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Easy Chicken Gyros for National Gyro Day Sept 1. Chicken Gyros are packed with flavor from warm spices, and loaded into a flatbread
Gyros, including Chicken Gyros, have their origins in Greek cuisine and are a popular street food item enjoyed around the world. The word “gyros” comes from the Greek language, meaning “turn” or “revolution,” referring to the traditional method of cooking where the meat is roasted in a vertical rotisserie.
The original version of gyros is believed to have been inspired by the Turkish döner kebab, brought to Greece by immigrants. The concept of cooking meat on a vertical rotisserie and then shaving it off for serving became widespread in Greece in the mid-20th century. Initially, the meat of choice was typically lamb or beef.
Over time, as tastes and preferences evolved, variations of gyros emerged to accommodate different dietary preferences. Chicken Gyros is one such variation where marinated and seasoned chicken is used instead of lamb or beef. This adaptation has been well-received, offering a lighter and often perceived as a healthier alternative.

The preparation of Chicken Gyros involves marinating chicken slices in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and various other spices. The marinated chicken is then threaded onto a vertical rotisserie and cooked until it’s tender and flavorful. The cooked chicken is typically shaved off in thin slices and served in a flatbread, such as pita, along with various accompaniments like tomatoes, onions, lettuce, and a sauce like tzatziki.
Chicken Gyros have become a popular street food option, not only in Greece but also in many other countries. They are commonly found in Mediterranean and Middle Eastern restaurants, food trucks, and quick-service establishments. The dish’s versatility and delicious combination of flavors have contributed to its widespread popularity among people with different culinary preferences.
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Easy Chicken Gyros
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Resting Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
- Category: Lunch
- Method: Easy
- Cuisine: Greek
Description
Busy day? Chicken gyros are here to save it! Packed with protein, veggies, and flavor, they’re the ultimate solution for fast, healthy, and mouthwatering meals.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 3–4 chicken fillets
- 2 tbsp harissa
- 1/3 cup plain yogurt
- Salt & pepper
Flatbread: Store-bought
Tzatziki:
- 1 cucumber (grated and drained)
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- Salt
- Lemon juice
- Mint (optional)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 red onion (finely chopped)
Instructions
- Grate the cucumber and wring out all that extra water, it’s worth the squeeze!
- Toss it into a bowl with yogurt, lemon juice, a pinch of salt, red onion, and olive oil.
- Stir it up, chill, and sprinkle with some mint for a fresh finish.
- Slice the chicken into strips, then let it sit in a delicious harissa-yogurt marinade with a dash of salt and pepper.
- Let it soak in all that flavor for 20–30 minutes; it’s the secret to juicy perfection.
- Heat a little oil in a pan and cook the chicken strips in batches until they’re golden, tender, and bursting with flavor.
- Warm the flatbread in a dry pan.
- Spread a generous layer of tzatziki, pile on the chicken, and top it with your favorite add-ons: juicy tomatoes, crunchy cucumbers, spicy jalapeños, or tangy red onions.
- Fold it up, take a bite, and brace yourself for a flavor explosion
Notes
Created, prepared, tried, and tested by Rochelle from SA Tasty Recipes – Saffas Daily Recipes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1
- Calories: 543
- Sugar: 7.6 g
- Sodium: 336.4 mg
- Fat: 22.7 g
- Saturated Fat: 5.4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 11.6 g
- Fiber: 0.9 g
- Protein: 70.7 g
- Cholesterol: 210.9 mg
Why You Can’t Keep These Easy Chicken Gyros to Yourself
This isn’t just dinner, it’s a showstopper. The kind of recipe you make once and suddenly become famous for. Imagine the wow when you serve this to friends or family. Better yet, share a photo of your masterpiece, and watch the likes roll in.
Go ahead, take one bite, and you’ll see why this is a recipe that begs to be shared. Because great food deserves to be loved by everyone. Who’s ready for a taste of Greece tonight?

I am linking up with a bunch of fantastic peeps from the blogosphere who host awesome Link-up: Sew Can Do
Thanks for dropping in and checking out the recipes and what’s on offer.
If you try out this delightful recipe, please let me know, rate it, and tag me on Instagram at @_esmesalon. I’m excited to see your amazing recreations, and I can’t get enough of those mouthwatering photos!
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I absolutely love chicken gyros! Pinning! 🙂 Visiting from The Crazy Little Lovebirds Linkup.
Thank you, Jennifer. Enjoy, and thanks for popping in.
Yum! I love gyros! I’ve never had a chicken gyro before. Visiting from SSPS
Thank you, hope you will try this chicken gyro and enjoy it
I love Gyros, thanks for sharing this recipe at #WednesdayLinkUpParty
Hi there Antionette. Glad you love Gyros, and thanks for popping in here and hope you will give it a try.