If you’re craving all the flavors of your favorite Mediterranean street food but want a fuss-free way to make it at home, Slow Cooker Chicken Gyros are about to become your new go-to meal. Incredibly tender chicken infused with garlic, lemon, and aromatic spices simmers all day, ready to be tucked into warm pita bread and finished with crisp veggies and creamy tzatziki. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping ahead for busy weeknights, this recipe is bursting with bright, savory flavors and couldn’t be easier to throw together.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredient list for Slow Cooker Chicken Gyros is refreshingly straightforward, proving that a handful of good-quality staples can create a dish that tastes anything but basic. Each component plays a vital role in layering flavor, color, and the signature gyro juiciness you crave.
- Chicken breasts or thighs: The star of the show, chicken becomes meltingly tender in the slow cooker; thighs add extra juiciness, but breasts work beautifully too.
- Olive oil: A splash of olive oil helps carry the flavors and lends a Mediterranean richness to the dish.
- Lemon juice: This adds acidity, brightness, and helps tenderize the chicken as it cooks.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses every bite with delicious, aromatic warmth.
- Oregano: Dried oregano gives that unmistakable gyro herby flavor you know and love.
- Cumin: A pinch of cumin brings earthy depth to balance the lemon and garlic.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for bringing all the bold flavors to life.
- Red onion (sliced): Sliced onions cook down with the chicken, becoming sweet and tender for extra punch.
- Pita bread or flatbreads: Fluffy, warm bread is a must for wrapping up all the savory goodness.
- Toppings: Think sliced cucumber, tomato, shredded lettuce, crumbled feta, and plenty of creamy tzatziki for that classic finish.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Gyros
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Mixture
Start by placing your chicken breasts or thighs at the bottom of your slow cooker. Drizzle with olive oil, squeeze in the lemon juice, throw in the garlic, sprinkle over the oregano and cumin, and season generously with salt and pepper. Toss everything together so every piece of chicken is coated in those irresistible flavors.
Step 2: Add Aromatics and Cook Low and Slow
Scatter the sliced red onions over the chicken, then cover and set your slow cooker to low for 4 to 5 hours, or high for about 2 to 3. As the chicken cooks, it will soak up the vibrant marinade and become so tender it practically falls apart with a fork.
Step 3: Shred and Return to Juices
Once cooked, remove the chicken, shred it with two forks (right in the slow cooker if you like), and swirl it back into all those flavorful juices and soft onions. Let it sit for a few minutes to soak up every last bit of goodness.
Step 4: Warm the Pitas
While the chicken finishes absorbing flavors, wrap your pita bread or flatbreads in foil and warm them in the oven. This little touch makes assembling your Slow Cooker Chicken Gyros feel like a real treat.
Step 5: Assemble Your Gyros
Lay warm pita bread on plates, heap with a generous mound of juicy chicken, and pile on your favorite toppings. Don’t forget a good drizzle (or dollop!) of tzatziki to finish. Roll them up, wrap them in parchment if you like, and get ready for a flavor explosion!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Gyros
Garnishes
The true magic of Slow Cooker Chicken Gyros comes with the toppings: cool, crunchy cucumbers, juicy tomatoes, briny feta, and a shower of fresh herbs like dill or parsley add freshness and punch. A squeeze of extra lemon or a spoonful of pickled onions can take your gyro over the top for extra zing.
Side Dishes
Round out your meal with classic Mediterranean sides. A crisp Greek salad, a pile of homemade oven fries, or some roasted vegetables all pair perfectly with these gyros. Don’t forget a bowl of extra tzatziki or some marinated olives for snacking on the side.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist on tradition, pile everything onto a platter and let everyone make their own gyros—ideal for dinner parties or family night! Or, serve the chicken over rice or salad greens for a lighter, fork-and-knife version. Slow Cooker Chicken Gyros also make fabulous lunchbox wraps or mini sliders for a crowd.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Slow Cooker Chicken Gyros filling keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Store the chicken and veggies separately from the pitas and toppings to keep everything tasting its best.
