros

And here’s what goes in the tzatziki.

What goes in Tzatziki for Greek Chicken Gryos

Greek Yogurt please! Or at least Greek style which is what I mostly use because it’s easily found at everyday supermarkets. 🙂


How to make Greek Chicken Gyros

And onto the making part!! There are a few components to Gryos – but the making part is a cinch!

How to make Greek Chicken Gryos

GREAT meal for groups – prepare ahead, make loads!

This Greek Chicken Gyros is a really fab recipe for entertaining. Because it is really fast to prepare and the men can BBQ while the girls sip wine and chatter. (Joke joke JOKE!!!)

Then you can just lay everything out on the table. Why should you slave away, rolling up a gyros for everyone? Make ’em do it themselves!

(Few more of my favourite large format foods, DIY style, include: Chicken or Beef / Lamb Doner kebabs, Chicken Shawarma and Lamb Shawarma, Vietnamese Chicken Noodle Bowls).

Greek Chicken Gryos feast, DIY wraps!

What to serve on the side

I serve Greek Chicken Gyros as a complete meal in itself because there’s a decent amount of tomato and cucumber used to stuff inside.

If you wanted to boost the fresh vegetables, a big fat juicy Greek Salad would be terrifically on theme! For something more substantial, especially if you’re making Gyros for a group, try this Greek Lemon Orzo Salad as well.

And though not specifically a Greek-style salad, this Cucumber Salad with Garlic & Herb Dressing OR this Creamy Cucumber Salad with Lemon Yogurt Dressing would go down a treat with this Gyros. I also offer a Greek take on my recipe for Roasted Pumpkin with Yogurt Sauce and Pine Nuts (see Customisations ideas section) that would be a great partner to the Gyros.

If you’re really wanting to impress, make Gyros using your very own homemade flatbread wraps. They’re easy and they’re made without yeast!!

– Nagi x


Watch how to make it

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Close up of Greek Chicken Gryos

Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzaziki

Author: Nagi | RecipeTin Eats
Prep: 20 mins
Cook: 6 mins
Marinade: 3 hrs
Total: 26 mins
Dinner, Entertaining, Grilling, Lunch
Greek
4.98 from 281 votes
Servings4 - 6
Tap or hover to scale
Print
Recipe video above. The marinade for the chicken is so sensational that I use it even when I'm not making Gyros! This is fantastic for entertaining because you can just lay it all out for guests to help themselves. The smell when the chicken is cooking is incredible - you can really smell the oregano and garlic!

Ingredients

  • 2 lb / 1 kg chicken thigh fillets , boneless skinless

Marinade

  • 3 large garlic cloves , minced (~ 3 tsp)
  • 1 tbsp white wine vinegar (or red wine or apple cider vinegar)
  • 3 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 tbsp Greek yogurt , preferably full fat
  • 1 1/2 tbsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp salt
  • Black pepper

Tzatziki

  • 2 cucumbers (to make about 1/2 - 3/4 cup grated cucumber after squeezing out juice)
  • 1 1/4 cups Greek yoghurt , preferably full fat
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (or more if you want richer)
  • 1 garlic clove , minced
  • 1/4 tsp salt
  • Black pepper

Salad

  • 3 tomatoes , desseeded and diced
  • 3 cucumbers , diced
  • 1/2 red spanish onion , peeled and finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley leaves (optional)
  • Salt and pepper

To Serve

  • 4 to 6 pita breads or flat breads

Instructions

  • Place the Marinade ingredients in a ziplock bag and massage to mix. Add the chicken into the ziplock bag and massage to cover all the chicken in the Marinade. Marinate for at least 2 hours, preferably 3 hours, ideally 12 hours and no longer than 24 hours.

Make the Tzatziki

  • Cut the cucumber in half lengthwise. Use a teaspoon to scrape the watery seeds out. Coarsely grate the cucumber using a box grater. Then wrap in paper towels or a tea towel and squeeze to remove excess liquid.
  • Place cucumber in a bowl. Add remaining ingredients then mix to combine. Set aside for at least 20 minutes for the flavours to meld.

Salad

  • Combine ingredients in a bowl.

