Here’s an awesome recipe for Chef Ed’s Grilled Chicken Gyros – packed with Mediterranean flavor, layered with creamy tzatziki, and wrapped in warm pita. This version includes homemade marinade, tzatziki, and assembly tips, perfect for both weeknight meals and summer grilling.
🐔 Chef Ed’s Grilled Chicken Gyros
📝 Description:
Juicy, flavorful grilled chicken tucked into fluffy pita, topped with cool tzatziki, crisp vegetables, and a squeeze of lemon. Chef Ed’s gyro recipe brings street food flavor to your backyard grill — no rotisserie needed.
🕒 Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus marinating)
🕒 Cook Time: 15 minutes
🍽️ Serves: 4
✅ Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tzatziki:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- ½ cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
- 2 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 1 tbsp fresh dill or mint, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt to taste
For Assembly:
- 4 warm pita or flatbreads
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 tomato, sliced or diced
- Shredded lettuce or arugula
- Crumbled feta (optional)
- Lemon wedges
🔥 Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a large bowl or zip-top bag, whisk together yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, vinegar, and spices. Add chicken and coat well. Marinate for at least 1 hour (up to overnight) in the fridge.
2. Make the Tzatziki
While the chicken marinates, combine all tzatziki ingredients in a bowl. Stir well and chill until ready to serve.
3. Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill (or grill pan) to medium-high. Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 5–7 minutes per side until fully cooked and nicely charred. Rest 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
4. Assemble the Gyros
Warm pita breads slightly. Spread a generous spoonful of tzatziki, add sliced chicken, top with tomato, onion, lettuce, and optional feta. Finish with a squeeze of lemon.
🧑🍳 Chef Ed’s Tips
- Thighs over breasts: Chicken thighs stay juicier and absorb more flavor from the marinade.
- With or without tomatoes
- No grill? Use a hot cast iron pan or broil in the oven.
- Tzatziki shortcut: Sub sour cream for Greek yogurt in a pinch, or add a dash of vinegar for brightness.
🥙 Serving Ideas
- Serve with Greek salad and roasted potatoes.
- Wrap leftovers in foil for an easy lunch the next day.
- Turn into a gyro bowl with rice, olives, and cucumbers.
Chef Ed’s Grilled Chicken Gyro Recipe
Chef Ed’s Grilled Chicken Gyro Recipe