This grilled Greek chicken gyro recipe is the one I make when I crave authentic Greek flavor. A Greek yogurt marinade tenderizes the chicken and keeps it juicy. Grilling the chicken gives it a smoky char that is so appetizing. Serve it in a warm pita with fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, and my homemade tzatziki. Whether you are having a weeknight meal, tailgate party, or feeding a crowd, everyone loves these Mediterranean flavors and the gyros are always a hit.
Ingredients to make the best Chicken Gyro Marinade
- Greek yogurt: Yogurt is a natural tenderizer for chicken. If dairy-free, use a coconut yogurt or any dairy-free yogurt.
- Lime juice and lime zest: The acidity complements the yogurt. Use fresh lemon juice if limes aren't available.
- Red wine vinegar: A great marinade pairs vinegar with citrus, oil, and creamy Greek yogurt to enhance the flavors in the chicken. Red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar also work well in the gyro marinade.
- Olive oil: For maximum flavor, simple recipes like this one need quality ingredients. I recommend a good extra virgin olive oil. This olive oil has become a favorite.
- Fresh garlic cloves: A must for that perfect hint of garlic.
- Dried oregano, dried thyme: Aromatics add flavor to the marinade.
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs are also a perfect choice for grilled gyros.
Grilled Chicken Gyro Toppings
- Chopped cucumbers: I prefer mini cucumbers or English cucumbers, as the seeds are not an issue and are easy to digest.
- Chopped tomato: Use vine-ripe or plum tomatoes and deseed them for better texture.
- Sliced Red onion: Thinly slice the onion for an added crunch to the Gyro.
- Homemade Tzatziki Sauce or store-bought
- Feta Cheese: After making chicken gyros many times, I have found that crumbling a block of feta cheese delivers a fresher flavor.
- Warm pita bread or Greek Yogurt Flatbread: Use the flat pitas. Opening the pocket can cause a messy gyro. Are you gluten-free? Use gluten-free pita.
- Additional toppings:
- Kalamata olives add a nice briny flavor to complement the yogurt marinade and tzatziki.
How to make the best Chicken Gyro Marinade
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, combine the Greek Chicken marinade ingredients.
- In a large resealable plastic bag, add the chicken breasts and the Greek chicken marinade. Refrigerate for at least one hour, up to overnight.
How to Grill Chicken Gyros
- Grill the chicken on the preheated grill. Cook the chicken for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through or until the
- The chicken is cooked through at 165°F/74C°C. Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the internal temperature.
- Let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing.
- After resting, slice and serve with the toppings.
- Grilled gyros with red onions, cucumbers, and tomatoes topped with a homemade tzatziki sauce.
Make-ahead, storage, and freezer tips
Storage - Keep leftover grilled chicken gyros in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Keep the chicken separate from the toppings so nothing gets soggy.
Freezer Friendly: I love this recipe because it's a great make-ahead meal. For a make-ahead option, grill the chicken and use a good vacuum sealer to prevent freezer burn.
Meal-prep: Marinate the chicken in the morning, and dinner is quick to grill. Prep the veggies while the chicken is grilling.
I make serving-size portions for meal prep. Place frozen chicken gyro meat in the refrigerator the evening before making gyros. The chicken will defrost and be ready to use in the morning. Great for lunch prep too.
Eileen's Tips and Tricks for the best grilled chicken gyros
- Seasoning the chicken before grilling is imperative to layer flavor.
- Watch the chicken on the grill; flare-ups can burn the exterior.
- Chicken Breasts cook best at medium heat to prevent flare-ups.
- Chicken breasts can dry out; use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature: white meat 160°F, dark meat 165°F.
FAQ's for Quick and Easy Chicken Gyros
Make the marinade ingredients, prep and grill the chicken breasts. Prepare the Tzatziki sauce or purchase it if time is an issue. Cut all the vegetables. The key to meal prepping chicken gyros is to store the ingredients in separate airtight containers so everything stays fresh and does not get soggy.
Absolutely, the marinade works on pork loin and lamb.
For shrimp, use a short marinade time of 30 to 60 minutes. The acid in the yogurt will make the shrimp mushy if marinated too long. Cook the shrimp at a high heat for about 3 to 5 minutes, until pink and cooked through.
Yes, I use a vertical skewer to stack the marinated chicken pieces. Bake in a preheated 425°F/218°C oven for about 35 to 40 minutes. Always use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the temperature; chicken should be cooked to at least 165°F/74°C.
What sides to serve with Greek Chicken Gyros
More Chicken Recipes
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Eileen xo
Click the number of servings in the recipe card; you can adjust the measurements up or down for the exact number of servings you need.
📖 Recipe
Grilled Chicken Gyro Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk to combine well ⅓ cup non-fat Greek yogurt, 2 Tablespoons lime juice, 1 teaspoon lime zest, 1 teaspoon red wine vinegar, 1 teaspoon olive oil, 2 cloves garlic, peeled and minced, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, ½ teaspoon dried thyme, ½ teaspoon black pepper, and 1 teaspoon kosher salt.
- In a large plastic sealable bag, add 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts and the Greek chicken marinade. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least one hour, up to overnight.