Freezing
The shredded chicken mixture freezes like a dream. Let it cool completely before transferring to freezer-safe bags or containers; it’ll keep for up to 3 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating and assembling your gyros fresh.
Reheating
To reheat, just place the chicken mixture in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth, stirring until warmed through. Or, use the microwave for a quick zap. Warm your pitas as before, and your homemade Slow Cooker Chicken Gyros will taste just as fresh as day one!
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are wonderfully juicy and flavorful, making them a fantastic choice for Slow Cooker Chicken Gyros. They hold up well to slow cooking and are nearly impossible to overcook.
Is it possible to make this gyros recipe dairy-free?
Yes, simply use a dairy-free tzatziki or leave out the yogurt-based sauces and feta. Pile on the veggies and fresh herbs for plenty of flavor and crunch.
Can I prepare the chicken mixture the night before?
You sure can! Mix up the marinade and pour it over the chicken the night before, then just pop it into the slow cooker in the morning. This extra marinating time can make the chicken even more flavorful.
What’s the best way to keep pitas warm for serving?
Wrap the pitas in foil and keep them in a low oven, or stack them and cover with a clean towel. This keeps them soft and pliable, perfect for wrapping around your gyros filling.
How can I make the Slow Cooker Chicken Gyros spicier?
If you like a little kick, add some crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the chicken mixture before cooking, or serve with sliced pickled jalapeños for heat.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready for a low-effort, high-flavor dinner, these Slow Cooker Chicken Gyros are the answer. They bring all the savory, fresh flavors of your favorite Greek street food right to your kitchen, no takeout required. Don’t be surprised if this recipe becomes a staple at your table—you’ll want to make them again and again!
Print
Slow Cooker Chicken Gyros Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 hours
- Total Time: 5 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 4–6 servings 1x
- Category: Main-course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Slow Cooker Chicken Gyros are an easy, flavorful take on the Greek classic, featuring tender chicken cooked with aromatic spices, served on warm pita with crisp vegetables and a creamy homemade tzatziki sauce. Perfect for a fuss-free weeknight dinner or meal prepping for the week.
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
For the Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/2 cup cucumber, grated and drained
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Serving
- 4–6 pita breads
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup shredded romaine lettuce
- 1/2 small red onion, thinly sliced
- Feta cheese, crumbled (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Slow Cooker: Lightly grease the bottom of your slow cooker with olive oil. Add the sliced red onion to the base to create a flavorful bed for the chicken.
- Season and Add Chicken: In a small bowl, combine garlic, dried oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and chicken broth. Place the chicken pieces on top of the onions, then pour the seasoning mixture over the chicken, tossing to ensure all pieces are well coated.
- Slow Cook the Chicken: Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or high for 2.5-3 hours, or until the chicken is tender and shreds easily with a fork.
- Make the Tzatziki Sauce: While the chicken cooks, prepare the tzatziki sauce. Stir together Greek yogurt, grated cucumber (squeeze out excess liquid), dill, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Chill until ready to serve.
- Shred the Chicken: Once the chicken is done, transfer to a large bowl and shred using two forks. Stir in some of the slow cooker juices to keep the meat moist and flavorful.
- Assemble the Gyros: Warm pita breads in a dry skillet or microwave. Top each pita with shredded chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, extra red onion, feta cheese if desired, and a generous dollop of tzatziki sauce.
- Serve: Fold or roll up the gyros and serve immediately, letting everyone add their favorite toppings.
Notes
- For a gluten-free option, use gluten-free pita or lettuce wraps.
- Leftover chicken can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it ideal for meal prep.
- Customize gyros with your favorite toppings such as olives, pickled onions, or hot sauce.
- To save time, use store-bought tzatziki sauce.
- Chicken thighs will yield a juicier filling, but breasts work just as well for a leaner meal.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 loaded gyro (with pita, chicken, veggies, and tzatziki)
- Calories: 410
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 670mg
- Fat: 11g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
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