If you’re looking for an incredibly delicious and festive dish to serve to guests, friends, or just your family…this is the one for you.
Greek food is loaded with flavor and history and these babies are about as good as they come. You can easily double or triple the recipe and set up a fun gyro bar for parties and gatherings. Most of the components, including the Homemade Tzatziki Sauce, can be made up to a day in advance making preparation quick and easy!
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HOW TO MAKE CHICKEN GRYO WITH TZATZIKI SAUCE
Making a homemade gyro is really much easier than you might think.
No, we won’t be using a huge spiral spit with chicken (or lamb) attached to like you often see in Greek restaurants around the world.
We’ll be marinating amazing chicken, creating an incredible cucumber salad, and infusing amazing flavor to beautiful pita bread. And of course, making delicious tzatziki sauce from scratch.
CHOOSING THE RIGHT CHICKEN
For our chicken gyro, we love going boneless, skinless chicken thighs. The dark meat is flavorful and very tender. But, you can go with chicken breasts, too, you’ll just need to increase the cooking time to reach 165°F internal temperature.
We create a marinade that is loaded Greek goodness including Greek yogurt, garlic, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, and herbs.
EXPERT TIP: After tossing the chicken with the marinade and fully coating the pieces, we like to transfer it all into a large freezer bag. Squeeze the air out and then seal the bag. Use your hands to massage the marinade all over into the meat. Place in the fridge from 1 hour to 8 hours. This gives you more room in your fridge, and it also ensures every bit of the chicken pieces is covered with the marinade.
Cucumbers are very common in Greek cuisine and are and an essential ingredient for a classic gyro.
Toss the cucumbers with some chopped tomatoes, red onion, parsley, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. Chill in the fridge while you’re preparing the remainder of the gyros.
This salad is so good, you’ll be tempted to eat it all up before you prepare the chicken. But wait. You’ll be glad you did.
HOMEMADE TZATZIKI SAUCE IS EASY TO MAKE
If there is one component of chicken gyro that you don’t want to skip, it’s the homemade tzatziki sauce.
All you have to do is shred some cucumber with a box grater, toss in the remaining ingredients, chill, and you got the best tasting tzatziki sauce you’ve ever tried.
EXPERT TIP: It’s important to remove the excess water from the cucumbers for the tzatziki sauce, otherwise the result will be too thin of a sauce. We squeeze the shredded (or finely chopped) cucumber wrapped in cheesecloth over a bowl or sink. If you don’t have cheesecloth, you can also use a kitchen towel or coffee filter, or just your hands to do the job.
GRILLING THE CHICKEN IS IDEAL
Now, it’s time to grill the marinated chicken!
We fire our grill up to medium-hot and grill over direct heat until completely cooked, about 6 to 10 minutes per side.
EXPERT TIP: You can also cook the chicken in a skillet or bake in the oven. If using a skillet, add a little olive oil to the hot skillet and then cook until nicely browned and juices run clear. If baking, add to a rack on a baking sheet and cook at 400°F for 35 to 40 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer reaches 165°F. But, if you can…grill the chicken! It gives a beautiful smokey, charred chicken that is fantastic.
INFUSED OIL ADDS DEPTH OF FLAVOR TO CHICKEN GYRO
This next step isn’t 100% necessary, but we feel it puts these homemade chicken gyros over-the-top in flavor.
Simply heat ¼ cup of olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat, toss in a couple of minced cloves of garlic, along with some dried oregano, rosemary, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Simmer for 5 minutes.
EXPERT TIP: For maximum flavor, brush the infused oil over one side of the pitas and then place them in the oven on a baking sheet in a warm oven until heated through. After you have cut the grilled chicken into strips, brush some of the infused oil all over the chicken. Again, the chicken gyros will be delicious if you skip this step, but if you don’t they’ll be even better!
Bring on the added flavor with garlic and herb-infused oil.
This chicken is so flavorful it is insane.
PERFECT FOR ENTERTAINING
This is the perfect recipe for serving at parties or family gatherings.
Place all the various components out and let everyone make their own chicken gyro!
EXPERT TIP: Have squares of aluminum foil on hand so folks can use them to hold their gyros together. And be sure to have plenty of napkins!
One of our most cherished culinary memories from living in New York City was getting amazing chicken (or lamb) gyros from a hole-in-the-wall Greek restaurant mid-town.
