Introduction
Tutorial: how to make gyros at home — Greek street food in 30 minutes.
Ingredients List
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs
- Marinade: 1/2 cup yogurt + 3 tbsp olive oil + 4 garlic + 2 tbsp lemon juice + 1 tbsp zest + 1.5 tbsp oregano + 1 tsp cumin + 1 tsp smoked paprika + 1/2 tsp cinnamon + 1 tsp salt + 1/2 tsp pepper
- 4 pitas + 2 tomatoes + 1/2 red onion + 2 cups romaine
- Tzatziki: 1 cup yogurt + 1/2 grated cucumber (squeezed) + 2 garlic + 1 tbsp lemon + 1 tbsp olive oil + 1 tbsp dill + 1/2 tsp salt
Timing
Marinate 30 min. Cook 10 min. Assemble 5 min. Active 30 min.
Step 1 — Marinate
Mix; coat chicken; refrigerate 30+ min.
Step 2 — Tzatziki
Grate, squeeze, mix; chill 15 min.
Step 3 — Cook Meat
Hot grill pan, 4–5 min per side, 165°F. Rest, slice thin.
Step 4 — Warm Pita
Dry skillet 30 sec per side OR foil at 350°F for 5 min.
Step 5 — Assemble
Tzatziki → meat → onion → tomato → lettuce.
Step 6 — Wrap
Fold; parchment around base; eat immediately.
Nutritional Information
- Calories 520/gyro | Protein 40g | Fat 20g | Carbs 42g | Calcium 15% DV
Healthier Alternatives
Whole-wheat pita. Turkey. Lettuce wrap. 0% yogurt. Falafel for veg.
Serving Suggestions
Greek fries, salad. Hummus. Assyrtiko or Sauvignon Blanc.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- No marinade
- Chicken breast
- Wet cucumber
- Cold pita
- Wrong assembly
Storing Tips
Components separate. Meat 3 days. Tzatziki 4 days. Pita 3 days room temp. No pre-assembly.
Conclusion
That’s how to make gyros. Comment your meat, share a photo, subscribe.
FAQs
Meat? Lamb, chicken, or pork.
Store tzatziki? Homemade better.
Outdoor grill? Yes.
GF? GF pita or lettuce.
Dry chicken? Use thighs.
Spices? Oregano, cumin, paprika, cinnamon.
Recipe Card: Authentic Greek Gyros
Marinate: 30 min+ | Cook: 10 min | Assemble: 5 min | Active: 30 min | Yields: 4 wraps | Calories: 520/wrap
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs chicken thighs
- Marinade: 1/2 cup yogurt + 3 tbsp olive oil + 4 garlic + 2 tbsp lemon juice + 1 tbsp zest + 1.5 tbsp oregano + 1 tsp cumin + 1 tsp smoked paprika + 1/2 tsp cinnamon + 1 tsp salt + 1/2 tsp pepper
- 4 pitas + 2 tomatoes + 1/2 red onion + 2 cups shredded romaine
- Tzatziki: 1 cup Greek yogurt + 1/2 grated cucumber (squeezed dry) + 2 garlic + 1 tbsp lemon + 1 tbsp olive oil + 1 tbsp dill + 1/2 tsp salt
Instructions
- Marinate chicken 30 min+.
- Mix tzatziki; chill 15 min.
- Cook chicken on high heat 4–5 min per side; rest, slice thin.
- Warm pitas in dry skillet 30 sec per side.
- Assemble: tzatziki, meat, onion, tomato, lettuce.
- Fold and wrap base in parchment; eat immediately.
Nutrition (per wrap)
Calories 520 | Protein 40g | Fat 20g | Carbs 42g | Calcium 15% DV
