Grilled Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce is a tasty meal that brings together tender grilled chicken, fresh veggies, and a cool, creamy cucumber yogurt sauce all wrapped in soft pita bread. The smoky flavor from the grill pairs perfectly with the tangy and refreshing tzatziki, making every bite feel like a little celebration of Mediterranean flavors.
I love making these gyros for a quick weeknight dinner because they are so easy to put together and always hit the spot. One of my favorite parts is marinating the chicken ahead of time with garlic, lemon, and herbs — it gives the meat a nice zing that keeps everyone coming back for more. Plus, the tzatziki sauce is so simple to whip up and adds that perfect cool finish to balance the warmth of the grilled chicken.
Whenever I serve these gyros, I like to add some sliced onions, ripe tomatoes, and fresh lettuce for a little crunch and extra freshness. Wrapping them up in warm pita pockets makes them easy to hold and eat, which is great when you want a meal with lots of flavor but minimal fuss. These gyros always remind me of sunny weekends and the fun of sharing food with friends and family.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: I prefer boneless, skinless thighs for juicy, flavorful meat, but breasts work fine too if you want leaner protein. If you can’t find fresh chicken, frozen is okay—just thaw before marinating.
Greek Yogurt: Full-fat Greek yogurt makes the tzatziki rich and creamy. You can substitute with regular Greek yogurt or even vegan yogurt if dairy-free. Just drain any extra liquid for a thick sauce.
Cucumber: Use English cucumber if possible because it has fewer seeds and is less watery. Grating and squeezing out excess liquid keeps the tzatziki sauce from being watery.
Pita Bread: Traditional pita works best for wrapping. If not available, any soft flatbread or naan can work as a tasty substitute.
How Do I Get Tender, Flavorful Chicken Every Time?
Marinating the chicken is key. Here’s how to do it well:
- Combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper for a balanced, zesty marinade.
- Marinate for at least 1 hour, but 2-3 hours is better for deeper flavor and tenderness.
- Don’t skip letting the chicken rest after grilling—this keeps juices locked in.
- Grill over medium-high heat to get a nice char without drying out the meat. About 5-7 minutes per side usually works.
These steps help the chicken stay juicy and full of those classic gyro spices, making each bite a delight.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Grill or grill pan – gives the chicken those perfect char marks and smoky flavor.
- Mixing bowls – handy for marinating chicken and mixing the tzatziki sauce.
- Grater – to finely grate the cucumber for tzatziki without large chunks.
- Knife & cutting board – for slicing chicken and chopping veggies.
- Aluminum foil – great for warming pita breads evenly in the oven.
- Tongs – easy to flip chicken on the grill without piercing the meat.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap chicken for grilled lamb or beef strips for a traditional gyro taste and richer flavor.
- Add crumbled feta cheese inside gyros for a salty, creamy twist that pairs well with tzatziki.
- Mix in chopped fresh mint or parsley into the tzatziki for brighter, herbier notes.
- Include sliced cucumbers, roasted red peppers, or kalamata olives for extra texture and Mediterranean flair.
How to Make Grilled Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken and Marinade:
- 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat preferred)
- 1/2 English cucumber, finely grated and excess liquid squeezed out
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Assembling the Gyros:
- 4-6 pita breads or flatbreads
- Cherry tomatoes (halved)
- Fresh spinach or lettuce leaves
- Optional: thinly sliced red onion, fresh parsley or additional dill for garnish
- Lemon wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare ingredients, 1 to 3 hours for marinating the chicken, 15 minutes to grill and warm the pita breads, and a few minutes to assemble the gyros. Plan on roughly 2 hours in total if you marinate for the full 3 hours, or just over an hour if you marinate for 1 hour.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, mix olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, oregano, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Coat the chicken pieces fully with this marinade. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 3 hours to deepen the flavors.
2. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce:
In a medium bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated and drained cucumber, minced garlic, dill, lemon juice, and olive oil. Stir well and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Cover and chill until you’re ready to use, letting the flavors blend nicely.
3. Grill the Chicken:
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove chicken from the marinade, letting extra drip off. Grill for 5-7 minutes per side, until cooked through and nicely charred. Take the chicken off the heat and rest a few minutes before slicing into strips.
4. Warm the Pita Breads:
Wrap the pita breads in foil and heat them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes, or warm each pita on the grill for about a minute on each side until soft and warm.
5. Assemble the Gyros:
Lay a warm pita flat on a plate. Spread a generous spoonful of tzatziki sauce on it, then add spinach or lettuce leaves. Place grilled chicken strips on top, scatter halved cherry tomatoes and sliced red onion if you like, then add another dollop of tzatziki. Garnish with fresh parsley or dill if desired.
6. Serve:
Fold the pita over the filling to wrap it up. Serve with lemon wedges on the side to squeeze over for a fresh, citrusy flavor boost. Enjoy immediately while warm!
Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken thighs or breasts, but be sure to fully thaw them in the refrigerator overnight before marinating to ensure even cooking and best flavor.
How Long Can I Store Leftover Tzatziki Sauce?
Store any leftover tzatziki in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Give it a good stir before serving, as it may separate slightly over time.
Can I Make the Chicken Gyros Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! Marinate the chicken and prepare the tzatziki sauce up to a day ahead. Grill the chicken just before serving, and assemble the gyros fresh for the best texture and taste.
What’s the Best Way to Warm Pita Breads?
Wrap pita breads in foil and warm them in a 350°F (175°C) oven for 5-10 minutes, or heat them directly on the grill for about 1 minute per side until soft and warm.
