Greek Chicken Gyros are one of those magical dishes that hit all the right notes—tender meat, fresh vegetables, creamy tzatziki, and warm pita bread. It’s the kind of meal that’s flavorful, filling, and surprisingly easy to make at home.
With the rise in interest for Mediterranean diets, healthy eating, and high-protein meals, Greek Chicken Gyros are more than just delicious—they’re good for you too. Whether you're a home cook, a meal prepper, or just hungry for something awesome, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
What Is a Greek Chicken Gyro?
A Greek Chicken Gyro (pronounced yee-roh) is a classic street food made of marinated grilled chicken, sliced thin and wrapped in a warm pita with toppings like:
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Tzatziki sauce (yogurt + cucumber + garlic)
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Chopped tomatoes and onions
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Lettuce
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Feta cheese (optional)
Gyros are typically served with fries or a simple Greek salad on the side, making it a full, satisfying meal.
Why Greek Chicken Gyros Are a High-Protein, Low-Cost Power Meal
If you’re watching your macros or just looking to eat clean, this one’s for you. Greek Chicken Gyros are:
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High in protein: Chicken breast delivers lean protein for muscle growth and satiety.
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Low in processed ingredients: With a homemade marinade and fresh toppings, you control what goes in.
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Budget-friendly: One batch can feed a family or meal-prep for the week—without breaking the bank.
Estimated nutritional breakdown per gyro (with sauce and toppings):
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Calories: ~400-500
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Protein: 30-35g
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Carbs: 35-40g
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Fat: 15-18g
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make the perfect Greek Chicken Gyros at home:
For the Chicken Marinade:
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1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
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¼ cup olive oil
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Juice of 1 lemon
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3 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tbsp red wine vinegar
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1 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
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1½ tsp dried oregano
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Salt and black pepper to taste
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
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1 cup plain Greek yogurt
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½ cucumber, finely grated and drained
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tbsp olive oil
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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Salt and dill to taste
To Assemble:
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4-6 pita breads or flatbreads
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Sliced tomatoes
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Sliced red onion
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Shredded lettuce
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Crumbled feta (optional)
How to Make Greek Chicken Gyros Step by Step
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl, whisk together the marinade ingredients. Add chicken and coat well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour (overnight is best for maximum flavor).
Step 2: Grill the Chicken
Heat a grill or skillet to medium-high. Cook the marinated chicken for about 5-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through. Let rest, then slice into thin strips.
Step 3: Make the Tzatziki
Mix all tzatziki ingredients in a bowl. Chill in the fridge while the chicken cooks to let the flavors meld.
Step 4: Assemble the Gyros
Warm your pita breads slightly. Add a layer of tzatziki, followed by sliced chicken, tomatoes, onions, and lettuce. Top with crumbled feta if desired. Wrap it up and devour!
Tips for the Best Homemade Chicken Gyros
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Use chicken thighs for extra juiciness and flavor.
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Don’t skip the resting period after grilling—it keeps the chicken moist.
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Drain the cucumber for tzatziki properly to avoid a watery sauce.
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Warm your pita bread for that authentic street food experience.
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Prep in bulk—this recipe is excellent for meal prepping and storing.
Variations: Make It Your Own
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Low-carb option: Swap pita for lettuce wraps or low-carb tortillas.
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Spicy version: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the marinade.
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Veggie version: Substitute chicken with grilled halloumi or chickpeas.
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Meal prep bowls: Serve gyro ingredients in a rice or quinoa bowl.
Is It Cheaper to Make Chicken Gyros at Home?
Absolutely. A restaurant gyro can cost $8–$12 each. Homemade? You can make 4–6 for the price of two. Plus, you’ll have leftovers and complete control over the ingredients.
Cost breakdown (approximate):
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Chicken: $6
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Veggies: $3
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Greek yogurt: $2
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Pita bread: $3
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Seasonings + extras: $2
Total: $16 for 4–6 gyros — that’s less than $3 per serving.
Final Thoughts: Greek Chicken Gyros Are a Game-Changer
If you’re looking for a healthy, affordable, and insanely flavorful meal, Greek Chicken Gyros should be at the top of your list. They’re easy to customize, fun to eat, and perfect for busy weeknights or casual weekend dinners.
Try them once, and they’ll become a regular in your rotation. Promise.
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