Name: Easy Chicken Gyros Recipe
Prep time: 45 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 1 h
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 kg (2.2 pounds) boneless, skinless chicken thighs; ½ teaspoon tomato paste; 1 tablespoon olive oil + extra for sautéing; ½ teaspoon ground allspice; 1 teaspoon onion powder; ½ teaspoon garlic powder; 1 teaspoon sweet paprika; ⅓ teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon turmeric powder; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; ½ teaspoon dried marjoram; 2-3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice; 6 Pita flatbreads; Tzatziki; Tomato and onion slices; Fresh chopped parsley

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If you’re looking for a flavor-packed, healthy, and crowd-pleasing dinner idea, look no further than these Easy Chicken Gyros. Juicy strips of marinated chicken, expertly spiced and lightly charred, are nestled in soft pita bread alongside crunchy onions, ripe tomatoes, and a generous dollop of creamy Tzatziki. Every bite is a burst of fresh Mediterranean flavors—this dish is not only quick to prepare but also feels like a little Greek vacation right at your dinner table!

Easy Chicken Gyros Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in these Easy Chicken Gyros is thoughtfully chosen to deliver maximum flavor with minimal fuss. From aromatic spices in the marinade to fresh garnishes, each component plays an essential role in making the final dish sing.

Chicken thighs: Tender, juicy, and flavorful, chicken thighs are perfect for gyro meat, staying moist through cooking.
Tomato paste: Adds umami and deep color to the chicken for a real “street food” touch.
Olive oil: Essential for both marinating and sautéing, olive oil lends Mediterranean depth and richness.
Ground allspice: Brings subtle warmth and a gentle sweetness to the marinade.
Onion powder: Convenient and adds sharp, savory notes without needing to chop onions.
Garlic powder: Infuses the chicken with robust flavor, making every bite deliciously aromatic.
Sweet paprika: Offers gentle heat and gives the chicken a beautiful red hue.
Ground cumin: Delivers earthy undertones that are key to authentic Greek taste.
Turmeric powder: Provides a lovely golden color and a subtle peppery bite.
Ground coriander: Adds citrusy brightness and another layer of complexity.
Dried oregano: This classic Greek herb adds a herbal kick when sprinkled over the finished chicken.
Dried marjoram: Infuses the chicken with a sweet and slightly floral aroma.
Fresh lemon juice: Finishes the chicken with zesty acidity that cuts through the richness.
Pita flatbreads: Soft and chewy, perfect for wrapping all your delicious fillings.
Tzatziki: Cool and creamy Greek yogurt sauce, essential for those iconic gyro flavors.
Tomato and onion slices: Add fresh crunch and classic gyro texture.
Fresh chopped parsley: Offers vibrant color and herbal notes to complement the savory chicken.

How to Make Easy Chicken Gyros

Step 1: Slice and Prepare Your Chicken

Start by grabbing your boneless, skinless chicken thighs and cutting them into strips about 1½-cm thick. Don’t stress if they’re not perfectly uniform—gyros are meant to feel rustic! Place those strips in a large mixing bowl, ready for a flavor bath.

Step 2: Marinate for Maximum Flavor

This is where the magic happens for Easy Chicken Gyros. Toss all of your marinade ingredients—spices, olive oil, plus a pinch of salt and pepper—into the bowl with the chicken. Roll up your sleeves and mix everything together until every piece is coated in that golden, aromatic marinade. Let the chicken rest for at least 30 minutes at room temperature; you’ll be amazed at the difference in taste!

Step 3: Sear and Sizzle

Heat a good splash of olive oil in a heavy skillet (cast iron is ideal to get a little char). Once it’s nice and hot, lay the marinated chicken in as evenly as possible. Let it brown undisturbed for three to four minutes, then flip, cover, and cook another few minutes, letting the steam tenderize everything and coax out those tantalizing juices.

Step 4: Glaze and Finish Cooking

Mix a tablespoon of olive oil with a bit of tomato paste, stir this fragrant mix into the chicken, and remove the lid. Cook uncovered until the pan is mostly dry except for a little oil left—that’s when the sizzling action really happens! Stir a couple of times, scraping up all those browned bits from the skillet so they can stick to the meat and pack in even more flavor. Break up the chicken strips a bit if you prefer bite-sized pieces.

Step 5: Rest and Flavor Boost

Transfer your cooked chicken to a baking dish. Sprinkle it generously with dried oregano and marjoram, then finish with a bright drizzle of fresh lemon juice. Cover the dish—aluminum foil works perfectly—and let the chicken rest for 20 minutes. This step keeps the meat juicy and lets the flavors fully soak in. You can even keep the dish warm in the oven while your sides finish up.

How to Serve Easy Chicken Gyros

Garnishes

The best Easy Chicken Gyros deserve vibrant garnishes! Fresh tomato and onion slices, a dusting of chopped parsley, and a dollop of cool Tzatziki bring color, crunch, and creamy contrast to every gyro wrap. If you have a squeeze of extra lemon, go ahead and finish with that flourish too.

Side Dishes

Serve your gyros with classic Greek sides for a festive meal. Crispy oven fries, a bright Greek salad, or roasted vegetables all pair beautifully. Don’t forget a bowl of olives or a handful of salty feta—anything to round out the Mediterranean feast.

Creative Ways to Present

If you want to impress, set up a DIY gyro bar! Offer pita, toppings, and sauces in small bowls so everyone can build their own Easy Chicken Gyros just the way they like. Or serve the chicken over a leafy salad for a lighter spin—either way, these gyros were made for sharing and savoring together.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Pack any extra chicken into an airtight container and stow it in the refrigerator within two hours of serving. The flavor only gets better as it sits, making tomorrow’s lunch something to look forward to! It will keep well for up to 3 days.

Freezing

Freezing Easy Chicken Gyros meat is simple. Let the cooked chicken cool completely, then seal in a freezer bag or airtight container. It will stay delicious for up to 2 months—just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Reheating

For best results, gently rewarm the chicken in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil to keep things juicy. You can also microwave it in short bursts, covered, to prevent it from drying out. Avoid overheating to maintain that irresistible tenderness!

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! Chicken breast will work if that’s what you have on hand. Just watch the cooking time closely, as breasts cook faster and can dry out more easily than thighs.

Is it okay to marinate overnight?

Yes, marinating overnight actually amps up the flavor even more. If you plan ahead, just pop the chicken (with marinade) in the fridge overnight for the best Easy Chicken Gyros experience.

Can I grill the chicken instead of using a skillet?

Definitely! Grilling the chicken gives an authentic smoky char. Thread the strips onto skewers or use a grill basket, and cook over medium-high heat until golden and cooked through.

What’s the best way to reheat pita bread?

The easiest method is to wrap the pita in foil and warm it in a low oven for 5-10 minutes. You can also heat it on a dry skillet for a minute or two on each side, just until soft and flexible.

Are Easy Chicken Gyros gluten-free?

The chicken and marinade are gluten-free as written, but make sure you use gluten-free pita or wraps for serving if that’s a dietary need. All your favorite toppings will still work beautifully!

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to bring some sun and Greek-inspired cheer to your kitchen, these Easy Chicken Gyros are the way to go. With bold flavors, juicy chicken, and endless customization, you’ll find yourself making this dish again and again—so roll up those sleeves and give it a try tonight!