Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Gyros (2024)

Jump to RecipeRate Recipe

This post may contain affiliate links, please see the privacy policy for details.

Sometimes I’m in the mood for something different for dinner. I have favourites I like to make regularly, of course. But sometimes it’s nice to try something brand new, and find a new favourite! That was definitely the case with these slow cooker Greek shredded chicken gyros with homemade tzatziki sauce. This slow cooker chicken recipe makes a great lunch or dinner that is a crowd pleaser. If you are looking for an easy crock pot chicken recipe, this is one to try out. I am definitely making them again, and soon!

Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Gyros (1)

Table of Contents

  • Slow Cooker Chicken Gyros Ingredients
  • Typical Flavours of Greece
  • Crock Pot Chicken Gyros – Some Tips
  • How to Make Homemade Tzatziki Sauce
  • Greek Chicken Gyros – Serving Suggestions
  • Chicken Gyros – Side Dish Ideas
  • Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Gyro Recipe
  • Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Gyros with Tasty Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
  • You Might Also Like

Transform your taste buds with these mouth-watering slow cooker Greek chicken gyros, paired with a homemade tzatziki sauce that will have you licking your plate clean!

Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Gyros (2)

Slow Cooker Chicken Gyros Ingredients

This slow cooker chicken recipe is pretty healthy, if you look at the ingredients. You need lean boneless skinless chicken breasts and sliced red onion, along with garlic, lemon, and a little oil and vinegar to make it. It is just simple ingredients in these easy Greek chicken gyros. If you have any leftover chicken or rotisserie, this would be a great dish to use it.

Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Gyros (3)

As for the homemade tzatziki sauce, plain Greek yogurt, cucumber, fresh dill and a few seasonings come together to make this creamy dressing. This is a totally guilt-free and easy crock pot chicken recipe, which tastes phenomenal!

Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Gyros (4)

Typical Flavours of Greece

Greek food is always good – at least all the Greek food I’ve been lucky enough to try. This cuisine can sometimes be misunderstood, like others. Greek restaurants outside of Greece often serve generic dishes. These can include ‘Greek salad’ or anything with Greek seasonings, feta and olives added to it. A lot of Greek restaurants include Arabic dishes too.

Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Gyros (5)

Also, a lot of the Greek dishes outside of Greece (like gyros, souvlaki and saganaki) are only served as fast food in Greece. Sometimes fast food hits the spot, and fusion food can be wonderful. But it is also nice to try authentic recipes too. And if you are new to Greek, you’re going to love this easy crock pot chicken!

These slow cooker Greek shredded chicken gyros are quite typical of Greece. OK so pork is the traditional meat used for gyros in Greece, but chicken is also good! The flavours in here are quite simple. Lemon, garlic, oil and vinegar are all the seasonings you really need. If you have have a chance to take a trip to Greece, you will love all the fresh food choices. My favourite thing about Greece was the food!

Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Gyros (6)

This slow cooker chicken recipe depends on the long, slow cooking time for incredible results. The chicken will be moist and easy to shred, as well as beautifully flavoured. Youwill see how easy it is to make your own gyro dinner.

Crock Pot Chicken Gyros – Some Tips

This is actually a very easy recipe, and there isn’t much that can go wrong. For the best result, always use freshly squeezed lemon juice rather than bottled. Also, minced fresh garlic is better than the ready-pureed garlic paste in oil.

Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Gyros (7)

Freshness is the key to this wonderful cuisine. And that includes the homemade tzatziki sauce as well as the slow cooker chicken recipe itself.

The chicken takes three and a half to four hours if you use the high setting on your slow cooker. You will see these slow cooker Greek shredded chicken gyros really benefit from crock pot cooking. Shredded Greek chicken or pulled Greek chicken could be enjoyed as leftovers, so don’t worry if it looks like there is a lot.

Do you prefer to set this going and come back to it six to eight hours later? If that’s the case, or you want to start this off earlier in the day, use the low setting. You can see when the chicken is fully cooked because it will be white through with no pink. It will also be easy to shred.

Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Gyros (8)

How to Make Homemade Tzatziki Sauce

As for the homemade tzatziki sauce, that can be made while the chicken cooks. All you need to do is combine the ingredients. Greek yogurt, cucumber and lemon pair up with garlic, oregano and dill.

Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Gyros (9)

This authentic homemade tzatziki sauce is creamy and delicious. It is best if you make it ahead and let it sit. That way the Greek flavours can develop and intensify. If you make it just before serving, it will still be good. But making it ahead means it will be better!

Greek Chicken Gyros – Serving Suggestions

You can make crockpot chicken gyros as a snack. They are also great for lunch or dinner, or as a potluck dish – just bring warm pita bread, too. As for side dishes, this is pretty much a meal in one. You have pita bread, the chicken mixture and also some veggies as well as the sauce. If you do want sides though, consider a fresh Greek salad, olive salad, quinoa salad or Italian rice salad.

Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Gyros (10)

Chicken Gyros – Side Dish Ideas

Known as horiatiki salad in Greece, authentic Greek salad is a healthy, tasty side dish. So what are the ingredients for Greek salad? Green bell pepper, tomatoes, feta cheese, kalamata olives, bell pepper, red onion, cucumber, oregano, olive oil and red wine vinegar! Capers are optional but do add a nice salty touch.

Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Gyros (11)

There are also potato-based Greek dishes which would work alongside these easy crock pot chicken gyros. Roast potatoes flavoured with lemon, garlic and oregano would be amazing here. Greek potatoes go well with any kind of meat, poultry or fish actually. Pair any salad or potato side dish you prefer with this slow cooker Greek shredded chicken gyros dish. Any fresh veggies would also be a great side for gyros.

You might also like a glass of Greek retsina wine or a shot of ouzo!

Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Gyros (12)

Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Gyro Recipe

Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Gyros (13)

SavePinPrint

Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Gyros with Tasty Tzatziki Sauce

By: Bella Bucchiotti

You will definitely LOVE these slow cooker Greek gyros with homemade tzatziki sauce. This slow cooker chicken recipe is a great lunch or dinner. If you are looking for an easy crock pot chicken recipe, this is one to try out.

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours hours

Total Time: 4 hours hours 15 minutes minutes

Servings: 8

Ingredients

  • 2 chicken breasts, boneless
  • 1/2 lemon juice , freshly squeezed
  • 3 Cloves garlic
  • 1/2 red onion
  • 2 Tbsp. olive oil
  • 1/3 Cup water
  • 1 Tbsp. red wine vinegar

Homemade Tzatziki

  • 1 1/2 Cup greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cucumber, diced thinly into bits
  • 1/2 lemon juice, freshly squeezed
  • 2 Cloves garlic
  • 1 Tsp. oregano
  • 1 Tsp. dill, fresh

Serving

  • 8 pitas
  • 8 Leaves Romaine lettuce
  • 1/2 Cup Grape tomatoes , sliced in half

Instructions

  • Grease the bottom of the slow cooker with nonstick cooking spray. Place chicken breast inside

  • On top of the chicken breast, add lemon juice, garlic, red onion, salt, pepper, olive oil, water and red wine vinegar. Cook on high for 3-½-4 hours.

  • While your chicken is cooking, prepare the tzatziki sauce. In a small mixing bowl, mix together all ingredients for the dip. Stir until well blended. Set aside and place in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to blend.

  • When the cooking time is complete for the chicken, shred with a fork. Stir chicken inside the crockpot and allow it to set in the juices for 15-20 additional minutes before removing.

  • When time is complete, begin assembling your gyros. Spread a thin layer of the tzatziki sauce across the entire back of the pita break. Top with lettuce, shredded chicken and tomatoes. Fold over and serve immediately.

Nutrition

Calories: 291kcal | Carbohydrates: 36g | Protein: 22g | Fat: 6g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 38mg | Sodium: 384mg | Potassium: 480mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 2607IU | Vitamin C: 7mg | Calcium: 122mg | Iron: 2mg

Like this recipe? Rate and comment below!

Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Gyros (14)
Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Gyros (15)
Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Gyros (16)
Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Gyros (17)
Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Gyros (18)
Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Gyros (19)
Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Gyros (20)
Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Gyros (21)
Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Gyros (22)

As they say in Greece: Ya mas! This literally means ‘to our health’ and is Greek for cheers! This is a great slow cooker recipe for busy weeknights or even a weekend lunch.

Let me know if you try out this slow cooker Greek shredded chicken gyros with homemade tzatziki sauce. This slow cooker chicken recipe makes a great lunch or dinner that is a crown pleaser. If you are looking for an easy crock pot chicken recipe, this slow cooker Greek chicken one to try out soon!

You Might Also Like

  • Juicy Greek Lemon Baked Pork Chops
  • Juicy Greek Lemon Baked Pork Chops
  • Slow Cooker Greek Lemon Chicken Soup
  • Flavourful Slow Cooker Salsa Fresca Chicken
  • Super Easy Slow Cooker Chicken Enchilada Casserole
Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Gyros (23)
Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Gyros (24)

Bella Bucchiotti

Bella Bucchiotti is a Canadian-based syndicated food, travel, and lifestyle writer, photographer, and creator at xoxoBella. She founded xoxoBella in 2015, where she shares her love for food, dogs, sustainability, fitness, crafts, outdoor adventures, travel, and philanthropy to encourage others to run the extra mile, try new recipes, visit unfamiliar places, and stand for a cause. Bella creates stress-free and family-friendly recipes for weeknight dinners and festive feasts.

Slow Cooker Greek Chicken Gyros (2024)

FAQs

Is it better to cook chicken on low or high in the crockpot? ›

We found that the only way to cook chicken (and turkey) in a slow cooker is on the low setting and for a relatively short amount of time.