It took several years of experimenting to finally get a recipe that comes very, very close to those incredible gyros in the Big Apple.
These are so good, you’ll be so excited that you can make amazing Greek gyros in your own home.
Ready to make the best chicken Gyros this side of the Greek Islands? Go for it!
And when you do, be sure to take a photo of it, post it on Instagram, and tag @howtofeedaloon and hashtag #howtofeedaloon.
Chicken Gyro with Tzatziki Sauce
Video
Equipment
- Gas or electric grill (can also use stovetop or oven)
- Aluminum foil squares, for serving
Ingredients
FOR THE MARINATED CHICKEN
- 1¼ lbs chicken thighs boneless, skinless
- ½ teaspoon Kosher salt plus more for seasoning chicken
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt plain, preferably whole milk
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoon lemon juice 1 lemon
- 2 teaspoon red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon coriander ground
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
FOR THE CUCUMBER SALAD
- 1 cucumber peeled, seeded, and cut into ¼-inch pieces
- ¾ cup tomatoes chopped
- 1 small red onion chopped
- ¼ cup flat-leaf parsley chopped
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon Kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
FOR THE INFUSED OIL
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon oregano dried
- 1 teaspoon rosemary dried
- 1 pinch Kosher salt
- 1 pinch black pepper freshly ground
FOR ASSEMBLY
- 6 8-inch pita rounds preferably pocketless
- Homemade tzatziki sauce click for the full recipe
Instructions
MARINATE THE CHICKEN
- Lightly season the chicken pieces all over with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the yogurt, garlic, vinegar, lemon juice, oil, salt, pepper, and seasonings until fully combined.
- Place the chicken in a large bowl and pour the marinade all over. Use wooden spoons to stir the chicken around until fully coated with the marinade. Either cover with plastic wrap, or transfer to a large freezer bag, seal, and place in the refrigerator for 1 to 8 hours.
MAKE THE CUCUMBER SALAD
- Place the cucumber, tomatoes, onion, parsley, vinegar, salt, and pepper in a medium-sized bowl. Gently mix. Set aside.
MAKE THE INFUSED OIL
- Heat the olive oil in a small skillet over medium heat. Once hot, add the minced garlic, herbs, salt, and pepper. Gently simmer for 3 to 5 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.
COOK THE CHICKEN AND ASSEMBLE THE GYROS
- Heat grill to medium-high heat. Add chicken to grill and cook until fully cooked (about 15 minutes). Discard left-over marinade.
- Bring the chicken inside and let sit for a couple of minutes. Meanwhile, turn your broiler on LOW. Place the pitas on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil and brush the tops with the infused oil. Place in the oven, on the middle rack, until the pitas are warmed through, a couple of minutes. Keep an eye on them, don't let them burn!
- Meanwhile, cut the chicken into strips and brush the infused oil all over the chicken.
- Remove the warmed pitas from the oven. Build the gyros by adding about 1 tablespoon of the tzatziki sauce first, then a layer of chicken, topped with about a ¼ cup of cucumber topping, and then a little more tzatziki on top, if desired.
- Fold up like the sides like a soft taco, wrap the ends with a square of aluminum foil, and serve immediately.
Caitlin says
Absolutely delicious! Outstanding recipe. Flavors were delicious & vibrant. Thank you!
Kris Longwell says
Hi Caitlin! Woo hoo! We are so thrilled you made our chicken gyro recipe and had such great success with it! And THANK YOU for sharing and for the awesome review. That means the world to us. Please stay in touch! xo Kris & Wesley
Laura says
These gyros are amazing! Love the marinade – we use it even if we’re not making the whole gyro sandwich because it’s that good. The cucumber salad is so much better than the simple onion and cucumber mix that you get on many restaurant gyros. The infused oil just takes the whole thing over the top. Of course, you have to make the homemade tzatziki sauce. We usually make that almost once a week just as a dip for veggies. Thank you both for sharing your recipes!
ElenaElmer says
Been years now cooking this recipe at least once a week and everytime to this day we say wow its delicious we cannot get tired of it Apreciate you sharing it with us
Kris Longwell says
Hi Elena!! Woo hoo!! You have no idea how thrilled this makes us! We LOVE that you have been enjoying the chicken gyro recipe for all this time! Thank you so so much for sharing and for the wonderful review! That means the world to us! Please stay in touch! All the best, Kris & Wesley
Amber says
These were DELICIOUS! So happy I found this recipe. My boyfriend asked that this be added to the regular dinner rotation & that says it all, biggest compliment. Best tzatziki sauce ever btw!!
