Slow Cooker Chicken Gyros are a game-changer for anyone who loves those juicy, flavorful pockets of tender chicken wrapped up with fresh veggies and creamy sauce. The chicken slowly cooks in a blend of warm spices and herbs, soaking up all those delicious Mediterranean flavors, making every bite taste like a little celebration. The best part? It’s all made effortlessly in your slow cooker, so you can set it and forget it until you’re ready to build your gyros.
I love making these on busy days because the slow cooker does all the hard work, and when I get home, I just shred the chicken and pile it on warm pita bread with sliced tomatoes, onions, and a dollop of tzatziki sauce. The mix of tender meat and crisp fresh toppings always gets a thumbs up from everyone around my table. Plus, the house smells amazing while it’s cooking!
My favorite way to serve these gyros is with a side of simple cucumber salad or some roasted potatoes for a complete, cozy meal. It’s the kind of recipe that always reminds me of fun family dinners or casual gatherings, where everyone grabs their own pita and builds exactly what they want. If you’ve never tried slow cooker chicken gyros before, you’re in for a real treat that’s easy, satisfying, and packed with heartwarming flavor.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Chicken breasts stay tender and shred easily after slow cooking. You can use chicken thighs for a moister, richer flavor if you prefer. Thighs are also more forgiving if overcooked a bit.
Greek Yogurt: This is key for creamy, tangy tzatziki sauce. If you want a dairy-free option, try coconut yogurt or a plant-based yogurt, but the flavor will be milder.
Spices (Oregano, Cumin, Paprika, Thyme): These give that authentic Mediterranean taste. If you can’t find smoked paprika, regular paprika works well too for color and mild sweetness.
Pita Bread: Soft pita is perfect for wrapping the fillings. If unavailable, use flatbreads, naan, or tortillas as a tasty alternative.
How Can I Make Sure the Chicken Stays Tender and Flavors Soak In Well?
Slow cooking is great for tenderness, but a few tips help the flavors really shine:
- Marinate the chicken with the spice and lemon mix before adding it to the slow cooker. This jump-starts flavor absorption.
- Low and slow is best. Cook on low heat for 6-7 hours to keep meat juicy and tender.
- Adding chicken broth helps keep the meat moist and creates a flavorful base.
- Once cooked, shred the chicken right away to coat it well with juices inside the slow cooker before serving.
Following these steps ensures your chicken is tender, juicy, and full of flavor every time.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Slow Cooker – This saves time and makes the chicken super tender without babysitting it.
- Mixing Bowl – Perfect for combining the marinade ingredients so they’re ready to coat the chicken.
- Forks – Great for shredding the cooked chicken easily and evenly.
- Small Bowl – For preparing and mixing the tzatziki sauce ingredients.
- Skillet or Oven – To warm the pita bread so it’s soft and warm for wrapping.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap out chicken for sliced lamb or beef for a different protein, adding a richer flavor.
- Use different herbs like mint or parsley in the tzatziki for extra freshness and variety.
- Add sliced cucumbers, bell peppers, or olives inside the pita for more crunch and flavor.
- Try spicy paprika or chili flakes in the marinade if you like some heat in your gyros.
Slow Cooker Chicken Gyros
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- Juice of 1 lemon
- ½ cup chicken broth
For Serving:
- 4-6 pita breads or flatbreads
- 1 large tomato, sliced
- ½ red onion, thinly sliced
- 1 cup lettuce, shredded
- Fresh dill for garnish (optional)
For Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- ½ cucumber, finely grated and drained of excess water
- 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
- Salt and pepper to taste
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10-15 minutes to prep, plus 6-7 hours to cook on low (or 3-4 hours on high) in the slow cooker. You’ll also spend a few minutes preparing the tzatziki sauce and warming the pita breads before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Marinade and Chicken:
In a small bowl, mix minced garlic, olive oil, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, thyme, salt, pepper, and lemon juice well. Place the chicken breasts in your slow cooker and pour this marinade over them. Add the chicken broth on top.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Cover and cook the chicken on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. When done, the chicken should be very tender and easy to shred with forks.
3. Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
While the chicken is cooking, combine Greek yogurt, grated and drained cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, and dill in a bowl. Mix well and season with salt and pepper. Chill the sauce until ready to use.
4. Warm the Pitas and Assemble:
Once the chicken is cooked, shred it with two forks. Warm your pita breads in a skillet or oven. Spread shredded chicken onto the warm pita bread, then add sliced tomatoes, red onion, shredded lettuce, and a generous spoonful of tzatziki sauce. Garnish with fresh dill if you like, then fold and serve immediately.
Enjoy your tasty, tender Slow Cooker Chicken Gyros with fresh toppings and cool tzatziki for a perfect Mediterranean meal!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes! Just be sure to fully thaw the chicken breasts in the fridge overnight before cooking. Using frozen chicken directly in the slow cooker can result in uneven cooking.
Can I Prepare the Gyros Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! You can cook and shred the chicken a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently before assembling the gyros. Make the tzatziki sauce fresh or up to a day in advance for best flavor.
How Should I Store Leftover Chicken Gyros?
Keep any leftover shredded chicken and tzatziki sauce in airtight containers in the refrigerator. Consume within 3 days. Store pita separately to avoid sogginess, then assemble fresh when ready to eat.
What Can I Use Instead of Pita Bread?
If you don’t have pita, soft flatbreads, naan, or even tortillas make a good substitute. Just warm them before adding the fillings to keep that soft, pliable texture.
