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Greek Style Chicken Gyros

Highlight: Satisfying Main Dishes for Every Occasion

This Greek style chicken dish features tender chicken thighs marinated in olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, oregano, cumin, and yoghurt. The marinated chicken is chargrilled to perfection, offering a lovely smoky char and juicy interior. Homemade tzatziki made with grated cucumber, garlic, and yoghurt adds a refreshing, creamy layer, while a fresh tomato salad with shallots and parsley brings brightness. Crispy potato stick crisps offer delightful texture, all wrapped in warm flatbreads for a satisfying, vibrant meal that’s perfect for any night.

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A woman in a blue apron holding a plate of food.
Crafted By Sophie
Updated on Sat, 10 Jan 2026 19:27:35 GMT
A gyro sandwich with chicken and french fries. Save
A gyro sandwich with chicken and french fries. | myhomemademeal.com

These Greek-style chicken gyros bring vibrant Mediterranean flavors right to your kitchen with tender marinated chicken, creamy homemade tzatziki, crisp tomato salad, and crunchy potato stick crisps for an easy weekday dinner that does not require deep frying.

I discovered this recipe when craving a lunchtime gyro that was quick yet satisfying, and now it’s become a regular request from my family for an easy weekend meal packed with flavor.

Ingredients

  • Extra-virgin olive oil: the base for marinade and salad dressing, choose cold-pressed for best flavor
  • Greek yoghurt: adds creaminess and tenderizes the chicken, opt for full-fat for richness
  • Garlic cloves: fresh garlic provides a pungent kick essential to Greek cuisine
  • Lemon juice: fresh-squeezed lemon juice brings brightness and balances the marinade
  • Dried oregano: traditional herb in Greek cooking, dried is best for intense flavor
  • Ground cumin: warms the flavor profile, use fresh ground if possible
  • Salt: enhances all other ingredients and pulls the flavors together
  • Chicken thigh fillets: naturally juicy and flavorful, skinless keeps the dish lighter
  • Cucumber: peeled and grated, key for cooling tzatziki so choose firm and fresh
  • Cherry tomatoes: sweet and juicy for fresh tomato salad
  • Banana shallot: mild and slightly sweet for the salad, finely chopped to meld flavors
  • Fresh flat-leaf parsley: adds herbaceous brightness to the salad
  • Vegetable oil: for greasing the griddle pan with a neutral taste
  • Greek-style flatbreads: essential vehicle for holding all the delicious fillings
  • Potato stick crisps: add a crunchy texture without frying potatoes yourself

Step-by-Step Instructions

Savour the Marinade:
Combine olive oil, Greek yoghurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, dried oregano, ground cumin, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add the chicken thighs and toss thoroughly to coat every piece. Cover and let rest in the fridge for 30 minutes to 1 hour. This step infuses the chicken with layers of flavor while tenderizing it.
Prepare the Tzatziki:
Grate the cucumber finely then transfer to the center of a clean tea towel. Gather towel edges and twist firmly to remove excess liquid. This step prevents watery tzatziki which can dilute the flavor and texture. Transfer the squeezed cucumber to a bowl and mix with Greek yoghurt, minced garlic, olive oil, and fresh lemon juice. Season liberally with salt and pepper. Pop the tzatziki into the refrigerator to chill and let flavors meld.
Mix the Tomato Salad:
In a separate bowl, toss the quartered cherry tomatoes with finely chopped shallots and parsley. Drizzle olive oil over the mixture and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss gently to coat evenly. Chill this while preparing the rest.
Cook the Chicken:
Heat a griddle pan over medium-medium high heat and grease it lightly with vegetable oil. Cook the marinated chicken thighs for 6 to 8 minutes on each side depending on thickness. They should be cooked through and slightly charred for that authentic grilled flavor. Alternatively, roast in a preheated oven at 220 degrees Celsius for about 20 minutes. Let the chicken rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
Warm the Flatbreads:
Heat your flatbreads as per the package directions to make them soft and pliable.
Assemble the Gyros:
Spread a generous layer of chilled tzatziki onto each flatbread. Top with sliced chicken, a portion of tomato salad, and finish with a big handful of potato stick crisps. Fold or roll carefully and serve immediately for the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, fresh, and crunchy.
A gyro sandwich with chicken and french fries. Save
A gyro sandwich with chicken and french fries. | myhomemademeal.com

My favorite ingredient is the homemade tzatziki because it brings a creamy cooling element that perfectly contrasts the warmth and spices of the chicken. A treasured family moment was when my kids tried these gyros for the first time and immediately asked if we could make this every week.