Kris Longwell says
Woo hoo!!! We are so so happy you made the gyros and you and your bf loved them!!! Thank you so much for sharing and the awesome review!! We honestly appreciate that so much! Stay in touch!! xoxo Kris & Wesley
TCC says
Absolutely delish and so easy to prepare…a definite keeper!!
Kris Longwell says
Hi there! Woo hoo! We are thrilled you made the chicken gyro and had such great success! Thank you for sharing and for the GREAT review! That means everything to us! All the best, Kris & Wesley
Elaine says
Delicious! Excellent recipe, definitely worth sharing!
Kris Longwell says
Thank you so so much, Elaine! We are thrilled you enjoyed the gyro! And thanks so much for letting us know!
Jeff R. says
These are the bomb!!! My family absolutely loves them and they want them all the time. If you want them a little spicier add a jalapeño to the cucumber salad
Kris Longwell says
Awesome! Thanks so much, Jeff! The addition of jalapeno sounds wonderful! Thank you so much for sharing and for the GREAT review! That truly means the world to us! Stay in touch! All the best, Kris & Wesley
John says
Liked it very much, but would half the garlic next time.
Kris Longwell says
Thanks, John!
Joyce Flicker says
Excellent recipe. Have served it to multiple friends and everyone loves it!
Packed with flavor. Love your video and enthusiasm for great food. Thanks
Kris Longwell says
Thank you so much, Joyce!!! We are so so happy you are enjoying our chicken gyro recipe! Thanks for sharing and for the support! That means the world to us! Please stay in touch!! Kris & Wesley
Tessa says
A lovely recipe! Made for my family, and they always ask me when I’m going to make it again. Making it again tonight! Thank you for sharing!!!
Mary says
I’ve made these I believe now 5 times and planning on making it today. Just delicious and always a hit with guests! Yummy! Thank you!
Kris Longwell says
Hi Mary! So sorry for the delayed response! Woo hoo!! We are thrilled you are loving the chicken gyro recipe! Thank you SO MUCH for letting us know and for the GREAT review! That truly means the world to us! All the best, Kris & Wesley
Barbie says
This is so delicious! I’ve made it three times! Gave the recipe to my sister, and she makes it every other week! Thank you so much for an outstanding recipe!
Kris Longwell says
We LOVE it Barbie! We LOVE that you are having fun making trying new recipes and having such great success with them! And give our best to your sister! She knows a good thing when she sees (and tastes) one!!! Kris & Wesley
Jennifer says
My family loves this recipe so much! I’m just curious, the 21 ingredient list shows Marjoram as an ingredient, but I do not see it in the recipe at all. Am I missing something?
Kris Longwell says
Hi Jennifer!! We are so happy your family loves our chicken gyro recipe!! We’re a little stumped…not sure where you’re seeing marjoram. Are you sure it’s in the ingredients list? We’ll double check again, too!!! xoxo
Ryan Jumper says
So yummy, I can’t believe my entire family loved it, especially my 8 year old (especially because she thought the marinade was stinky lol). I find it extremely hard to please everyone when it comes to dinner. So thank you! Trying the Philly cheese steak tonight, can’t wait!!
Kris Longwell says
Ryan!! Please forgive the late response here but we are so excited to hear that you had such huge success with the gyro’s!! And especially hitting it out of the park with the entire family!! WIN!!!!! Thank you so much for letting us know and for the fantastic review. That means the world to us!!! Stay in touch! Kris & Wesley
Leslie says
By far the best chicken I’ve ever had. The infused oil is crucial to the recipe. We eat this once a week.
Kris Longwell says
Hi Leslie!! So thrilled to hear that you are loving our chicken gyro recipe! And we agree…that infused oil puts it over the top. Thanks for letting know!! All the best, Kris & Wesley
Amy Edmonds says
Outstanding! My husband is hard to please and he absolutely loved this! The infused oil took the recipe to a whole new level. Thank you!!
Kris Longwell says
Hi Amy, that’s so awesome!! Thank you so much for letting us know and BRAVO on pleasing that hard-to-please hubby!!! LOL!!! xoxo Kris & Wesley