Sheet Pan Greek Chicken Gyros

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Everyday Culinary Delice

If you’re craving a hands-down delicious, fuss-free dinner that packs a Mediterranean flavor punch, you’re going to LOVE this Sheet Pan Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe. I absolutely love how this recipe brings everything together on one tray — minimal cleanup, maximum flavor. When I first tried this, it quickly became a family favorite because the chicken turns out juicy, the homemade tzatziki adds the perfect creamy tang, and wrapping it all in warm pita or naan? Pure magic. Stick with me here, and I’ll guide you through every step to nail it like a pro!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • One-Pan Wonder: The entire meal cooks on a single sheet pan, cutting your cleanup time way down.
  • Bursting with Authentic Flavors: From oregano and lemon zest to fresh dill and garlic, it’s like a trip to Greece in your kitchen.
  • Perfectly Juicy Chicken: The marinade locks in moisture, so you won’t end up with dry meat like some gyro recipes.
  • Customizable for Everyone: Whether you’re gluten-free, short on time, or craving variety, this recipe adapts to your needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic really starts with fresh, quality ingredients that complement each other beautifully. I always recommend using good extra virgin olive oil and fresh garlic to get that vibrant, authentic taste. Also, don’t skip on the fresh dill in the toppings–it adds a fragrant punch that just finishes the dish.

  • Boneless skinless chicken thighs: They stay juicy and tender, way better than breast for this gyro style.
  • Olive oil: Use a good quality one for marinade and cooking—it really boosts flavor.
  • Garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the perfect pungency and depth.
  • Kosher salt: Essential for seasoning the chicken evenly and enhancing all flavors.
  • Dried oregano: This herb is non-negotiable in Greek dishes—it brings that iconic earthy note.
  • Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle tang and helps emulsify the marinade.
  • Honey: Balances the acidity and rounds out the marinade with just a touch of sweetness.
  • Lemon zest: Fresh zest brightens everything, trust me on this!
  • Fresh pitas or naan: I often use warm naan for a softer, chewier wrap, but pita works great too.
  • Feta cheese: Crumbly and salty, the perfect topping.
  • Sliced tomatoes: Adds freshness and juiciness.
  • Pickled red onions: The tartness cuts through the richness of the chicken beautifully.
  • Shredded romaine lettuce: For crunch and freshness.
  • Fresh dill: Can’t forget this herb—it ties the whole dish together.
  • English cucumber (for tzatziki): Make sure to press it dry to avoid watery sauce.
  • Full-fat Greek yogurt: Provides creamy body and tang to the tzatziki.
  • Lemon juice: Adds that citrusy zip to the sauce.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

One of the best things about the Sheet Pan Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe is how easy it is to tailor to your preferences or dietary needs—feel free to play around and make it your own!

  • Gluten-Free Gyros: I discovered that swapping out pita for lettuce wraps or homemade gluten-free naan keeps things friendly for gluten-sensitive friends without losing flavor.
  • Speed-Up Version: When I’m short on time, I use store-bought tzatziki instead of making it from scratch—same great taste, less time in the kitchen.
  • Skewer-Free Method: Sometimes I skip the skewers entirely, bake the marinated chicken pieces right on the sheet pan, and slice after baking—equally delicious and hands-off.
  • Vegetarian Swap: For a twist, try swapping chicken with thick slices of grilled halloumi or mushrooms coated with the same marinade.

How to Make Sheet Pan Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe

Step 1: Prep the Chicken and Marinate it Right

Start by patting your chicken thighs dry and cutting them into 2-inch pieces. This helps them cook evenly and soak up all those yummy flavors. In a bowl, toss the chicken with olive oil, freshly minced garlic, kosher salt, dried oregano, Dijon mustard, honey, and the zest of one lemon. I’ve found that letting this mixture rest for even 15-20 minutes (or overnight in the fridge if you have time) really lets the flavors develop — the chicken comes out bursting with savory, tangy goodness.

