Mediterranean Chicken Gyros are one of those meals that instantly transport you to a sunny patio by the sea. Packed with bold herbs, juicy grilled chicken, crisp veggies, and creamy tzatziki, it’s a handheld dish that delivers on flavor and comfort. In this article, I’ll walk you through exactly how to make authentic Mediterranean Chicken Gyros at home—even better than takeout. We’ll start with a flavorful marinade, build the perfect wrap, and answer top questions about substitutions and storage. Plus, you’ll find smart internal links to more fresh, delicious meals like Mediterranean chicken pasta salad and garlic butter honey BBQ chicken tacos.
Mediterranean Chicken Gyros Recipe – Fresh, Easy, Flavorful Wraps
Table of Contents
The Joy Behind Mediterranean Chicken Gyros
A personal story from my kitchen
I still remember the first time I tried a gyro—it was during a trip with my family to a Greek festival when I was a teenager. The pita was warm, the chicken bursting with flavor, and the creamy tzatziki made it all come together like magic. Since then, Mediterranean Chicken Gyros have been a favorite in my kitchen. Over the years, I’ve perfected this homemade version that’s fresh, easy, and absolutely crave-worthy.
At recipeslia.com, my goal is to bring these comforting classics to your table in simple, foolproof ways. These gyros start with marinated chicken thighs, which I love for their tenderness and bold flavor. It’s a dish I come back to again and again—especially when I want something satisfying but light. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or planning a summer gathering, this recipe fits beautifully.
Why homemade gyros always win
You can make the components ahead of time and let everyone build their own wrap, which makes it perfect for casual entertaining. The homemade tzatziki sauce adds a creamy contrast to the smoky chicken, and fresh veggies keep it all vibrant. Don’t be surprised if you skip takeout after trying this!
If you love meal ideas that feel fresh and fulfilling, you might also enjoy my grilled chicken caprese recipe or even this blackberry basil grilled chicken salad—both celebrate bold summer flavors, just like these gyros.
How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Gyros at Home
Ingredients that define the dish
Mediterranean Chicken Gyros are all about balance: bold spices, cooling yogurt, crisp vegetables, and soft, warm pita. To make this recipe successful, it starts with the right ingredients—and just a little prep.
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1.5 pounds chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 medium cucumber (grated, water squeezed out)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill
- Salt to taste
To Assemble:
- 4 large pita or flatbreads
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup thin-sliced red onion
- ½ cup crumbled feta
- Olive oil and parsley for garnish
Step-by-step marinade and assembly guide
Whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, cumin, and smoked paprika. Add salt and pepper, then toss with chicken thighs and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours).
Heat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook chicken for 5–6 minutes per side, then let rest before slicing.
To assemble your gyros, warm the pita, spread tzatziki, then layer on chicken, tomatoes, onion, lettuce, and feta. Drizzle with olive oil, garnish, and enjoy.
For a complete summer-style meal, try these with my peach feta salad or even a bold street corn chicken rice bowl on the side.
Tips, Variations, and Meal Prep Ideas for Chicken Gyros
Storage & make-ahead tips
You can prep nearly every element in advance. The chicken can marinate overnight, and the tzatziki tastes even better after a few hours. Once cooked, the chicken keeps in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store each part separately to keep textures fresh.
This makes them ideal for meal prep. Reheat the sliced chicken and warm your pita when ready. The flavors stay bold and satisfying all week long.
Customizing for dietary needs
- Low-carb: Replace pita with lettuce wraps like in this low carb Philly cheesesteak casserole.
- Dairy-free: Swap in dairy-free yogurt for the sauce.
- Vegetarian: Use grilled tofu or chickpeas with the same spice mix.
I often serve these gyros alongside bold, creamy dishes like cowboy butter chicken linguine for contrast and variety at the table.
Serving Mediterranean Chicken Gyros & What to Pair Them With
The best ways to serve gyros
These wraps shine in warm months but taste amazing year-round. Serve them assembled or lay out all the components for a build-your-own gyro bar. It’s perfect for picnics, dinner parties, or weekend lunches.
You can also cut them into halves or quarters as part of a spread. Add dips like hummus, dolmas, or grilled veggies for a true Mediterranean feast.
Try pairing them with my Mediterranean chicken pasta salad for a colorful, texture-filled combo.
Perfect sides and Mediterranean pairings
Some of my go-to pairings include:
- Crispy seasoned fries or air fryer potatoes
- Orzo salad or lemon rice
- Grilled halloumi
- Watermelon cucumber salad
Want a twist on wraps? Check out these garlic butter honey BBQ chicken tacos—same convenience, totally different flavor profile.
Print
Mediterranean Chicken Gyros Recipe – Fresh, Easy, Flavorful Wraps
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 gyros 1x
Description
Mediterranean Chicken Gyros with marinated chicken, creamy tzatziki, and vibrant toppings wrapped in warm pita.
Ingredients
1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
Salt and pepper to taste
1 cup Greek yogurt
1 medium cucumber, grated and excess water squeezed out
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt to taste
4 large pita breads or flatbreads
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cup red onion, thinly sliced
1 cup lettuce, shredded
1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
Olive oil for drizzling
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
1. Whisk olive oil, vinegar, garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Add chicken thighs to marinade and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 4 hours.
3. Grate cucumber, squeeze water out. Mix with yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, dill, olive oil, and salt for tzatziki.
4. Grill chicken thighs over medium-high heat for 5–6 minutes per side until cooked through.
5. Let chicken rest, then slice into strips.
6. Warm pitas and layer with tzatziki, chicken, tomatoes, onions, lettuce, and feta.
7. Drizzle with olive oil, garnish with parsley, and serve.
Notes
Use chicken breast if preferred.
For low-carb, swap pita with lettuce wraps.
Tzatziki tastes even better made ahead!
Store components separately for best freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 15 mins
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 gyro
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 560mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 18g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Frequently Asked Questions About Mediterranean Chicken Gyros
1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes! Just reduce the cook time slightly so it doesn’t dry out.
2. How long can I store the leftover chicken gyros?
Assembled gyros are best eaten fresh. But chicken and tzatziki last 3–4 days refrigerated.
3. What’s a good dairy-free alternative to tzatziki sauce?
Use coconut or almond yogurt in place of Greek yogurt. Keep the rest the same.
4. Can I make the gyros gluten-free?
Absolutely. Use gluten-free pita or wrap in romaine or butter lettuce.
Conclusion: Why You’ll Keep Coming Back to These Chicken Gyros
Mediterranean Chicken Gyros aren’t just a meal—they’re a full-on experience. Between the juicy chicken, herb-packed marinade, and refreshing toppings, it’s a combo that satisfies without ever feeling heavy. You’ll want to make them for weeknights, for guests, or just because they’re that good.
Love this recipe? You’ll also want to try grilled chicken caprese or blackberry basil grilled chicken salad next time you crave something light, fresh, and totally delicious.
Let’s keep cooking something amazing together.
