Name: Slow Cooker Chicken Gyros Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 10 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 medium red onion, sliced; 1/4 cup olive oil; 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice; 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar; 2 teaspoons dried oregano; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper; 6 pita breads; 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce; 1 large tomato, diced; 1/2 small cucumber, diced; 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion; 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese; 3/4 cup tzatziki sauce

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The magic of Slow Cooker Chicken Gyros is that you get all the zesty, savory flavor and juicy tenderness of classic Greek street food—without having to babysit the stove or fire up a grill. These gyros are packed with marinated chicken cooked gently until it’s fall-apart good, then heaped inside fluffy pitas with crisp veggies, tangy feta, and cool tzatziki. Whether you’re hosting a laid-back dinner or craving a stress-free weeknight meal, this recipe is a true crowd-pleaser that brings a little Mediterranean sunshine right to your table.

Slow Cooker Chicken Gyros Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in Slow Cooker Chicken Gyros is carefully chosen for maximum flavor, texture, and color. This lineup is refreshingly straightforward—each element brings something special, and together, they create an irresistible dish that’s as vibrant as it is comforting.

Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are lean yet become wonderfully juicy after hours in the slow cooker.
Garlic: Three cloves minced for a punch of aromatic depth that’s truly essential to authentic Greek flavor.
Red Onion (sliced): Adds sweetness and mellow tang as it cooks, then soaks up all the delicious juices.
Olive Oil: A quarter cup imparts a rich mouthfeel and helps carry the flavors of the marinade.
Fresh Lemon Juice: Brings brightness and zing, essential for that Mediterranean lift.
Red Wine Vinegar: Just a tablespoon brings sharpness that balances the other flavors perfectly.
Dried Oregano: Two teaspoons add signature Greek herbal notes; don’t skimp here!
Ground Cumin: A teaspoon gifts gentle warmth and earthiness in each bite.
Paprika: One teaspoon gives smoky color and an extra pop of flavor.
Salt: Just half a teaspoon is enough to heighten every nuance in the marinade.
Black Pepper: Don’t forget this half teaspoon for perfect savory balance.
Pita Breads: Soft, fluffy pitas (try to find fresh if you can!) are the perfect carriers for all the juicy fillings.
Romaine Lettuce (chopped): Adds bright crunch and freshness to every gyro.
Tomato (diced): The juiciness and acidity are unbeatable tucked inside a warm pita.
Cucumber (diced): Cooling crunch that pairs so well with garlicky chicken and creamy sauce.
Thinly Sliced Red Onion: A little extra onion in the fillings for that classic layered flavor.
Feta Cheese (crumbled): Salty, tangy goodness that’s a must-have in any Greek wrap.
Tzatziki Sauce: Cool, garlicky, cucumber-packed sauce that ties every bite together.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chicken Gyros

Step 1: Get the Chicken Ready

Begin by nestling your boneless, skinless chicken breasts, side by side, along the base of your slow cooker. There’s no need to fuss with dicing or pounding—just lay them out, and let the magic happen as they slowly soak up all the flavors to come.

Step 2: Whisk the Marinade

In a small mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Take a moment to breathe in that burst of citrusy, herby aroma—it’s a preview of what’s in store! This marinade forms the foundation for your Slow Cooker Chicken Gyros, ensuring every bite is impossibly juicy and delicious.

Step 3: Pour and Layer

Pour your vibrant marinade right over the chicken, making sure to coat each piece generously. Top everything with your sliced red onion, spreading it evenly so it can gently melt into the sauce. This step is key: as the onions cook down, they infuse every layer with sweetness and color.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Pop on the lid and set your slow cooker on low for 4 to 5 hours, or high for 2 to 3 hours. If you can, check it toward the end of the cooking time; you’re aiming for chicken that’s so tender it practically shreds itself. The slow, gentle heat makes all the difference for that classic, hand-pulled texture you want in gyro filling.

Step 5: Shred and Soak

Once the chicken is perfectly cooked, transfer it to a cutting board and use two forks to shred it into juicy pieces. Don’t skip this part! Then slide that shredded chicken right back into the slow cooker, letting it soak up every bit of that deliciously seasoned juice for an extra flavor boost.

