Oh, how I love Mediterranean flavors! They’re so fresh and vibrant and these Chicken Gyros are exactly that! I’m so happy anytime I get to fire up the grill to cook some marinated meat because I know it’s going to be incredibly tender and so full of flavor. Gyros are popular street food and make the perfect grab-and-go meal. These Greek sandwiches are so filling on their own or you can easily pair them with other Greek-inspired side dishes for a larger meal. The meat is marinated with Greek flavors like yogurt, lemon, olive oil, garlic, and oregano and then is quickly grilled before thinly slicing and piling it high onto pita flatbreads. Crunchy lettuce, onion, and juicy tomatoes also give this sandwich a super fresh flavor! Serve these loaded pita wraps with lots of creamy tzatziki sauce, a simple Greek salad, and a side of crispy homemade French fries. Take a trip to the Mediterranean right in your own kitchen!
What are Gyros?
Authentic gyros are of Greek origin and are made from tender seasoned meat cooked on a vertical spit in front of a vertical rotisserie and then piled onto pita flatbreads along with tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki. Everything then gets rolled up into a handheld sandwich. I don’t know many households that have their own spit, so to make things simple and accessible to everyone, we’ll be grilling our chicken on a grill pan. The perfect summer recipe! Greek gyros are normally made with pork, and you’ll also find a lot of chicken gyros. Occasionally you’ll find them made with lamb and beef, and there’s even a halloumi version as well. And just how do you pronounce the name?? ‘Yee-roh’ is the correct pronunciation!
Gyros vs. Souvlaki vs. Doner Kebab
These three can sometimes get confused for one another. I would say gyros and doner kebab are the most similar because they are both made with thinly sliced meat stacked on top of one another on a rotating spit. The major difference between those two is that doner kebab is Turkish, uses Turkish spices and Turkish flatbread. The meat used is also predominantly lamb and beef rather than pork or chicken, unlike Gyros which often use pork and chicken. Souvlaki is another type of grilled meat made prepared on skewers. Also referred to as kebabs (not to be confused with doner kebabs), which can be taken off the skewers and used in wraps as well. There are obvious similarities between all three but the differences are enough to know that if you get a chance to try one of each, you definitely should!
Why You’ll Love Chicken Gyros
Ingredients Needed for chicken Gyros
With just a few easy-to-find ingredients, you’ll be able to pull this chicken gyros recipe together in a snap! Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
For the chicken:
Chicken thighs: I use boneless and skinless chicken thighs for the best flavor.Pita flatbreads: These don’t have pockets. You’ll be wrapping the pita around the chicken gyro and not stuffing it inside a pocket. If you don’t have pitas, tortillas can work here too. Salad: Thin slices of red onion, shredded romaine lettuce, and diced tomato add some crunchTzatziki: I like to use my homemade version, but your favorite store-bought kind will work as well.
For chicken gyros marinade:
Greek-style yogurt, lemon juice, vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper: The yogurt, lemon, and vinegar help to tenderize the chicken, and the olive oil, garlic, and oregano give the chicken those classic Greek flavors we love!
How To Make Chicken Gyros
The actual prep time is minimal, just be sure to plan ahead for the time the chicken will be in the marinade.
Recipe Tips
Make this chicken gyros recipe a success by following these handy tips.
Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours and preferably overnight. The longer you marinate, the more flavor the meat will have.Warm the pitas so they’re softer and easier to roll once stuffed with the chicken gyro.Wrap the pitas. Wrap the pita in parchment paper to help hold the sandwich together and make it easier to eat. Twist the end of the parchment at the base of the pita to prevent the sauce and juices from dripping out.Cut the chicken. Once grilled, you can choose to leave the chicken whole, slice it into strips, or dice it into “shreds”, it’s up to you!
Storing Tips
Keep any leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 days. The easiest way to reheat the leftover chicken is to put it on a microwavable plate and heat it for 30 seconds. If it isn’t warmed after the initial heat, continue to heat for 30-second intervals until heated through. If you don’t have a microwave, you can easily reheat it on the stove in a skillet with a teaspoon of olive oil over medium-low heat.
What To Serve With Chicken Gyros
Enjoy this juicy chicken piled onto a pita, and round out the meal with some Greek-inspired sides dishes like these:
Greek orzo salad – Traditional Greek salad ingredients with the addition of orzo pasta making it a heartier salad.Greek salad – A classic addition to any Greek meal!Yogurt flatbreads – A simple 2-ingredient homemade flatbread recipe.Homemade flatbread – This is a must try recipe that can be used for so many things. The flatbreads turn out very similar to pitas.Mediterranean chickpea salad – Zesty flavors, and beautiful colors and textures.Classic hummus – Can be served alongside as a dip or as a spread in the wrap itself.
Other Possible Toppings
Kalamata olivesFeta cheeseSliced red onionsBell peppers
Ways to Use Leftover Gyros Meat
If you have leftovers, there are plenty of delicious ways you can use them up. Here are just a few ideas to get you started:
On top of a pizzaIn a saladIn baked pastaOn chicken nachos or French fries!In chicken salad
Give these chicken gyros a try the next time you’re craving Greek takeout. Save time and money and enjoy the best homemade version instead! Pin it for more people to enjoy too! © Little Sunny Kitchen