How long does chicken breast take to cook in the crockpot? ›

Cook boneless chicken breasts in slow cooker on LOW for 1 1/2 to 2 1/2 hours. Always cook your boneless skinless chicken breasts on LOW for the best results. I do not recommend cooking boneless chicken breast on HIGH, as it will become very dry and tough, even if you check it early.

What is the difference between chicken souvlaki and chicken gyro? ›

Here's how to tell the difference: Souvlaki is marinated pork, chicken, beef, or lamb grilled on a skewer. It's typically served on a skewer, but you can also eat it in a warm pita or over salad. Gyros are made with stacked meat (usually pork, but other meats are common) that has been cooked on a vertical rotisserie.

Why does my slow cooker make everything watery? ›

For instance, slow cooker meals can turn out to be watery when there is too much liquid added at the beginning of the preparation or if during the cooking process, the water does not evaporate producing a runny consistency.

Is 3 hours in a slow cooker enough for chicken? ›

For a whole chicken – Place it in your slow cooker breast side down. Cover with the lid and cook on High for around 4-5 hours or Low for 6-8 hours. For bone-in pieces - Arrange chicken pieces in a single layer in the slow cooker. Cover with the lid and cook on High for around 3-4 hours or Low for 4-6 hours.

Is 4 hours on high the same as 8 hours on low? ›

Low: 7-8 hours to reach the simmer point. High: 3-4 hours to reach the simmer point.

Is it OK to put raw chicken in slow cooker? ›

Yes, you can put raw chicken in a slow cooker! Slow cookers and Crock-Pots are designed to cook raw meats. The direct heat from the pot, lengthy cooking time and steam created from the tightly covered container destroys bacteria, making slow cooking safe. You can put frozen chicken in a slow cooker, too!

Does chicken get more tender the longer you slow cook it? ›

That is why tough meats become “fork tender” in the slow cooker. Chicken breasts have very little connective tissue; that means they can be cooked quickly because the long cooking time needed to soften connective tissue isn't necessary. They also have little fat, which means they can become dry if cooked too long.

How to keep chicken moist in the crockpot? ›

By regularly spooning the juices over the chicken, you are essentially marinating it in its own flavorful liquid, which helps to retain moisture and enhance the taste. This method also helps to prevent the chicken from drying out as it slow cooks over a longer period of time.

Are chicken gyros unhealthy? ›

Traditional gyro meat combines beef and lamb, which can be higher in fat, particularly saturated fat. For a leaner option, chicken or turkey gyro can be chosen. These poultry choices offer a lower fat content, making them a healthier alternative without compromising taste.

What is Greek gyro meat called? ›

Following World War II, Gyros made with lamb (called as döner kebab by some restaurants) was present in Athens. It was likely introduced by immigrants from Anatolia and the Middle East. The Greek version is normally made with pork and served with tzatziki, and became known as gyros.

Does taking the lid off a slow cooker thicken the sauce? ›

Take the lid off

Place the cooker on a high setting, and open the lid for 30-45 minutes to let excess moisture cook off. The liquid will reduce, leaving you with a thick and delicious gravy or sauce. (Tip: This trick can also be applied for thickening stews, or when you've accidentally added too much liquid.)

Should everything be submerged in a slow cooker? ›

Reduce liquid when using a slow cooker

It should just cover the meat and vegetables. Don't overfill your slow cooker, or it may start leaking out the top, and the food won't cook so well. Half to two-thirds full is ideal – certainly no more than three-quarters.

How long can you leave chicken in a crockpot on low? ›

You certainly can, the meat will simply fall to bits, which might be desirable for some recipes like “Chicken and Dumplings” which will take 8–12 hours on “Low” setting. As long as the temperature remains above 140 F you can leave your chicken in the cooker all day but try to avoid more than 12 hours…

How do you keep chicken from drying out in a slow cooker? ›

We recommend putting a small amount of liquid (like broth, water or tomatoes) into your slow cooker. It will help prevent burning and its steam cooks the chicken and keeps it moist.

Is it better to cook chicken at a high or low temperature? ›

When baking wings, we're almost always going for crispy skin, and the pieces are small and cook quickly so the higher temp at 425 is the best bet. For chicken breasts, it's best to go with the lower temp of 350 and keep an eye on the internal temperature of the chicken: white meat will dry out faster than dark meat.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Velia Krajcik

Last Updated:

Views: 5897

Rating: 4.3 / 5 (54 voted)

Reviews: 93% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Velia Krajcik

Birthday: 1996-07-27

Address: 520 Balistreri Mount, South Armand, OR 60528

Phone: +466880739437

Job: Future Retail Associate

Hobby: Polo, Scouting, Worldbuilding, Cosplaying, Photography, Rowing, Nordic skating

Introduction: My name is Velia Krajcik, I am a handsome, clean, lucky, gleaming, magnificent, proud, glorious person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.