Grilled Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce
These Mediterranean Chicken Gyros feature tender, marinated grilled chicken tucked into fluffy pita bread, topped with a cool and creamy tzatziki sauce, crisp veggies, and a sprinkle of herbs. It’s a fresh, flavorful, and satisfying meal you can prep ahead and assemble in minutes!
Time:
Prep time: 15 minutes
Marinate time: 30–60 minutes (optional but recommended)
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Chicken:
1½ lbs boneless skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
3 tbsp olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
3 cloves garlic, minced
1½ tsp dried oregano
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp ground cumin
Salt and pepper to taste
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
1 cup Greek yogurt
½ cucumber, grated and squeezed dry
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp chopped fresh dill or mint
Salt to taste
For the Wraps:
4 pita or flatbreads (warm or toasted)
1 cup chopped lettuce
½ cup diced tomatoes
¼ cup chopped red onion
Fresh parsley for garnish
Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions:
Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Add chicken, toss to coat, and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight in the fridge).
Make the Tzatziki:
In a bowl, combine all tzatziki ingredients: yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, herbs, and salt.
Mix well and chill until ready to use.
Grill the Chicken:
Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat.
Cook chicken 5–7 minutes per side or until cooked through and slightly charred.
Let rest for a few minutes, then slice thinly.
Assemble the Gyros:
Warm the pita bread.
Add lettuce, tomatoes, and onion to each wrap.
Pile on grilled chicken slices.
Top with a generous spoon of tzatziki and sprinkle with parsley.
Serve with lemon wedges.
Tips and Variations
Tips
Use chicken thighs for maximum juiciness and flavor but chicken breasts also work
Always marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes for deeper flavor
Squeeze excess liquid from the grated cucumber before adding it to the tzatziki to avoid a watery sauce
Toast or warm the pita slightly before assembling for a soft yet sturdy wrap
Let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to keep the juices in
Easy Variations
Make it a bowl
Skip the pita and serve the chicken over rice or quinoa with all the toppings
Add cheese
Try crumbled feta for extra richness or a sharp tang
Swap the veggies
Add shredded cabbage roasted red peppers or sliced cucumbers for extra crunch
Spice it up
Add harissa chili flakes or hot sauce to the marinade or drizzle some on top before serving
Try different sauces
Use hummus baba ganoush or garlic sauce instead of tzatziki for a different flavor twist
Go dairy free
Use a dairy-free yogurt for the tzatziki or make a tahini lemon sauce instead
Q and A – Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make the chicken ahead of time
Yes the chicken can be grilled ahead and stored in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently before serving
Can I use store-bought tzatziki
Absolutely store-bought tzatziki works if you’re short on time but homemade gives a fresher flavor
What type of pita should I use
Use soft pocketless pitas or flatbreads so they roll easily and hold the fillings well
Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling
Yes bake at 425°F for about 20–25 minutes or until cooked through and slightly golden
What if I don’t have dill for the tzatziki
You can use fresh mint parsley or even dried dill as a substitute
Nutrition Estimate (Per Wrap – Based on 4 servings)
Calories ~450
Protein ~35g
Fat ~20g
Carbohydrates ~30g
Fiber ~3g
Sugar ~4g
Sodium ~600mg
Note actual values may vary depending on pita type and portion size
Conclusion
These Grilled Chicken Gyros are packed with bold Mediterranean flavor juicy marinated chicken and fresh veggies all wrapped in warm pita with a cool creamy tzatziki. They’re perfect for weeknight dinners meal prep or feeding a crowd. Simple to prepare yet incredibly satisfying these wraps will become a go-to favorite in your kitchen