Storage Tips

Store leftover chicken and salads separately in airtight containers within the refrigerator. The chicken stays flavorful for up to three days while the salad is best within one day to keep its freshness. Keep the flatbreads wrapped tightly to avoid drying out. Tzatziki can separate slightly when stored so give it a good stir before serving again.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you cannot find Greek yoghurt, use natural full-fat yoghurt but strain it through a muslin cloth to thicken. Replace banana shallot with mild red onion finely diced or a small amount of sweet white onion. If fresh oregano is available, use it instead of dried but add it later in the marination to prevent bitterness. Chicken breast can be used but may dry out quicker than thighs.

Serving Suggestions

Serve these gyros with a simple Greek lemon potato salad or a crisp green salad to keep the meal light yet hearty. A side of olives or a small bowl of feta drizzled with olive oil complements the flavors beautifully. For drinks, a chilled ouzo or even sparkling water with a lemon slice pairs well.

Cultural Context

Gyros are a beloved street food staple originating from Greece, traditionally made on a vertical rotisserie but here adapted for home cooking. This style emphasizes fresh, bright ingredients like yoghurt, cucumbers, and lemon that reflect the Mediterranean diet’s focus on health and flavor. Offering pita or flatbread filled with grilled meat and fresh sauce creates a perfect handheld meal enjoyed by many as casual dining.

Pro Tips

  • Always wring out excess water from cucumbers for tzatziki to avoid watering down the sauce
  • Let chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy when sliced
  • Toast dried oregano lightly in a pan before adding to marinade for deeper aromatic flavor

Recipe FAQs

→ What cut of chicken is best for this dish?

Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work best as they remain juicy and tender during grilling or roasting.

→ How long should I marinate the chicken?

Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes up to 1 hour to allow the flavors to fully develop.

→ Can I prepare the tzatziki in advance?

Yes, the tzatziki can be made a few hours ahead; chilling helps the flavors meld beautifully.

→ What is the purpose of wringing the cucumber for tzatziki?

Removing excess moisture prevents a watery sauce and keeps the tzatziki creamy and thick.

→ How do I achieve the best chargrill flavor on the chicken?

Cook the chicken over medium-high heat, turning once, until nicely charred outside but juicy inside, about 6-8 minutes per side.

Greek Style Chicken Gyros

Chargrilled chicken paired with tzatziki, fresh tomato salad, and crisp potato sticks in Greek style.

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cooking Duration
40 minutes
Overall Time
60 minutes
Crafted By: Sophie

Recipe Type: Main Dishes

Preparation Complexity: Moderate Challenge

Regional Cuisine: Greek

Servings Output: 4 Serving Size (4 servings)

Dietary Choices: ~

Everything You’ll Need

→ Chicken marinade

01 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
02 2 tbsp Greek yoghurt
03 4 garlic cloves, minced
04 1 lemon, juice only
05 1 tbsp dried oregano
06 1 tsp ground cumin
07 1 tsp salt
08 1.32 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thigh fillets

→ Tzatziki

09 ¼ cucumber
10 3.5 oz Greek yoghurt
11 ½ garlic clove, minced
12 ½ tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
13 ½ tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
14 Salt and pepper, to taste

→ Tomato salad

15 8.8 oz cherry tomatoes, quartered
16 1 banana shallot, finely chopped
17 0.35 oz fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
18 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
19 Salt and pepper, to taste

→ To finish

20 Vegetable oil, for greasing
21 4 Greek-style flatbreads
22 4 handfuls potato stick crisps

Steps to Cook

Step 01

Combine olive oil, Greek yoghurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, oregano, cumin, and salt in a large bowl. Add chicken thighs and toss to coat evenly. Marinate for 30 minutes to 1 hour.

Step 02

Grate cucumber, then squeeze out excess moisture using a clean tea towel. In a bowl, mix drained cucumber with Greek yoghurt, minced garlic, olive oil, and lemon juice. Season generously with salt and pepper. Refrigerate until needed.

Step 03

Combine quartered cherry tomatoes, finely chopped shallot, parsley, and olive oil in a bowl. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss gently and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Step 04

Heat a griddle pan with vegetable oil over medium to medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 6 to 8 minutes per side until fully cooked, or alternatively roast at 428°F (220°C) for approximately 20 minutes. Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Step 05

Heat flatbreads according to package instructions until soft and pliable.

Step 06

Spread tzatziki on each flatbread. Top with sliced chicken, tomato salad, and a generous handful of potato stick crisps. Serve immediately.

Extra Suggestions

  1. Wringing the cucumber prevents watery tzatziki and ensures a creamy texture.

Must-Have Equipment

  • Griddle pan
  • Mixing bowls
  • Tea towel or clean kitchen cloth

Allergy Information

Always check ingredient details for potential allergens. Consult an expert if you're uncertain.
  • Contains dairy and garlic.