Cook Chicken

  • Brush the outdoor grill with oil, then preheat on medium high. Or heat 1 tbsp of oil in a fry pan over medium high heat.
  • Remove chicken from Marinade. Cook the chicken for 2 to 3 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through (cooking time depends on size of chicken).
  • Remove the chicken from the grill / fry pan onto a plate. Cover loosely with foil and allow to rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Assemble Gyros

  • If your chicken thighs are large, you may need to cut them. Mine were small.
  • Get a pita bread or flatbread (preferably warmed) and place it on a piece of parchment (baking) paper (or you could use foil). Place some Salad down the middle of the bread, then top with chicken and Tzatziki.
  • Roll the wrap up, enclosing it with the parchment paper. Twist the end with the excess parchment paper to secure it and cut if desired.
  • I prefer to lay everything out on a table and let everyone help themselves.

Recipe Notes:

1. Tzatziki - makes a generous amount. But better to have too much than not enough!
2. Freezing - chicken can be frozen in marinade uncooked. Once thawed, massage well to remove curdling then cook per recipe!
Cooked chicken will keep for 4 days in the fridge.
3. Nutrition per serving assuming this serves 4 using pita bread.

Nutrition Information:

Calories: 641.78cal (32%)Carbohydrates: 47.64g (16%)Protein: 64.69g (129%)Fat: 20.26g (31%)Saturated Fat: 4.58g (29%)Cholesterol: 242.16mg (81%)Sodium: 1297.31mg (56%)Potassium: 1456.56mg (42%)Fiber: 5.09g (21%)Sugar: 11.21g (12%)Vitamin A: 1455.3IU (29%)Vitamin C: 35.67mg (43%)Calcium: 232.57mg (23%)Iron: 4.09mg (23%)
Keywords: Greek Chicken, greek chicken gryos, gyros, yogurt marinade
Did you make this recipe?I love hearing how you went with my recipes! Tag me on Instagram at @RecipeTinEats.

First published June 2015. Long overdue for fresh new photos and a brand new video!!

Life of Dozer

WAY too close to the BBQ!

Dozer the golden retriever dog watching chicken being grilled

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943 Comments

  1. Chloe says

    June 2, 2020 at 3:33 am

    5 stars
    A MILLION STARS!!! Thank you Nagi! This chicken is so soft it literally melts in the mouth. My husband and children said it was the best tasting chicken they had ever had and have asked for it again for the second time this week!
    I usually cook with boneless chicken thighs/legs as we find them more tender and tasty, but chicken breasts were on special at the supermarket so I used this marinade on the chicken breast fillets and hoped for the best. The results were simply incredible. You could cut the chicken with a spoon!
    A few days later we used chicken breasts in a Thai curry and it was tough and dry – so we know that this marinade is the trick! I’m making this forever!
    Nagi you’re the best!

    Reply
  2. Natasha says

    June 1, 2020 at 2:09 am

    5 stars
    What a fantastic recipe! The chicken turned out perfectly seasoned and tender. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      June 1, 2020 at 3:59 pm

      Wahoo! That’s great to hear Natasha! N x

      Reply
  3. Grace says

    May 31, 2020 at 1:43 am

    5 stars
    This was a hit at my house. I have 3 teenagers, all picky eaters, and they gobbled this up!! Thank you Nagi for sharing your awesome recipes. All your recipes have turned out AH-mazingly delicious!! Xoxo

    Reply
  4. Rose says

    May 30, 2020 at 8:07 am

    5 stars
    Hi Nagi, which flatbreads do you like to buy for this recipe? ( i’m in australia as well)

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      May 30, 2020 at 11:14 am

      I usually make them Rose – try this recipe: https://www.recipetineats.com/easy-soft-flatbread-yeast/

      Reply
  5. Samar Shahid says

    May 30, 2020 at 12:26 am

    What can I use instead of Greek yogurt for the tzatziki?

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      May 30, 2020 at 11:21 am

      Hi Samar, greek or natural yogurt is the best to use here. N x

      Reply
  6. Phill says

    May 28, 2020 at 11:01 pm

    I cooked this for my family tonight, kids loved it, it was fantastic, as good as any restaurant and so easy to make. Thank you

    Reply
  7. Huong says

    May 27, 2020 at 8:26 am

    Can I substitute yogurt with sour cream?