Step 2: Skewer and Bake with Care

If you’re using skewers, soak bamboo ones in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning—learned that the hard way! Thread the chicken pieces tightly onto the skewers and arrange them on a greased sheet pan. Pop them in a 425°F oven for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway through. Keep an eye out so they don’t dry out—juicy is key here! The high heat crisps up the edges while keeping the inside tender.

Step 3: Make the Refreshing Tzatziki Sauce

While the chicken’s baking, mix up the tzatziki. I like to shred an English cucumber and press it dry between paper towels—this step is crucial to avoid watery sauce. Stir together Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and the cucumber. A pinch of kosher salt pulls it all together. This tzatziki is cool, creamy, and totally addictive—be prepared to sneak bites while cooking!

Step 4: Warm the Pita or Naan

In the last 5 minutes of baking the chicken, I like to add the pitas or naan directly to the sheet pan—this warms them through and gives them a bit of a toasty char around the edges. If you prefer, you can also warm them in a skillet or wrapped in foil in a low oven.

Step 5: Assemble Your Gyros and Load with Toppings

Slide the chicken pieces off the skewers right onto your warm bread, then spread on a generous amount of tzatziki. Add shredded romaine, crumbled feta, juicy tomato slices, pickled red onions, and fresh dill. I love layering flavors and textures here—the crunchy lettuce, creamy cheese, and tangy veggies make each bite a flavor bomb. Fold it up and enjoy!

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Pro Tips for Making Sheet Pan Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe

  • Dry Your Cucumber Thoroughly: I can’t stress this enough—pressed cucumber keeps your tzatziki thick and luscious, no one likes a runny sauce!
  • Marinate Overnight for Maximum Flavor: When I have the time, this step makes a huge difference—you’ll have tender, deeply seasoned chicken every time.
  • Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give the chicken room to roast evenly; crowding traps steam and leads to less crispy edges.
  • Soak Your Bamboo Skewers: This little trick saves you from burnt, crumbly sticks—ask me how I know!

How to Serve Sheet Pan Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe

Garnishes

I love using fresh dill because it adds that unmistakable Greek flavor and a nice herbal kick. Pickled red onions bring a brilliant pop of acidity and color, and crumbled feta is non-negotiable—if you haven’t tried feta on gyros, you’re missing out! Also, a drizzle of extra tzatziki on top never hurts if you want an extra creamy bite.

Side Dishes

For sides, I usually keep it simple: a bright Greek salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and red onion dressed in olive oil and oregano complements the gyros perfectly. Roasted lemon potatoes or crispy baked fries work well too if you want something hearty. For a lighter touch, a bowl of kalamata olives and marinated artichokes never misses the mark.

Creative Ways to Present

When I have friends over, I’ll line up all the toppings in small bowls buffet-style and let everyone build their own gyros—it’s fun and interactive! For a party, you can cut the gyros into smaller, bite-sized wraps secured with toothpicks. It makes a fantastic appetizer or finger food that’s always a hit.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I store leftover chicken and tzatziki separately in airtight containers in the fridge; they last nicely for about 3 to 4 days. Keeping bread separate prevents sogginess. When ready to eat, just warm the chicken gently and assemble fresh.

Freezing

Freezing the cooked chicken works well for me—just cool completely, place in freezer bags, and freeze up to a month. I don’t recommend freezing the tzatziki as it can get watery after thawing. Instead, whip up fresh sauce when you defrost the chicken.

Reheating

I reheat leftovers in a skillet over medium-low heat to keep the chicken juicy and get a bit of char back. The oven works fine at 350°F wrapped in foil, but stovetop reheating is quicker and preserves texture best.

FAQs

  1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

    Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but keep in mind they’re leaner and can dry out more easily. To avoid this, marinate longer and keep a close eye when baking—reduce cook time slightly and consider brining them first.

  2. What if I don’t have bamboo skewers?

    No worries! You can simply bake the marinated chicken pieces directly on your sheet pan. I do this all the time—it’s less fiddly and just as tasty. Bake for about 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through.

