Grilled Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe

If you’re after a meal that bursts with flavor and brings a hint of Mediterranean sunshine to your kitchen, Grilled Greek Chicken Gyros need to be at the top of your list. Picture this: marinated chicken hot off the grill, soft pita wraps, a refreshing homemade tzatziki, and a shower of fresh veggies and feta. It’s a recipe you’ll keep coming back to, perfect for sharing and just as delightful eaten solo while daydreaming of whitewashed Greek islands.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of Grilled Greek Chicken Gyros comes from using a handful of simple, quality ingredients—each one adds an essential touch to the harmony of flavor and texture. Don’t skip or substitute if you can help it; every element really does make the whole experience sing.

• Chicken thighs (2 lb, fat removed): Thighs are juicy and flavorful—plus they hold up brilliantly when grilled.
• Greek yogurt (whole fat, 1/2 cup for marinade): The secret ingredient for tenderizing chicken and infusing tanginess.
• Olive oil (2 tablespoons for marinade + 1 tablespoon for sauce): Adds richness and helps everything meld together beautifully.
• Garlic (1 tablespoon minced for marinade + 1/2 tablespoon for sauce): This aromatic brings bold Mediterranean character to both marinade and sauce.
• Lemon juice (2 tablespoons for marinade + 1 tablespoon for sauce): Delivers bright acidity and freshness to every bite.
• Red wine vinegar (2 teaspoons): Adds another zingy layer to the chicken marinade, enhancing depth of flavor.
• Oregano (1 tablespoon dried): Classic Greek herb—earthy and fragrant, it defines authentic gyro flavor.
• Sea salt (1 teaspoon): Not only seasons thoroughly but helps all those flavors pop.
• Pepper (to taste): For just the right hint of heat and spice.
• Cucumber (1, peeled, grated, and squeezed—about 1/2 cup): Provides crunch and coolness to the creamy tzatziki.
• Greek yogurt (whole fat, 1 1/4 cup, for sauce): Extra creamy and tangy—the foundation for irresistibly thick tzatziki.
• Dill (2 tablespoons chopped): Infuses the sauce with a fresh, grassy personality that’s pure Greek summer.
• Salt and pepper (for sauce, to taste): Lets you perfectly season your homemade tzatziki.
• Pita bread or lavash bread wraps (4): They cradle every delicious layer, holding all that goodness together.
• Tomatoes (2, cubed): These add sweet juiciness and gorgeous color to your gyros.
• Small red onion (sliced): Slices add a pleasant sharp bite and crunch.
• Head of lettuce (sliced): Brings freshness and a slight snap for contrast.
• Feta cheese (6 oz): Crumbly, salty, and creamy—a finishing touch that’s truly irresistible.

How to Make Grilled Greek Chicken Gyros

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by mixing together the chicken thighs, Greek yogurt, olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, oregano, sea salt, and pepper in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Massage everything together so the chicken is completely coated, then cover and refrigerate for at least four hours—or let it work its magic overnight for the deepest flavor. This step is where your future Grilled Greek Chicken Gyros start developing that mouthwatering taste.

Step 2: Fire Up the Grill

Next, preheat your grill to high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Grill the chicken thighs for about 3 to 4 minutes per side, or until they’re deeply golden and cooked through with delicious grill marks. Let the chicken rest for a couple of minutes, then slice it into mouthwatering strips—each one ready to be wrapped up inside your Gyros.

Step 3: Make the Tzatziki Sauce

For that refreshing Greek punch, halve your cucumber and scoop out the seeds with a spoon. Grate it, then squeeze out every possible drop of juice using paper towels—this ensures your tzatziki isn’t watery. In a bowl, combine the cucumber, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, dill, garlic, salt, and pepper. Stir until thoroughly mixed. Let it chill in the fridge for at least 15 minutes so all the flavors can meld.

