Slow Cooker Chicken Gyros are a delicious and easy way to bring the taste of classic Greek street food to your kitchen. Tender, juicy chicken slowly cooked with a blend of warm spices like oregano, garlic, and lemon creates a mouthwatering filling that’s full of flavor. The chicken is perfect for wrapping into warm pita bread with fresh toppings like cucumber, tomato, and creamy tzatziki sauce.
I love making these gyros in the slow cooker because it saves me so much time and effort, but still gives me that authentic taste. The chicken comes out so tender it practically falls apart, which makes it easy to pile onto pita bread or even add to a salad. One tip I always follow is to slice the chicken thinly after it’s cooked for the best gyro experience.
These chicken gyros are great for a casual family dinner or even entertaining friends because everyone can customize their own wrap. I especially enjoy serving them with a side of crispy fries or a simple Greek salad. Whenever I make this recipe, it feels like a little trip to the Mediterranean right at my own table, and it always brings smiles all around.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken breasts: I find boneless, skinless breasts work best for slow cooking because they shred easily and stay tender. If you prefer, chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor.
Spices: Oregano, cumin, and smoked paprika give that classic gyro taste. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika or a bit of chili powder works fine.
Lemon juice: Adds freshness and balance. You can use bottled lemon juice in a pinch, but fresh is nicer.
Greek yogurt: Essential for tzatziki sauce’s creamy texture. You can substitute with plain yogurt strained through a cheesecloth to thicken if needed.
Cucumber: Grated cucumber adds refreshing crunch. If you want, peel it first to reduce bitterness, and squeeze out excess water so tzatziki isn’t watery.
Pita bread: Look for soft, fresh pita or flatbread. If unavailable, naan or wraps make a good alternative.
How Do You Make Tender Shredded Chicken in the Slow Cooker?
The secret to perfectly shredded chicken lies in slow cooking it low and slow.
- Coat chicken evenly with the marinade to infuse flavor throughout.
- Add a small amount of liquid like chicken broth to keep meat moist and prevent drying.
- Cook on low for 5-6 hours for the best tenderness. High setting works, but sometimes makes the chicken less tender.
- Once cooked, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before shredding to keep juices locked in.
- Use two forks to pull the chicken apart gently right in the slow cooker so it absorbs all those delicious juices.
Following these steps means juicy, flavorful chicken that gets better as it sits in the marinade during cooking.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Slow cooker – I love it because it cooks the chicken evenly without fuss.
- Mixing bowls – for preparing the marinade and tzatziki sauce.
- Forks – perfect for shredding the cooked chicken easily.
- Grater – for the cucumber, to make the tzatziki smooth and refreshing.
- Measuring spoons and cups – to keep everything precise and easy.
- Microwave or skillet – to warm the pita breads before serving.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Protein swap: Try using tofu or beef strips for different tastes—vegetarians will enjoy tofu, and beef offers a richer flavor.
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of cayenne or red pepper flakes to the marinade for some heat.
- Extra veggies: Top the gyros with sliced bell peppers, olives, or pickled red onions for more crunch and flavor.
- Cheese: Sprinkle a little crumbled feta or mozzarella inside the pita for added richness.
Slow Cooker Chicken Gyros
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For The Chicken:
- 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- Juice of 1 lemon
- ¼ cup chicken broth or water
For The Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- ½ cucumber, finely diced or grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
To Assemble:
- Pita breads or flatbreads
- Sliced tomatoes
- Sliced cucumbers
- Sliced red onions
- Additional fresh dill for garnish (optional)
- Lemon wedges (optional)
Time Needed:
This recipe requires about 15 minutes of hands-on prep time and 5-6 hours of slow cooking on low (or 3-4 hours on high). You’ll spend a few minutes shredding the chicken and assembling the gyros at the end. It’s a great set-it-and-forget-it meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken Marinade:
In a small bowl, stir together the minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, smoked paprika, onion powder, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and olive oil. This flavorful marinade will give your chicken that classic gyro taste.
2. Cook the Chicken:
Place the chicken breasts in your slow cooker. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is nicely coated. Add the chicken broth or water to keep the chicken juicy as it cooks. Cover and cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chicken is tender and fully cooked.
3. Shred the Chicken:
Once the chicken is done, use two forks to shred it directly inside the slow cooker. Mix the shredded chicken with the cooking juices to keep it flavorful and moist.
4. Make the Tzatziki Sauce:
While the chicken cooks, mix the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, chopped dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl until well combined. Chill the sauce in the fridge until you’re ready to serve.
5. Assemble the Gyros:
Warm your pita breads briefly in a skillet or microwave. Then load each pita with a generous scoop of shredded chicken. Add sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions on top. Spoon on plenty of tzatziki sauce, and garnish with fresh dill if you like. Serve with lemon wedges for an extra citrusy touch!
Enjoy your delicious, tender Slow Cooker Chicken Gyros with fresh veggies and creamy tzatziki—a simple, tasty meal that brings the flavors of the Mediterranean right to your table!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but be sure to thaw them completely before adding to the slow cooker. Thaw overnight in the fridge or use the cold water method for quicker thawing to ensure even cooking.
Can I Make the Tzatziki Sauce Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Preparing the tzatziki sauce a few hours or even a day in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just store it in an airtight container in the fridge until ready to serve.
How Can I Store and Reheat Leftover Chicken Gyro Meat?
Keep leftover shredded chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop with a splash of broth or water to keep it moist.
What Are Good Alternatives to Pita Bread?
If you don’t have pita bread, you can use naan, flatbreads, or even wraps. For a low-carb option, try serving the chicken and toppings over a bed of greens for a gyro salad.
