Description
This slow-cooked Greek Chicken Gyros recipe offers tender, flavorful chicken breasts simmered in a zesty lemon-oregano marinade. Served in warm pita bread with crisp lettuce, fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, and creamy tzatziki sauce, it’s an easy and authentic way to enjoy a Mediterranean classic right from your crockpot.
Ingredients
Chicken and Marinade
- 3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 to 2 pounds)
- 1 sweet onion, sliced thin into half-moon shapes
- 1/4 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice (from 2 large lemons)
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1½ teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
For Serving
- Pita bread (such as Papa Pita White Greek Pita Flat Bread)
- Shredded lettuce (iceberg or green leaf lettuce)
- Chopped tomatoes
- Finely chopped cucumber
- Tzatziki sauce or dip (purchased or homemade)
- Optional toppings: Kalamata olives, feta cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Crockpot: Spray the insert of the crockpot with nonstick cooking spray. Evenly layer the sliced onions at the bottom of the crockpot, then lay the chicken breasts on top. If your chicken breasts are large, cut them in half horizontally to make smaller pieces for even cooking.
- Make the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together freshly squeezed lemon juice, extra-virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper until well combined. Pour this mixture evenly over the chicken, ensuring each piece is well coated. Use a spatula to scrape out any remaining marinade from the bowl onto the chicken.
- Slow Cook the Chicken: Cover the crockpot with its lid and cook on LOW heat for 6 to 7 hours, allowing the chicken to absorb all the Mediterranean flavors and become tender.
- Shred the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken breasts from the crockpot onto a plate or cutting board. Use two forks to shred the chicken into bite-sized pieces, then return the shredded chicken back into the crockpot. Stir everything together to mix with the flavorful juices and onions.
- Assemble the Gyros: Warm the pita bread in the microwave until soft. Spread a generous amount of tzatziki sauce onto each pita, then spoon a hearty portion of the shredded Greek chicken in the center. Top with shredded lettuce, chopped tomatoes, cucumber, and optional kalamata olives and feta cheese. Add more tzatziki if desired. Fold and serve immediately for an authentic gyro experience.
Notes
- Cutting large chicken breasts in half helps them cook more evenly in the crockpot.
- Marinating chicken in lemon juice and oregano imparts a fresh and vibrant Greek flavor.
- If you prefer, make homemade tzatziki using Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and dill.
- Warm pita bread enhances the texture and flavor of the gyros.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Greek