Step 4: Warm the Bread and Assemble

Warm your pita or lavash wraps (a quick pass over the grill or in a hot skillet does the trick). Spread a generous spoonful of tzatziki over each, then pile on those juicy slices of grilled chicken. Add a tumble of lettuce, fresh tomatoes, and sliced red onion, and crown each wrap with a scatter of feta cheese.

Step 5: Wrap and Enjoy

Fold or roll the bread around your fillings, tuck the edge in to keep things neat if you like, and dive in. The combination of smoky, tender chicken and cool, creamy tzatziki is what makes Grilled Greek Chicken Gyros an instant hit—each bite is a little Greek adventure.

How to Serve Grilled Greek Chicken Gyros

Garnishes

Top your gyros with extra dill, a squeeze of fresh lemon, or a dusting of sumac for an extra citrusy note. Chopped parsley, a few briny kalamata olives, or even a smattering of sliced radishes also make each gyro pop with color and flavor.

Side Dishes

Pair your Grilled Greek Chicken Gyros with crispy oven-roasted potatoes, a lively Greek salad brimming with cucumbers and olives, or some lemony orzo. Even a simple bowl of fresh fruit makes a refreshing compliment. These sides round out the meal and transport you straight to a sun-drenched Greek taverna.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, lay out a DIY gyro bar with warmed bread, grilled chicken, all the toppings, and tzatziki in bowls for everyone to build their ideal wrap. Or, for heartier fare, turn the components into a vibrant salad bowl—piled with lettuces, chicken, veggies, and a generous swirl of tzatziki as dressing.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers, keep the chicken, tzatziki, and toppings in separate airtight containers in the fridge. The grilled chicken stays good for up to 3 days, and tzatziki keeps its freshness for about 2 days before the cucumber starts to lose texture. This way, you can assemble fresh Grilled Greek Chicken Gyros in minutes.

Freezing

The cooked grilled chicken freezes beautifully—just cool completely, then seal in a freezer bag or container for up to 2 months. When craving strikes, simply thaw in the fridge overnight. Skip freezing vegetables, and only make fresh tzatziki when needed for best texture and taste.

Reheating

To revive your chicken, warm it gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or cover and microwave in short bursts to keep it moist and tender. Avoid overheating to preserve that irresistible juiciness. Warm your bread as you did before, and assemble your Grilled Greek Chicken Gyros fresh with cold toppings and sauce for the ultimate leftovers refresh.

FAQs

Can I substitute chicken breast for chicken thighs?

Yes, you can use chicken breast if you prefer a leaner option, though thighs tend to stay more juicy and flavorful when grilled. Just reduce cooking time slightly to avoid over-drying the breast meat.

Is there a dairy-free alternative to Greek yogurt for the marinade and sauce?

Coconut yogurt or another plain, plant-based yogurt works well for both the marinade and the tzatziki. Opt for unsweetened varieties to keep the flavors true to classic Grilled Greek Chicken Gyros.

Can I cook the chicken without a grill?

Absolutely! You can use a stovetop grill pan, broil the chicken in your oven, or even bake it at high heat. Whichever method you use, look for a golden, slightly charred exterior and juicy center.

How can I make these gyros vegetarian?

Marinate slabs of halloumi cheese or thick slices of portobello mushroom using the same seasoning and grill as you would the chicken. You’ll end up with delicious, grill-marked veggie gyros that are just as satisfying.

Why does my tzatziki get watery?

The cucumber in tzatziki holds a lot of liquid, so be sure to grate, squeeze, and drain it thoroughly before mixing with yogurt. This will give you that signature luxuriously thick sauce that makes Grilled Greek Chicken Gyros shine.

Final Thoughts

I hope you’re as excited as I am to give these Grilled Greek Chicken Gyros a try. With juicy chicken, cool tzatziki, and fresh, vibrant toppings, this recipe is a surefire crowd-pleaser and an instant escape to the flavors of Greece. Gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and let yourself fall in love with every bite!

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