Chicken Gyros

Name: Chicken Gyros with Greek Yogurt Marinade
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 1 cup Greek yogurt; 1 lemon (juice); 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar; 3 garlic cloves, minced; 1 tablespoon Greek oregano; 1 teaspoon sweet paprika; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; Kosher salt and black pepper to taste; Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional); 1 1/2 pounds chicken tenderloin; 1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking; Pita bread for serving; Tzatziki sauce for serving; Fresh vegetables for serving

This chicken gyros recipe uses a tangy Greek yogurt marinade with garlic, oregano, and lemon to create tender, flavorful meat that's ready in under 30 minutes. The yogurt base keeps the chicken moist while infusing authentic Greek spices.

🌍Greek 🏷️Chicken 🏷️Gyros 🏷️Mediterranean 🏷️Yogurt marinade 🏷️Garlic

Total

40 min

Servings

4

Difficulty

Hard

Est. Cost

$29–$48

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From The Mediterranean Dish

Ingredients

1 cup Greek yogurt
1 lemon (juice)
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 tablespoon Greek oregano
1 teaspoon sweet paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon ground coriander
Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)optional
1 1/2 pounds chicken tenderloin
1 tablespoon olive oil for cooking
Pita bread for serving
Tzatziki sauce for serving
Fresh vegetables for serving

16 Ingredients

Delivery in as fast as one hour.^*

Powered by Instacart

Prices vary by store

^*Service fees apply. Instacart^® and the Instacart logo are registered trademarks of Maplebear Inc. d/b/a Instacart.

Instructions

1
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and minced garlic.
2
Season the marinade with Greek oregano, paprika, cumin, coriander, salt, pepper, and cayenne if using. Whisk to combine.
3
Add chicken tenderloin to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well coated. Cover and refrigerate for 30 minutes (or overnight if time allows).
4
Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering but not smoking.
5
Add chicken to the pan, shaking off excess marinade. Cook undisturbed until well-browned, about 5 minutes.
6
Use tongs to flip chicken and cook until cooked through, about 5 minutes more. Internal temperature should reach 165°F.
7
Serve chicken in pita bread with tzatziki sauce and fresh vegetables.

Was this recipe helpful?

Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Let the marinated chicken sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking to ensure even, faster cooking.
Pound chicken breasts to ½-inch thickness for even cooking and faster marinating—this reduces cooking time to 5–6 minutes per side.
Don't skip the red wine vinegar; it balances the yogurt richness and adds brightness that ties the marinade together.
Pat the chicken dry before cooking to achieve a golden crust and prevent steam from making the meat pale.

Substitutions

Greek yogurt → plain full-fat yogurt or sour cream (slightly thinner marinade, same flavor)
Greek oregano → dried Italian oregano (use same amount; slightly less peppery)
Red wine vinegar → white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar (maintains acidity, subtle flavor shift)
Sweet paprika → smoked paprika (adds depth; optional but recommended)

Storage & make-ahead

Store cooked chicken in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a pan over medium heat or microwave for 1–2 minutes.

Common Questions

Can I marinate the chicken overnight?

Yes, marinate for up to 24 hours in the refrigerator. Longer marinating deepens the flavor without over-tenderizing the meat.

How do I cook the marinated chicken?

Pan-sear over medium-high heat for 6–8 minutes per side until golden and cooked through (165°F internal temp), or grill over medium heat for 5–7 minutes per side.