Grilled Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce

Grilled Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce are a fresh and tasty way to enjoy a classic Greek dish at home. Juicy pieces of well-seasoned grilled chicken come together with warm…

By Alina • November 10, 2025 • Reading time: 6 min

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Grilled Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce are a fresh and tasty way to enjoy a classic Greek dish at home. Juicy pieces of well-seasoned grilled chicken come together with warm pita bread, crisp veggies, and a cool, creamy tzatziki sauce made from yogurt, cucumber, and garlic. The combo offers a beautiful mix of smoky, tangy, and refreshing flavors.

I love making these gyros because they’re quick to put together and so satisfying. Marinating the chicken beforehand keeps it tender and full of flavor, and the tzatziki sauce always feels like a little celebration of freshness. When I’m in a rush, I keep some tzatziki in the fridge ready to go—it’s a total game-changer for snacks and meals alike.

For serving, I like piling the chicken and veggies onto the pita and then wrapping it up tight for easy eating, especially if we’re having a fun casual dinner or picnic. It’s one of those meals everyone seems to enjoy because it’s simple and customizable—add as many toppings as you want! Plus, it gives me a little mini getaway to the Mediterranean with every bite.

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken: I prefer chicken thighs for juiciness and flavor, but chicken breasts work great too if you want leaner meat. Just don’t overcook to keep it tender.

Greek Yogurt: This is key for thick, creamy tzatziki. If you can’t find it, try plain strained yogurt or a mix of plain yogurt and cream cheese.

Cucumber: Use fresh, firm cucumbers and be sure to squeeze out excess water after grating to avoid watery sauce. English cucumbers work well here.

Spices: Oregano, paprika, and cumin bring the gyro’s classic flavor. If you don’t have smoked paprika, regular paprika or a pinch of chili powder can work.

Pita Bread: Warm and soft pita is best. If you don’t have pita, warm flatbread or naan makes a tasty substitute.

How Can I Make the Chicken Tender and Flavorful?

Marinating the chicken is crucial for a tasty gyro. Here’s how to get it right:

• Mix olive oil, garlic, vinegar or lemon juice, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper well.
• Coat chicken pieces evenly and cover them to marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour. Longer (up to 3 hours) means more flavor.
• Grill chicken over medium-high heat so it cooks fast enough to stay juicy, with nice charred edges.
• Let cooked chicken rest a few minutes before slicing to keep juices inside.

This simple process locks in flavor and makes the chicken deliciously tender every time.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Grill or grill pan – perfect for getting those classic char marks and smoky flavor on the chicken.
• Mixing bowls – handy for marinating the chicken and mixing the tzatziki sauce.
• Box grater – makes it easy to grate cucumber finely for the tzatziki sauce.
• Sharp knife and cutting board – essential for slicing the chicken and veggies cleanly.
• Kitchen towel or cheesecloth – use this to squeeze excess moisture from the grated cucumber for a thick sauce.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

• Swap chicken for lamb or beef strips to get a richer, meatier gyro experience.
• Add crumbled feta cheese inside the gyro for a salty, creamy touch.
• Include sliced kalamata olives or pepperoncini for a briny kick.
• Mix fresh mint or dill into the tzatziki for extra brightness and herbal notes.

Grilled Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For the Chicken Gyros:

• 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar or lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 4-6 pita breads or flatbreads

For the Toppings:

• 1 large tomato, sliced
• 1 small cucumber, thinly sliced
• 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
• Fresh parsley or dill, chopped (for garnish)

For the Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt
• 1/2 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and finely grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Time You’ll Need

This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prep, at least 1 to 3 hours marinating the chicken for best flavor, then 10-15 minutes cooking and assembling. Plan ahead to marinate the chicken well for tastier gyros!

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:

In a large bowl, stir together olive oil, garlic, vinegar or lemon juice, oregano, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and toss so it’s fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for 1 to 3 hours to soak up the flavors.

2. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce:

Grate the cucumber and squeeze out extra water with a clean towel. Mix cucumber with Greek yogurt, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, dill, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Chill until ready to serve.

3. Grill the Chicken:

Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high. Take chicken from marinade and grill about 5-6 minutes per side until cooked through and with nice char marks. Let rest a few minutes, then slice into strips.

4. Warm the Pita Bread:

While chicken rests, warm your pita or flatbreads on the grill about 1 minute per side to get soft and lightly charred.

5. Assemble the Gyros:

Lay out warm pita bread. Add grilled chicken, sliced tomato, cucumber, and red onion. Spoon plenty of tzatziki sauce on top. Sprinkle with fresh parsley or dill for garnish.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

Wrap up your gyro in parchment or foil for easy eating. Serve extra tzatziki sauce and lemon wedges on the side.

Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure to fully thaw it in the fridge overnight before marinating. This helps the marinade absorb better and ensures even cooking on the grill.

How Long Can I Store Leftover Gyros?

Store any leftover grilled chicken and tzatziki separately in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat the chicken gently, and add fresh pita and toppings when ready to serve.

What Can I Substitute for Greek Yogurt in Tzatziki Sauce?

If you don’t have Greek yogurt, plain strained yogurt or a mix of plain yogurt and a little sour cream works well. Just make sure it’s thick to keep the sauce creamy.

Can I Make the Tzatziki Sauce Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! Tzatziki can be made up to 2 days in advance and kept refrigerated. The flavors actually deepen over time, but be sure to stir it before serving.