Slow Cooker Chicken Gyros
These Slow Cooker Chicken Gyros are juicy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Tender chicken slowly cooks with garlic, lemon, and Mediterranean spices, then gets piled into warm pita bread with fresh vegetables and creamy tzatziki sauce. It’s a simple, delicious dinner perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
Slow Cooker Chicken
- 2 lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts or chicken thighs
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cucumber grated and squeezed dry
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill or mint
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Serving
- 6 pita breads or flatbreads
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 cup diced tomatoes
- ½ red onion thinly sliced
- ½ cup cucumber slices
- Optional toppings:
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Kalamata olives
- Pickled red onions
- Sliced avocado
Instructions
1. Add chicken to slow cooker
- Place chicken breasts or thighs into the slow cooker.
2. Mix seasoning
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, cumin, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes.
3. Season chicken
- Pour the seasoning mixture over the chicken and toss to coat evenly.
4. Cook
- Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours, until the chicken is tender.
5. Shred the chicken
- Use two forks to shred the chicken directly in the slow cooker. Stir the shredded meat into the juices.
6. Make tzatziki sauce
- In a bowl, mix Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, dill, salt, and pepper until smooth. Refrigerate until ready to serve.
7. Warm the pita
- Lightly warm pita bread in a skillet or oven for a few minutes.
8. Assemble gyros
- Fill each pita with shredded chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, onion, cucumber, and tzatziki sauce.
9. Serve
- Serve immediately while warm and enjoy.
Video
Notes
📝 Notes
- Chicken Choice: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are best for slow cooking because they stay tender and flavorful, but chicken breasts can be used for a leaner option.
- Greek Flavor: Classic gyro seasoning includes garlic, oregano, lemon juice, olive oil, and a touch of paprika for a Mediterranean taste.
- Shred for Texture: Once cooked, shred the chicken with two forks so it absorbs the flavorful juices from the slow cooker.
- Tzatziki Sauce: Serve with homemade or store-bought tzatziki made with Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and dill.
- Serving Ideas: Fill warm pita bread with chicken, sliced tomatoes, red onions, lettuce, and a generous drizzle of tzatziki sauce.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve the gyro chicken in lettuce wraps or over a fresh Greek salad instead of pita.
- Storage: Keep leftover chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Freezing Tip: The cooked shredded chicken freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
🍽️ Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Calories: 310 kcal |Carbohydrates: 12 g |
Fiber: 1 g |
Sugars: 2 g |
Protein: 32 g |
Fat: 15 g |
Saturated Fat: 3 g |
Cholesterol: 105 mg |
Sodium: 520 mg |
Potassium: 420 mg |
Calcium: 70 mg |
Iron: 1.7 mg