Mediterranean Chicken Gyros are the perfect solution when you want a healthy, fresh, and quick meal that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. In just minutes, you can enjoy juicy, well-seasoned chicken wrapped in warm pita bread with crisp vegetables and a creamy yogurt sauce that tastes like something straight from a Mediterranean café.
This recipe is ideal for busy weeknights, meal prep, or casual family dinners. It uses simple ingredients, easy techniques, and bold Mediterranean flavors that everyone can enjoy.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Mediterranean Chicken Gyros Recipe
There are plenty of reasons this recipe deserves a spot in your regular rotation:
- Quick to make: Ready in about 25 minutes from start to finish
- Healthy and balanced: Lean protein, fresh veggies, and wholesome fats
- Family-friendly: Mild, customizable flavors with no alcohol or pork
- Versatile: Great for wraps, bowls, salads, or meal prep
- Authentic taste made simple: Classic gyro flavors without complicated steps
Whether you’re cooking for yourself or feeding a crowd, these Mediterranean chicken gyros deliver big flavor with minimal effort.
Ingredients for Mediterranean Chicken Gyros
For the Chicken Marinade
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¾ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For the Yogurt Sauce
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 small garlic clove, finely grated
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or parsley
- Salt to taste
For Assembly
- 4–6 pita breads or flatbreads
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes
- 1 cup sliced cucumber
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- Optional: shredded lettuce or mixed greens
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Chicken thighs vs. breasts: Thighs are juicier, while breasts are leaner—both work well.
- Dairy-free sauce: Use unsweetened coconut or almond-based yogurt.
- Lower-carb option: Skip the pita and serve everything over a salad bowl.
- Vegetarian swap: Replace chicken with seasoned grilled mushrooms, chickpeas, or tofu.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken and toss until fully coated. Let it marinate for at least 10 minutes (or up to 12 hours in the refrigerator for deeper flavor).
Step 2 – Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes per side, until fully cooked and lightly golden on the outside. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
Step 3 – Rest and Slice
Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes. This helps keep it juicy. Slice thinly against the grain for tender pieces.
Step 4 – Make the Yogurt Sauce
In a small bowl, mix Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, herbs, and a pinch of salt. Stir until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning to taste.
Step 5 – Assemble the Gyros
Warm the pita bread slightly. Fill each pita with sliced chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and a generous spoonful of yogurt sauce. Serve immediately.
Pro Tips for Success
- Don’t skip resting the chicken—it keeps the meat juicy.
- Use high heat for a slight char and better flavor.
- Slice thinly for authentic gyro texture.
- Warm the pita so it’s soft and flexible.
- Prep ahead by marinating the chicken the night before.
Flavor Variations
- Spicy Mediterranean: Add chili flakes or smoked paprika to the marinade.
- Herb-forward: Mix fresh thyme or rosemary into the chicken seasoning.
- Garlic lovers: Double the garlic in both the chicken and sauce.
- Lemon-dill boost: Add extra lemon zest and dill to the yogurt sauce.
- Bowl-style gyros: Serve over rice, quinoa, or couscous instead of pita.
Serving Suggestions
Mediterranean chicken gyros pair beautifully with:
- Greek-style salad with olives and feta
- Roasted potatoes or sweet potato wedges
- Hummus with sliced veggies
- Rice or grain bowls for a heartier meal
They’re also great for casual gatherings where everyone can build their own wrap.
Storage and Freezing Instructions
- Refrigerator: Store cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooked, sliced chicken for up to 2 months.
- Reheating: Warm gently in a skillet or microwave until heated through.
- Sauce storage: Keep yogurt sauce refrigerated and use within 3 days.
Mediterranean Chicken Gyros – Fresh & Quick
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
Fresh, quick, and flavorful Mediterranean-style chicken gyros made with juicy seasoned chicken, crisp vegetables, and a creamy yogurt sauce wrapped in warm pita bread.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- 3/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice (for sauce)
- 1 small garlic clove, finely grated
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or parsley
- Salt to taste
- 4–6 pita breads or flatbreads
- 1 cup chopped tomatoes
- 1 cup sliced cucumber
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- Shredded lettuce or mixed greens (optional)
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
- Add the chicken and toss until fully coated.
- Let the chicken marinate for at least 10 minutes.
- Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Cook the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until fully cooked and lightly golden.
- Remove the chicken from the heat and let it rest for 5 minutes.
- Slice the chicken thinly against the grain.
- In a small bowl, mix Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, herbs, and salt until smooth.
- Warm the pita bread.
- Fill each pita with sliced chicken, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and yogurt sauce.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
Marinating the chicken ahead of time deepens the flavor. Warm pita bread for easier wrapping and best texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~420 kcal |
| Protein | ~35 g |
| Carbohydrates | ~32 g |
| Fat | ~18 g |
| Fiber | ~3 g |
| Sodium | ~620 mg |
Values are estimates and vary by ingredients used.
FAQ About Mediterranean Chicken Gyros
What makes gyros Mediterranean in flavor?
Mediterranean gyros rely on olive oil, lemon, garlic, and herbs like oregano. These ingredients create a fresh, savory, and lightly tangy flavor that feels bright rather than heavy.
Can I make Mediterranean chicken gyros ahead of time?
Yes, this recipe works very well for meal prep. Cook the chicken in advance and store it separately from the vegetables and sauce for best texture.
Are chicken gyros healthy?
Chicken gyros are a balanced meal with lean protein, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables. Using yogurt-based sauce instead of heavy spreads keeps them lighter and nutritious.
Can I cook the chicken in the oven?
Absolutely. Bake the marinated chicken at 400°F (200°C) for about 18–22 minutes, then slice and assemble as usual.
What’s the best bread for gyros?
Soft pita bread is traditional, but flatbread, naan, or even lettuce wraps work well depending on your preference.
Final Thoughts
Mediterranean Chicken Gyros are proof that fast food can still be fresh, wholesome, and incredibly satisfying. With simple ingredients and bold flavors, this recipe makes it easy to enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right at home—any night of the week.
Once you try it, you’ll find yourself coming back to this fresh and quick favorite again and again.