The Best Homemade Chicken Gyro Recipe
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
This homemade chicken gyro recipe brings the flavors of your favorite Greek restaurant right into your kitchen, making it a fun and delicious meal to share. You’ll love how easy it is to prepare, with simple ingredients that pack a big punch of flavor. The tender, juicy chicken paired with fresh veggies and creamy tzatziki sauce creates a perfect balance in every bite. Plus, it’s customizable—you can add your favorite toppings or switch things up to suit your taste. And the best part? You’ll feel like a pro chef, even if it’s your first time trying this dish!
Recipe
Craving the flavors of Greece? This homemade chicken gyro recipe brings the authentic taste of Mediterranean street food right to your kitchen. Juicy marinated chicken, creamy tzatziki sauce, and warm pita bread come together for a delicious and satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
- 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cucumber, grated and squeezed to remove excess moisture
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving:
- 4 pita bread rounds
- Sliced tomatoes
- Sliced red onions
- Lettuce
Instructions:
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken thighs and coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (or overnight for best results).
- Prepare the Tzatziki: Mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and dill in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper. Refrigerate until ready to use.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken thighs for 5-7 minutes per side until fully cooked and golden brown. Let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
- Assemble the Gyros: Warm the pita bread. Spread a generous amount of tzatziki sauce on each pita, then add sliced chicken, tomatoes, red onions, and lettuce. Fold and serve.
Notes:
- For extra flavor, add a sprinkle of sumac or smoked paprika to the chicken.
- Substitute chicken thighs with chicken breast if preferred.
Equipment:
- Mixing bowls
- Skillet or grill
- Grater
Time:
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Marinating time: 1 hour
Cuisine:
Greek
Serving:
Serves 4
Nutrition
This homemade chicken gyro recipe is packed with protein and flavor. Here’s the nutritional breakdown per serving:
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 350 kcal |
| Protein | 28 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Fiber | 3 g |
| Sodium | 620 mg |
What To Serve With It
I love serving my homemade chicken gyros with warm, fluffy pita bread that soaks up all the juicy flavors, and a fresh veggie salad for a crisp, invigorating crunch. The combo makes every bite satisfying, and it’s so easy to throw together. Trust me, you won’t want to skip these sides—they complete the meal perfectly.
Fluffy Pita Bread
When you’ve got a perfectly seasoned chicken gyro, you’ll want something soft and pillowy to wrap it in, and that’s where fluffy pita bread comes in. There’s nothing quite like biting into warm pita with its soft texture and warm aroma, perfectly complementing the bold flavors of the gyro. I love making mine fresh—it’s surprisingly simple and way better than store-bought. Just mix flour, yeast, water, and a pinch of salt, knead until smooth, then let it rise. Cook it in a hot pan, and watch it puff up beautifully. Trust me, it’ll elevate your gyro game instantly!
Fresh Veggie Salad
A great gyro isn’t complete without something crisp and fresh alongside it, and that’s where a bright, crunchy veggie salad comes in. I like tossing together crispy lettuce and juicy tomatoes, letting their natural flavors shine. Add some thinly sliced cucumbers, red onions for a bit of kick, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or dill. For the dressing, I keep it simple—just olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. It’s the perfect balance of flavors to complement the savory gyro. Every bite feels light and revitalizing, making the whole meal feel complete. Trust me, you’ll love it!