  3. Can I prepare this recipe in advance?

    Absolutely. Marinate the chicken overnight for deeper flavor, and you can even make the tzatziki up to two days ahead. Just assemble and bake when you’re ready to eat.

  4. How do I keep the tzatziki from becoming watery?

    The key is to remove excess moisture from the cucumber before mixing. After shredding, wrap it in paper towels and squeeze out as much liquid as you can. This keeps the sauce creamy and thick.

  5. What bread should I use if I want to try something different?

    If you want to mix it up, naan is my favorite alternative to pita because of its chewy texture and slightly charred edges after warming. For gluten-free options, homemade gluten-free naan works great, or you can serve the chicken and toppings on a bed of rice or salad.

Final Thoughts

This Sheet Pan Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen because it’s one of those dishes that feels both comforting and festive — perfect for a busy weeknight or casual weekend gathering. I love sharing this recipe with friends because it’s straightforward, mess-free, and endlessly delicious. If you want to bring the vibrant flavors of Greece to your table without a complicated process, this is the way to go. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll find yourself making it again and again!


Print

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Description

These Sheet Pan Greek Chicken Gyros are a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring marinated chicken thighs skewered and baked to perfection, served on warm pita or naan with fresh toppings and a creamy homemade tzatziki sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or entertaining guests with a Mediterranean flair.


Greek Chicken

Tzatziki Sauce

To Serve


  1. Preheat and Prepare Pan: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Grease a large sheet pan with olive oil. Soak 5 (8-inch) bamboo skewers in a shallow dish of water to prevent burning.
  2. Marinate Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry and cut into 2-inch square pieces. In a bowl, toss the chicken pieces with olive oil, minced garlic, kosher salt, dried oregano, Dijon mustard, honey, and lemon zest until thoroughly coated.
  3. Skewer Chicken: Thread the chicken pieces tightly onto the soaked bamboo skewers, packing them closely together to ensure even cooking. Place the skewers on the prepared baking sheet.
  4. Bake Chicken: Bake the chicken skewers in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, flipping them halfway through the cooking time to ensure even browning and cooking.
  5. Make Tzatziki Sauce: While the chicken is baking, combine the shredded and pressed cucumber, Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and kosher salt to taste in a medium bowl. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to serve.
  6. Warm Bread: In the last few minutes of baking the chicken, add the fresh pita or naan breads to the same baking pan to warm through for 2-3 minutes.
  7. Assemble Gyros: Remove the chicken and bread from the oven. Spread a generous layer of tzatziki sauce on each pita or naan. Top with shredded romaine lettuce, then carefully slide the chicken off the skewers onto the bread. Add crumbled feta, sliced tomatoes, pickled red onions, fresh dill, and extra tzatziki if desired.
  8. Serve: Fold the gyros and serve immediately while warm.


Notes

  • Gluten-Free: Use a lettuce wrap or create Greek chicken bowls served with rice and kale massaged with lemon and olive oil. A gluten-free naan recipe is included if desired.
  • Save Time: Use pre-made tzatziki sauce to reduce prep and cleanup.
  • No Skewers Option: If skewers aren’t available, bake the marinated chicken thighs whole on a sheet pan for 30 minutes until an internal temperature of 165°F is reached, then slice before serving.
  • Naan Option: Use store-bought naan or make homemade naan as preferred.
  • Make-Ahead: Marinate the chicken overnight and prepare the tzatziki sauce up to 2 days in advance for convenience.
  • Gluten-Free Naan Recipe: Combine 1/2 cup warm water, 1 Tbsp honey, and 3/4 tsp active dry yeast. Add 3/4 cup warm milk, 1 cup full fat plain Greek yogurt, 4 cups King Arthur’s gluten-free bread flour, 4 tsp baking soda, 1/2 tsp salt. Mix and knead for 2 minutes. Let rise 30-60 min, divide, roll thin, and cook in olive oil on a skillet until toasted.


Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 gyro (with toppings and sauce)
  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Sugar: 7 g
  • Sodium: 750 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Fiber: 3 g
  • Protein: 35 g
  • Cholesterol: 110 mg

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