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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There’s just something irresistible about the combination of tender, spiced chicken wrapped in warm pita with cool, creamy tzatziki and a mountain of crisp veggies. This Easy Chicken Gyros recipe brings you all the flavors of your favorite Greek street food without any fuss. Juicy marinated chicken thighs, a dreamy blend of spices, and all the classic accompaniments create a wrap that’s perfect for dinner, lunch, or even parties. Once you taste these Easy Chicken Gyros, you’ll want to add them to your regular meal rotation—trust me, they’re that good!

Easy Chicken Gyros Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every bite of these Easy Chicken Gyros bursts with fresh, vibrant Greek flavors thanks to just a handful of key ingredients. Each brings its own layer of taste, aroma, or texture, so don’t skip a thing!

Chicken Thighs: For ultimate juiciness and flavor, opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs—they soak up the marinade beautifully!
Tomato Paste: A touch of rich tomato paste mixed in at the end intensifies the savory flavor and adds beautiful color.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is essential for a silky marinade and that classic Mediterranean touch.
Allspice: A pinch of warmth and gentle sweetness, allspice takes the marinade up a notch.
Onion Powder: Gives a boost of savory flavor without the prep work of chopping onions.
Garlic Powder: No Greek dish is complete without a little kick from garlic—here, it infuses every bite.
Paprika: Sweet paprika lends a smoky note and a gorgeous deep red hue to the chicken.
Cumin: Earthy and aromatic, cumin is a key spice for depth and balance.
Turmeric: For a golden color and subtle earthiness, turmeric is your secret weapon.
Coriander: This spice brings a bright, citrusy flavor that lightens up the whole wrap.
Dried Oregano: A must for that classic Greek aroma—don’t be shy when you sprinkle it on top.
Dried Marjoram: Slightly sweet and woodsy, marjoram is the finishing touch that ties it all together.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice drizzled just before serving adds a tart, zippy finish.
Pita Flatbreads: Soft, pillowy pita is the ideal vessel for all the fillings—try making it fresh for extra wow factor.
Tzatziki: Creamy, garlicky tzatziki sauce cools off the spices and brings everything together.
Tomato and Onion Slices: For crunch, sweetness, and classic gyros flavor—you can’t skip these!
Fresh Chopped Parsley: A sprinkle of parsley keeps things bright and fresh.

How to Make Easy Chicken Gyros

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by cutting the chicken thighs into thick strips—aim for about 1.5 centimeters (or roughly two-thirds of an inch) wide. Don’t stress if the pieces aren’t perfectly uniform! This cut is perfect for soaking up plenty of marinade and helps the chicken cook quickly and evenly.

Step 2: Marinate for Maximum Flavor

In a large mixing bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients: allspice, onion powder, garlic powder, paprika, cumin, turmeric, coriander, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss in your sliced chicken and drizzle a little extra olive oil over everything. Use your hands or tongs to give it all a good mix, making sure every piece gets coated. Let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes at room temperature—this is where the magic happens, so give it time!

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat a heavy skillet, preferably cast iron, over high heat with a generous splash of olive oil. Add the marinated chicken and spread it out as best you can. Drop the heat to medium and let the chicken sear undisturbed for 3-4 minutes to get that irresistible golden-brown crust.

Step 4: Flip and Steam

Once you see that beautiful browning on one side, flip the chicken strips over and cover the skillet. This creates some lovely steam, keeping the chicken moist while cooking it through for another 3-4 minutes.

Step 5: Add Tomato Paste

Mix a tablespoon of olive oil with the tomato paste, stir this flavorful mixture into the chicken, and remove the lid. This step adds an extra punch of umami and a gorgeous reddish color to the meat—don’t skip it!

Step 6: Finish Sautéing

Continue cooking the chicken uncovered until most of the juices have evaporated and only the oil remains in the skillet. Give everything a final stir, scraping the browned bits from the bottom so they mix in and coat the meat. This is where all that deep, savory flavor comes together! If you like smaller pieces, break them up now.

Step 7: Rest the Chicken Gyros

Transfer the sizzling chicken to a baking dish. Now, sprinkle with dried oregano and marjoram, then drizzle with fresh lemon juice. Cover the dish with foil (or a lid) and let everything rest for 20 minutes. This rest period lets the juices redistribute and deepens the flavor—plus, you can keep the chicken warm in a low oven while you prep your pita, tzatziki, and toppings.

Step 8: Assemble Your Easy Chicken Gyros

Pile the warm, fragrant chicken onto soft pita flatbreads. Add generous dollops of tzatziki, followed by slices of tomato and onion, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley. Roll up your wrap and dive in! Each bite delivers savory, tangy, and fresh flavors that will instantly transport you to a Greek taverna.

How to Serve Easy Chicken Gyros

Garnishes

Don’t forget a final flourish before serving your Easy Chicken Gyros—fresh chopped parsley brightens each wrap, while extra lemon juice or a dusting of dried oregano brings everything together. You could even add a little feta cheese or some thinly sliced cucumbers for extra texture and tang!

Side Dishes

These gyros are a meal on their own, but a side of homemade fries or roasted potatoes really takes things over the top. A crisp Greek salad with cucumbers, olives, tomatoes, and a sprinkle of feta adds refreshing crunch and balances out the spices perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re hosting a gathering, set up a build-your-own gyros bar with pita breads, chicken, toppings, and lots of tzatziki. For lunchboxes, layer the chicken, veggies, and sauce in a mason jar or airtight container with pita on the side. Or stack everything on a platter, drizzle with sauce, and serve family-style—guests can wrap or scoop as they please!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Easy Chicken Gyros keep wonderfully in the fridge. Simply store the cooked chicken (without the toppings and pita) in an airtight container. It’ll stay delicious for up to 3 days—just reheat and build fresh wraps whenever you get a craving!

Freezing

If you want to meal-prep, you can freeze the marinated (but uncooked) chicken. Pop it into a freezer bag, squeeze out any air, and it will keep nicely for up to 2 months. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight and cook as directed for fresh, flavorful gyros on demand.

Reheating

To reheat, add the chicken to a skillet with a splash of oil and cook over medium heat until hot. Or, microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, to keep the meat juicy. Warm the pita separately so everything stays soft and fresh when served.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breast will work, but I highly recommend thighs for juicier, more flavorful Easy Chicken Gyros. If using breast, watch the cooking time closely to avoid drying out the meat.

Is there a vegetarian alternative?

Absolutely! Try swapping the chicken for strips of grilled halloumi or marinated roasted vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, and peppers. You’ll still get all those Greek flavors and a delicious result.

What’s the best way to make them gluten-free?

Simply use your favorite gluten-free flatbreads or wraps instead of traditional pita. All other ingredients in the Easy Chicken Gyros are naturally gluten-free, so it’s an easy swap.

Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Definitely! Mix up the marinade a day in advance, and store it in the fridge. When you’re ready to cook, just add the chicken, marinate, and proceed with the recipe. It’s a great way to save time on busy days.

How spicy are these gyros?

These Easy Chicken Gyros are flavorful but not spicy—they’re packed with aromatic spices, not heat. If you crave some kick, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper to the marinade or top your wrap with sliced chili.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a weeknight dinner to wow your family or an impressive lunch that’s actually simple to throw together, Easy Chicken Gyros are guaranteed to hit the spot. Give them a try, and let the flavors transport you straight to the streets of Athens—your taste buds will thank you!