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      May 27, 2020 at 2:02 pm

      Hi Huong – yes that should be fine – you may need to add a little water to thin it down. N x

      Reply
  8. Linda Collett says

    May 26, 2020 at 7:51 pm

    So good, thank you

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      May 27, 2020 at 2:19 pm

      You’re so welcome Linda! N x

      Reply
  9. Susan Reid says

    May 26, 2020 at 3:57 am

    5 stars
    This was fantastic, a big hit as we cant eat out due to corona virus Lockdown restaurants are shut. Every bit as good as gyros I’ve eaten in Greece. Excellent explanation will keep visiting your website, thank you.

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      May 26, 2020 at 9:23 am

      You’re so welcome Susan! N x

      Reply
  10. Cat G says

    May 25, 2020 at 6:56 am

    5 stars
    My husband is grilling up this chicken as a write this. The marinade smelled so good, he dumped the leftover marinade in the pot to make his rice the same flavours as the chicken. Im so excited for dinner tonight.

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      May 25, 2020 at 9:34 am

      YES It smells amazing doesn’t it Cat!! Enjoy! N x

      Reply
      • Cat G says

        May 25, 2020 at 9:39 am

        It was so delicious both of my picky eater kids said it smelled delicious and proceeded to gobble it up!! Thank you. Will definitely make this again xx

        Reply
  11. Jessica says

    May 24, 2020 at 7:22 am

    5 stars
    I’d be taking a wild guess to say how many times I’ve made this recipe. It is by far one of my all time favorites…which definitely means something considering I cook probably 28 out of 30 dinners each month. I haven’t always planned ahead enough to let the chicken marinate as long as it should, but I typically cut it into more bite sized strips before marinating to create more surface space when cooking this on short notice. And in a pinch have used any onion I had on hand in place of the red, but there isn’t a single thing I would change about this! Kudos to you for providing my husband and I with such an awesome mea to add to our rotation!

    Reply
  12. Rasha says

    May 23, 2020 at 6:34 am

    4 stars
    I want to make this but I don’t like the taste of Greek yogurt, do you think I could use regular yogurt instead?

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      May 23, 2020 at 2:20 pm

      Hi Rasha, you can’t really taste the yogurt in the overall dish – but natural yogurt works just as well here. N x

      Reply
  13. Erin says

    May 19, 2020 at 9:11 am

    I was going to make these tonight and already marinated the chicken but plans changed. The chicken will have marinated for 30 hours before we grill it, your recipe says no longer than 24 hours, but I can’t avoid it now. Will the chicken be ok?

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      May 19, 2020 at 2:32 pm

      Hi Erin – that will be fine! N x

      Reply
  14. Kathryn Bailey says

    May 18, 2020 at 11:15 pm

    5 stars
    My family loved this

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      May 19, 2020 at 7:21 pm

      Wahoo, that’s great to hear Kathryn! N x

      Reply
  15. Vanessa santoro says

    May 17, 2020 at 12:34 pm

    What are some things that I can use to.to substitute white wine vinegar? Regular white vinegar?white wine?

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      May 18, 2020 at 12:15 pm

      Hi Vaneessa, you can use regular white vinegar or apple cider vinegar ❤️

      Reply
  16. Michelle says

    May 16, 2020 at 11:13 am

    Oh this was fantastic! Perfect Friday night family recipe!

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      May 16, 2020 at 1:53 pm

      Wahoo, that’s great to hear Michelle! N x

      Reply
  17. Kate says

    May 16, 2020 at 5:21 am

    5 stars
    Another winner, Nagi! And another sauce I could eat by itself. Working my way thru all your recipes slowly but surely!

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      May 16, 2020 at 4:12 pm

      That’s great to hear Kate! N x

      Reply
  18. TC says

    May 12, 2020 at 1:56 pm

    5 stars
    Delicious! Served with homemade yoghurt flat breads, Tzatiki and the salad…best iso lunch so far. Cooked the chicken over charcoal on Weber kettle…beautiful flavours. Can’t wait to eat this again soon!

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      May 12, 2020 at 8:13 pm

      YUM! Sounds perfect TC, the flavour cooked over charcoal is the best!! N x

      Reply
  19. Abby says

    May 8, 2020 at 10:55 am

    Can I use red wine vinegar instead of the white?

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      May 8, 2020 at 2:28 pm

      Hi Abby, yes that’s fine as mentioned in the recipe. Enjoy! N x

      Reply
  20. Adam says

    May 7, 2020 at 9:58 pm

    Can I freeze the chicken in the marinade?

    Reply
    • Nagi says

      May 8, 2020 at 10:27 am

      Yes 100% Adam! N x

      Reply
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