How to Make Authentic Chicken Gyros at Home
Chicken Gyros is one of the most beloved street foods in Greece 🇬🇷. Similar to shawarma but with Mediterranean flavors, it’s made of marinated chicken wrapped in warm pita bread with fresh veggies and creamy tzatziki sauce. In this article, you’ll learn how to prepare chicken gyros at home step by step with precise ingredients
🥘 Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade
800 g (about 1.7 lbs) chicken (breasts or boneless thighs)
150 g (½ cup) Greek yogurt
3 tbsp olive oil (45 ml)
Juice of 1 lemon (about 3 tbsp / 45 ml)
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tsp dried oregano (4 g)
1 tsp paprika (2 g)
½ tsp ground cumin (1 g)
1 tsp salt (5 g)
½ tsp black pepper (1 g)
For the Tzatziki Sauce
200 g (¾ cup) Greek yogurt
½ large cucumber, grated and squeezed to remove excess water
2 small garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp lemon juice (15 ml)
1 tbsp olive oil (15 ml)
1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or mint)
Pinch of salt and black pepper
For Serving
4–5 pita breads (Greek-style or soft flatbread)
Tomato slices
Cucumber slices
Thinly sliced red onion
Shredded lettuce (optional)
French fries (optional, but traditional in Greece)
🔥 Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, mix Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and spices
Add chicken and coat well
Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight is best)
Cook the Chicken
Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat
Cook chicken for 5–7 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked
Let it rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly
Make the Tzatziki
In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, dill, salt, and pepper
Chill in the fridge until ready to serve
Assemble the Gyros
Warm the pita bread
Spread tzatziki over it
Add chicken strips, tomatoes, cucumber, onions, and lettuce
(Optional) Add some French fries inside the wrap
Fold and enjoy
💡 Tips for the Best Gyros
Chicken thighs give a juicier result than chicken breasts
The longer you marinate the chicken, the richer the flavor
Tzatziki can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days
Serve gyros with a Greek salad or herbed rice for a complete meal
📝 Conclusion
Making Chicken Gyros at home is easier than you think! With simple ingredients and a flavorful marinade, you can recreate an authentic Greek street food experience in your kitchen. Perfect for lunch, dinner, or even a weekend gathering