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Brush the grates with olive oil. Remove chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade.
- Place the chicken on the preheated grill. Cook the chicken for 8 minutes, flipping halfway through or until the chicken reaches 165°F/74C°C. Use an instant-read meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken.
- Remove the chicken from the grill, cover with aluminum foil, and let rest for 5 minutes. This lets juices set, and the chicken will be juicy.
- Cut the chicken into 1-inch slices. Serve on pita bread or flatbread topped with diced tomatoes, cucumbers, and sliced red onion. Sprinkle Tzatziki Sauce on the chicken gyro.
Nutrition
Nutritional values are estimates only. Please consult a professional for strict dietary needs.
Connie Burrows
These gyros were so good. My kids gobbled them. Up. The chicken was super tender. Will be making this again
Eileen xo
You made my day Connie! Glad everyone loves the gyros!
Trish
Yummy! The kids loved the gyros - you were right these we’re easy to make and I have made them a bunch of times now
Eileen xo
Fantatic Trish. I am thrilled your kids love the gyros~ Thanks for taking the time to let me know! Much appreciate the feedback!
Rachel Sweeney
These look amazing but if you eat them with pita bread I don't think you can really call them low carb 😛
Eileen xo
Hi Rachel, I thank you for taking the time to comment. I am happy you enjoy the grilled Greek chicken gyros. As I wrote above, for my Keto followers, the greek chicken can be enjoyed with Greek salad or over zoodles with Tzatziki Sauce.
Andy Bishop
These look absolutely delicious! Great photo work. Even a better recipe! Thanks for sharing this!
Eileen xo
Andy, thank you so much for visiting my blog and your very kind comment. I hope you enjoy these chicken gyros often.
Tina
I'd love to pick one right out from the screen! This looks like a great family dinner or weekend lunch! I'm sure my family would love it.
Eileen xo
These braised short ribs are definitely a family favorite for us!
Heather
This looks absolutely amazing! Super easy to make and great to feed a hungry family any night of the week.. very creative!
Eileen xo
Thank you so much Heather! I hope you enjoy!
Kelsey
This is a great dinner option in my book! I love the flavor combo you did with the chicken! I love Greek food too so I have to try this!
Eileen xo
I'm so glad you like the chicken gyros! Thank you for the kind compliments, enjoy!
Julie
Lamb gyros are my 3 year old's favorite dinner. We usually pick them up from the Greek restaurant down the street, but I can't wait to try this chicken version at home!
Eileen xo
Awesome that you wee one has a great palate! Save your money and make your own! Delish!
Fiona
I love gyros - but I almost never make them at home. Definitely need to try these
Eileen xo
You should totally make your own Fiona! Enjoy!
Sharon
These chicken gyros look so good! All the great flavors and that sauce make the perfect dinner or lunch.
Eileen xo
I am thrilled you enjoy the chicken gyros!
Chef Markus Mueller
YUM!!! This is my type of fingerfood! I love gyros, and your recipe makes it super approachable to anyone. I see lunch written all over this for next week!
Eileen xo
Absolutely Chef! The chicken is one of those easy make-ahead meals too for any type of gyro or salad!
Jackie
Oh my this looks fantastic! I'm totally adding it to our meal list this week!
Eileen xo
Awesome Jackie! I hope your family enjoy!
EA The Spicy RD
Yum! I love Gyros, and great idea to make these ahead of time and freeze them. Love the options to grill or bake in the oven too. Perfect for a busy weeknight dinner!
Eileen xo
I hope you enjoy the beef short ribs!
Gina Marie
Looks amazing! I would LOVE to try this recipe with mushrooms!!
Eileen xo
Gina Marie, mushrooms would be awesome with this recipe! yum!
Ashley @ Big Flavors from a Tiny Kitchen
I absolutely loooove Greek food, but don't make gyros at home often enough. I tend to go lamb with my gyro order at restaurants, and souvlaki for chicken. This recipe sounds great, and bonus points for being able to be made ahead of time!
Eileen xo
Chicken is a really good marinated and in gyros! I hope you enjoy them
Anne Murphy
That sounds delicious. I have some chicken breasts I"m planning to grill in the next day or so, sounds like I need to try the yogurt marinade!
Eileen xo
The yogurt marinade is amazing and I hope you enjoy the gyros
Shelley
Not only do these gyros look delicious, with so many wonderfully healthy components ... but your post is so full of great little tips and info, too! I love the spin of using lean chicken instead of beef or lamb! Great ideas here!
Eileen xo
Thank you so much for your kind comments Shelley! I am glad you enjoy the post and recipe!
Dominique | Perchance to Cook
That chicken looks perfectly cooked! I'm seriously drooling looking at these photos. What a delicious take on a chicken gyro. YUMMMM I'd love this for lunch right now.
Eileen xo
Awesome Dominique! I hope you love the gyros as much as we do!
Tyler
Loved it Eileen, thanks. I'll definitely be leaving my meats to marinade the day before in future. I didn't realise it would make such a big difference in the flavor.
Eileen xo
Awesome Tyler, I am so glad you enjoy these gyros. We love them. Yes, definitely marinate your meat longer for gyros, really adds flavor and keeps the chicken nice and juicy!