How to make Homemade Greek Chicken Gyro

This homemade Greek chicken gyro recipe is a lighter and healthier version of the classic restaurant gyro. Instead of lamb and beef cooked on a spit, this recipe uses tender chicken marinated in Greek yogurt, lemon, olive oil, and warm Mediterranean spices. The chicken is then served in warm pita with tzatziki sauce and fresh vegetables.

The yogurt marinade helps keep the chicken tender and flavorful. Combined with classic gyro toppings like tomatoes, cucumber, onions, and olives, this dish makes a quick and satisfying meal.

• 1.5 lb chicken tenders
• Extra virgin olive oil for cooking

Chicken Gyro Marinade

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• Juice of 1 large lemon
• 2 tbsp Greek extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• Kosher salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp sweet paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• Pinch cayenne pepper (optional)

Gyro Fixings

• Pita bread
• Tzatziki sauce
• 1 large tomato, sliced
• 1 cucumber, sliced
• 1 green pepper, sliced
• 1 small red onion, sliced
• Pitted Kalamata olives

1. In a large bowl, mix the yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, vinegar, garlic, salt, pepper, oregano, paprika, cumin, coriander, and cayenne pepper.
2. Add the chicken tenders and mix until well coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or overnight.
3. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
4. Shake excess marinade from the chicken and place in the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes on one side until browned, then turn and cook another 5 minutes or until fully cooked.
5. Warm the pita bread.
6. Spread tzatziki sauce on the pita, add 2 to 3 chicken tenders, then top with tomato, cucumber, green pepper, red onion, and olives.
7. Wrap the pita and serve immediately.

You can also grill the chicken on a medium grill for 5 minutes on one side and 3–5 minutes on the other side, or bake in a 375°F oven for about 20 minutes until fully cooked.