Step 6: Warm and Assemble

Just before serving, warm your pitas—you can do this in the oven, microwave, or even right on the stovetop for a little toasty char. Then pile on the shredded chicken, followed by lettuce, tomato, cucumber, red onion, feta, and a generous drizzle of tzatziki. Wrap it up, dive in, and taste how your Slow Cooker Chicken Gyros come together in one vibrant bite.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chicken Gyros

Garnishes

Go for those classic Greek toppings that make each gyro pop: sprinkle extra crumbled feta over the top, add a scattering of fresh chopped parsley or dill, or even a few Kalamata olive slices. A final squeeze of lemon brightens everything up for a truly fresh finish.

Side Dishes

Slow Cooker Chicken Gyros pair beautifully with simple, fresh sides. Think crispy oven-roasted potatoes, a creamy hummus platter, or a bright Greek salad loaded with veggies and olives. Don’t forget a bowl of extra tzatziki for dunking—or some pita chips for scooping up any chicken that escapes your wrap!

Creative Ways to Present

Transform your meal into a Mediterranean feast by serving everything family-style: set out a big platter of shredded chicken with all the fixings in little bowls, and let everyone build their dream gyro. Or, for parties, create gyro sliders using mini pitas or flatbreads. You can even serve the slow cooker chicken over a big salad or tucked into lettuce cups for a lighter, fresh twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers, stash the extra chicken and juices in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps beautifully for up to three days and makes fantastic lunches with almost zero effort.

Freezing

Slow Cooker Chicken Gyros are freezer-friendly, too! Scoop the cooled, shredded chicken (with its sauce) into a zip-top bag or freezer-safe container. It’ll keep for up to two months—just remember to label it so you don’t forget what kind of deliciousness awaits.

Reheating

To reheat, simply pop the chicken (with its juices) into a saucepan over medium-low heat until it’s warmed through. You can also microwave it in short bursts. Add a splash of water or chicken broth if it looks a little dry, and give it a good stir before piling back into your pita.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely—boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in Slow Cooker Chicken Gyros and yield an even juicier, richer flavor. You may want to trim any excess fat, but otherwise, simply follow the recipe as written.

Is this recipe spicy?

Nope! The marinade has loads of flavor, but very little heat. If you crave more spice, feel free to add a pinch of crushed red pepper or a little hot sauce to the marinade—or offer it as a topping at the table.

How can I make it gluten-free?

Just swap out the pitas for your favorite gluten-free wraps, or serve the chicken and toppings over a bowl of salad greens or rice. The chicken filling itself is naturally gluten-free and packed with Greek flavor.

Can I prep the ingredients in advance?

Definitely! You can slice the onion, mince the garlic, and even stir together the marinade the night before. Store the marinade and veggies separately, then combine everything with the chicken in the morning to make Slow Cooker Chicken Gyros a total breeze.

What if I don’t have tzatziki?

If you can’t find tzatziki, you can whip up a quick version at home using plain Greek yogurt, diced cucumber, lemon juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of dill and salt. Or, substitute with Greek yogurt mixed with a squeeze of lemon and dash of oregano in a pinch.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking to tug at your family’s taste buds or impress dinner guests with minimal effort, don’t miss out on Slow Cooker Chicken Gyros. Each bite is loaded with sunshine-bright flavor and crowd-pleasing comfort. Grab your slow cooker, round up these fresh, bold ingredients, and give this recipe a try—you’ll want it in your regular dinner rotation!

Slow Cooker Chicken Gyros Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

These Slow Cooker Chicken Gyros are a delicious and easy-to-make meal that brings the flavors of Greece right to your table. Tender, flavorful chicken is slow-cooked to perfection and then piled into warm pita bread with all the traditional gyro fixings. A must-try for any Greek food lover!

Ingredients

Scale

For the Chicken:

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 medium red onion, sliced
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For Serving:

6 pita breads
1 cup chopped romaine lettuce
1 large tomato, diced
1/2 small cucumber, diced
1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
3/4 cup tzatziki sauce

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Instructions

Prepare the Chicken: Place chicken breasts in the slow cooker.

In a small bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Pour over the chicken and add sliced red onion. Cook on low for 4-5 hours or high for 2-3 hours until tender.