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!
This is a reader-favourite recipe included by popular demand in my debut cookbook “Dinner”!
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!!
What goes in Gryos
Here are the components that make up a Greek Chicken Gyros wrap:
Marinated Greek Chicken
Tzatziki
Tomato Cucumber Salad
Flatbread to roll up the gyros – or use smaller pita breads and just fold them over
Greek Chicken Gyros Marinade ingredients
Here’s what you need for the marinade. There’s LOTS of garlic and dried oregano. Lots!!
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!
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.
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!
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).
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
This recipe features in my debut cookbook Dinner. The book is mostly new recipes, but this is a reader favourite included by popular demand!
Hungry for more? Subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for all of the latest updates.
Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzaziki
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:
Nutrition Information:
First published June 2015. Long overdue for fresh new photos and a brand new video!!
Life of Dozer
WAY too close to the BBQ!
It’s a family favorite – one of about three both kids love. Having it for our Easter dinner tonight!
That’s great Elizabeth!! N x
Nagi! This recipe was sooo good! Made it for dinner tonight and everyone loved it 💕. Happy Easter 🐇
Family loved this. They said, “this is a definite make again.” I baked it in the oven but I bet it’s delicious on the grill.
Thank you for this wonderful recipe! Just bought make it for the second time, it is so so easy and absolutely delicious! You are amazing!
Wow, woman, wow! This was so delicious. Whenever I try a new recipe, I’m always hopeful that I’ll love it and wary that it might just be ok. Everything was so tasty (chick, salad, tzatziki, wraps)! I and my family loved it. Thank you :D.
I LOVE hearing this Elamie!!! I’m so happy you loved it! N x
This was truly delicious. Thank you, Nagi.
You’re so welcome Diane! N x
Another amazing meal! Used Red wine vinegar, which was suggested. My 8 year old loved it. Your recipes are truly amazing!
That’s great to hear Amie!! N x
Hi Nagi! Do you think this marinade is also good for a whole spatchcock chicken? – upping the ingredients of course… thanks!
Yes of course!!! Enjoy! N x
Recipe was delicious but I made too much tzatziki! Do you know how long it’ll stay fresh?
Hi Annie, I’d keep it up to 4 days in the fridge 🙂 It’s great with carrot sticks and celery too! N x
My daughter has a dairy allergy so what type of yogurt substitution would you suggest I use for the marinade? TIA
Hi Martha, coconut or lactose free yogurt will be perfect here!
Can you substitute chicken breast for the thighs
The marinade in this recipe is amazing – it transforms the flavour of the chicken and makes it so tender and delicious. Thanks so much Nagi!
Hi Nagi,
Have fallen in love with so many of your recipes and this is no exception. Used store bought tzatziki because it’s Saturday night and I’m feeling lazy and was a really quick and easy meal for the whole family. Toddler had her wrap deconstructed!
Made this last night and it was delicious. Nagi, you have not failed me yet. Love your recipes.
Wahoo! That’s great to hear Linda! N x
Love the pics of Dozer as much as your recipes!!!
Hi Nagi, due to the Corona virus we are avoiding all outings. I have a lot of groceries but no Greek or other yogurt. Is there a substitute you’d recommend in a pinch? Sour cream, ricotta, other?
Hi Nagi love your work. Can I use the same marinade on a spit. Thanks
Hello Nagi,
I love the flavors but my grilled chicken was not nearly as beautiful as yours. Is it possible I left touch marinade on the chicken?
Thank you,
Kerry
Hi Kerry, I don’t understand what you mean sorry!! N x
Delicious and easy. We will definitely add this to our dinner rotation. My Greek husband was impressed.
That’s great to hear Robin!! N x
Our BBQ recently stopped working and I’ve been wanting to make this recipe! Any suggestions on how else to cook the chicken?
A cast iron skillet will be perfect Corina! N x
This recipe was absolutely delicious!! My husband kept raving about the flavors of the chicken and sauce. He’s had gyros all over the country and he said that this was at the top!!
Thank you for sharing such tasty recipes.
Woah what a compliment Rebecca!! N x
Hi there, love your website. Many interesting recipes. Looking at the Greek chicken Gyros with Tzatziki. I made this Greek Chicken marinade and it is delicious. A keeper for sure. Being Greek, I make a lot of Greek food. Tzatziki is one I make a lot… we usually add chopped fresh dill in this. It’s really good. I use lots of garlic, Greek olive oil, and fresh lemon juice. Just a wonderful dip, spread, topping to many dishes.