Understanding the Nutritional Content: How many calories are in a small chicken gyro?

October 29, 2025 •

4 min read

While the exact calorie count varies widely based on ingredients and preparation, a standard chicken gyro often contains upwards of 500 calories. The question, "How many calories are in a small chicken gyro?" is complex, as portion size and recipe variations are significant factors.

Quick Summary

The calorie count of a small chicken gyro depends on components like the pita, meat, sauces, and toppings. Grilling chicken, using low-fat tzatziki, and controlling toppings are effective ways to manage its nutritional value.

Key Points

Calorie Variation: A small chicken gyro's calories can range from approximately 400 to over 500, depending heavily on the preparation method and specific ingredients.
Key Calorie Sources: The main calorie contributors are the pita bread, chicken meat, and the tzatziki sauce; richer sauces and fattier chicken increase the total significantly.
Healthier Ingredient Choices: Opting for lean, grilled chicken breast, low-fat Greek yogurt for the tzatziki, and whole-wheat pita bread can reduce overall calories.
Impact of Toppings: Piling on extra toppings like feta cheese or french fries will increase the calorie count, while loading up on fresh, low-calorie vegetables keeps it lighter.
Homemade Advantage: Preparing a gyro at home gives you full control over ingredients and portion sizes, making it easier to manage the nutritional content.
Protein Benefits: The chicken provides a good source of protein, which is essential for satiety and muscle health.

The Calorie Conundrum of the Chicken Gyro

Determining the precise caloric value of a gyro is challenging because recipes differ significantly between restaurants and homemade versions. For example, a generously-sized, restaurant-style chicken gyro with rich tzatziki sauce and fried components could easily exceed 600 calories. However, a smaller, consciously prepared version can be significantly lighter, with some home recipes aiming for as low as 379-400 calories. A reasonable estimate for a typical small or modestly-sized chicken gyro is in the range of 400 to 500 calories, but this can change dramatically with every addition or substitution.

Factors Influencing the Calorie Count

Several key components contribute to the total calorie count of a chicken gyro:

The Pita: The type of pita bread used is a major factor. A single, standard white pita bread can contain around 165 calories, while a whole-wheat version might have a similar amount but offers more fiber. Some gyros use large, fluffy pitas, while smaller ones may use a thinner, flatbread-style base.
The Chicken: The cut of chicken and its preparation method are critical. Lean, grilled boneless, skinless chicken breast is the healthiest option, contributing a lower calorie count. By contrast, fried chicken or fattier chicken thighs will increase the total caloric and fat content.
The Sauce: Tzatziki, a yogurt-based sauce, is a defining element of a gyro. However, the type of yogurt used is important. High-fat, full-milk yogurt increases calories, whereas low-fat or non-fat Greek yogurt is a healthier, high-protein alternative. Some commercial sauces also contain added oils and sugars.
The Toppings: Fresh vegetables like lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers are low in calories and high in nutrients. Calorie counts climb when toppings like feta cheese, olives, and especially french fries are added inside the pita.

Comparison Table: Standard vs. Healthier Chicken Gyro

This table illustrates how different choices impact the final caloric and nutritional profile of a gyro. These are estimates and will vary based on specific brands and portion sizes.


Component	Standard Gyro (Estimate)	Healthier Gyro (Estimate)
Pita Bread	Standard large white pita	Smaller whole-wheat pita
Chicken	Fattier chicken thighs, potentially fried	Lean, grilled boneless, skinless chicken breast
Sauce	Full-fat yogurt tzatziki	Low-fat or non-fat Greek yogurt tzatziki
Toppings	Feta cheese, a few veggies	Plenty of fresh vegetables (cucumber, tomato, onion)
Extras	French fries inside, rich oils	Limited extra oils, no fries
Approximate Total	550–700+ calories	400–475 calories

Making Your Chicken Gyro a Healthier Meal

Making a few simple changes to your gyro can significantly reduce its calorie and fat content while keeping the authentic flavor. Here are some actionable tips:

Opt for Homemade Tzatziki: Making your own sauce with low-fat or non-fat Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, and fresh dill is a game-changer. This gives you control over the ingredients and dramatically lowers the fat and calorie count compared to many store-bought options.
Use a Leaner Cut of Chicken: Stick with skinless, boneless chicken breast and grill or bake it. The cooking method is key; grilling provides that charred flavor without the added oil of frying.
Load Up on Veggies: Increase the amount of lettuce, tomatoes, and cucumbers. These ingredients add bulk, fiber, and valuable nutrients without adding significant calories.
Choose the Right Bread: If available, ask for a whole-wheat pita or opt for a smaller, thinner one. You can also turn your gyro into a bowl, eliminating the pita entirely for a low-carb, high-protein meal.
Mind Your Portions: A restaurant's idea of a "small" gyro can vary greatly. Paying attention to portion sizes, especially of the chicken and sauce, is a primary way to manage calories. Consider eating half and saving the rest for later.

The Role of Macronutrients in Gyro Health

Beyond calories, the macronutrient profile of a chicken gyro is quite balanced, typically high in protein from the chicken and moderate in carbs from the pita. Protein is crucial for muscle repair and keeps you feeling full longer. The balance of carbs, protein, and fat in a healthier gyro version can make it a very satisfying and energy-providing meal.

Conclusion

Ultimately, how many calories are in a small chicken gyro depends entirely on the preparation and specific ingredients. While a standard version can be a caloric indulgence, a healthier, homemade, or mindful restaurant choice can transform it into a balanced and nutritious meal. By focusing on lean protein, fresh vegetables, and low-fat sauces, you can enjoy all the delicious flavor of a Greek gyro while keeping your dietary goals in check.

For more detailed nutritional information and recipe ideas, resources like MyNetDiary can provide valuable guidance.

Frequently Asked Questions

A chicken gyro can be a healthy meal, especially when prepared with lean, grilled chicken, fresh vegetables, and a low-fat yogurt-based tzatziki. However, versions with fatty meat, rich sauces, and added french fries can be high in calories and fat.

To reduce calories, choose grilled chicken breast over fattier cuts, use low-fat or non-fat Greek yogurt for the sauce, load up on extra vegetables like lettuce and tomatoes, and consider a whole-wheat or thinner pita.

A gyro features meat (like chicken or lamb) that is cooked on a vertical rotisserie and shaved off. Souvlaki consists of cubes of meat grilled on a skewer. Both are often served in a pita with similar toppings.

Yes, assuming the same ingredients, a smaller gyro will have fewer calories simply due to smaller portion sizes of the chicken, pita, and sauce. Portion control is a key factor in managing calorie intake.

Yes, creating a gyro bowl by serving the chicken, vegetables, and tzatziki over a bed of greens instead of in a pita is an effective way to lower the carbohydrate and calorie count.

The tzatziki sauce can significantly affect the calorie count depending on the yogurt's fat content. Using a full-fat yogurt will add more calories than a low-fat or non-fat Greek yogurt alternative.

For a lower-calorie and lower-fat option, boneless, skinless chicken breast is the better choice. Chicken thighs are fattier and contain more calories per serving.