Grilled Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce

Grilled Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce is a tasty and fresh meal that brings a bit of Greece right to your plate. The juicy grilled chicken has those lovely char…

By Julia • November 11, 2025 • Reading time: 7 min

Save Recipe Print Recipe

Tip: save now, cook later.

Grilled Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce is a tasty and fresh meal that brings a bit of Greece right to your plate. The juicy grilled chicken has those lovely char marks and smoky flavors, while the tzatziki sauce adds a cool and creamy touch with cucumber, garlic, and dill. Wrapped up in soft pita bread with crunchy veggies like tomatoes and onions, this gyro is a perfect mix of textures and flavors.

I love making these gyros when I want something that feels special but is still easy to put together. A little tip I always use is to marinate the chicken for a few hours in lemon, garlic, and oregano—this makes the meat extra tender and full of flavor. Plus, the tzatziki sauce can be made ahead, saving time and letting all the ingredients marry perfectly.

The best part about these chicken gyros is how customizable they are. I like to add some fresh parsley or a little sprinkle of feta cheese on top, but you can keep it simple or load it up however you like. Eating them feels like sharing a casual meal with friends on a sunny afternoon, and I always find myself wanting to make them again soon!

Key Ingredients & Substitutions

Chicken Breasts: These give you juicy, lean meat perfect for grilling. You can swap with chicken thighs for more flavor and moisture, especially if you like a richer taste.

Greek Yogurt: It’s the base for creamy tzatziki. Full-fat gives the best texture and richness. If you want a lighter sauce, use low-fat yogurt, but drain some liquid first to avoid thinning.

Cucumber: Fresh cucumber adds crunch and coolness. Make sure to squeeze out the water well, or your tzatziki can turn watery. If you don’t have cucumber, chopped dill pickles work as a fun twist.

Oregano and Dill: These herbs give that classic Greek flavor. Dried oregano is fine if fresh isn’t handy. Dill is key to tzatziki, but if you’re not a fan, try mint or parsley instead.

Pita Bread: Soft and slightly charred pita is perfect for wrapping the gyro. If pita isn’t available, naan or flatbreads make good alternatives.

How Do You Get Tender, Flavorful Grilled Chicken?

Marinating and grilling right are crucial for tasty chicken gyros. Here’s a simple method that works well:

• Mix olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper to form the marinade.
• Coat the chicken breasts fully and marinate for at least 1 hour—longer (up to 4 hours) makes it more flavorful and tender.
• Preheat the grill or grill pan so it’s hot before adding chicken.
• Grill chicken about 5-6 minutes per side; avoid flipping too often to get nice grill marks.
• Use a meat thermometer to check for 165°F (75°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked but still juicy.
• Rest the chicken a few minutes after grilling—this keeps juices locked in before slicing.

These steps help you get that perfect balance of smoky flavor, juicy texture, and beautiful grill lines every time.

Equipment You’ll Need

• Grill or grill pan – It gives the chicken those perfect char marks and smoky flavor you want for gyros.
• Mixing bowls – You’ll use these to marinate the chicken and mix the tzatziki sauce easily.
• Cheese grater or box grater – Perfect for grating cucumber finely for the tzatziki sauce.
• Knife and cutting board – For chopping veggies like tomatoes, onions, and herbs safely and neatly.
• Tongs – Great for flipping the chicken on the grill without losing the juicy pieces.
• Meat thermometer (optional) – Helps check if the chicken is fully cooked without cutting into it.

Flavor Variations & Add-Ins

• Swap chicken breasts for thighs to get juicier, more flavorful meat, especially if you like darker chicken.
• Add crumbled feta cheese inside the gyro for a salty, creamy twist that pairs well with the tzatziki.
• Mix in sliced cucumbers, olives, or pepperoncini for extra crunch and Mediterranean flair.
• Use fresh mint in the tzatziki instead of dill for a cool, refreshing flavor that’s a bit different.

Grilled Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce

Ingredients You’ll Need:

For The Chicken Gyro:

• 2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper

For The Tzatziki Sauce:

• 1 cup Greek yogurt (full-fat)
• ½ cucumber, peeled, seeded, and finely grated
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
• 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

To Assemble:

• 4-6 pita breads or flatbreads
• 1 cup chopped romaine or leaf lettuce
• 1 medium tomato, sliced or chopped
• ½ cup red onion, chopped
• Optional: crumbled feta cheese
• Dried oregano (for garnish)

How Much Time Will You Need?

This recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare, 5-6 minutes to grill the chicken per side, and at least 1 hour for the chicken to marinate. Plan for about 1.5 to 2 hours total including marinating and cooling time.

Step-by-Step Instructions:

1. Marinate the Chicken:

Mix olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, dried oregano, ground cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper in a large bowl. Add chicken breasts and coat them well with the marinade. Cover with plastic wrap and put in the fridge for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours for best taste.

2. Prepare the Tzatziki Sauce:

Grate the cucumber finely and squeeze out extra water using a cheesecloth or kitchen towel. Mix cucumber with Greek yogurt, minced garlic, chopped dill, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Chill in the fridge until serving.

3. Grill the Chicken:

Heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook chicken breasts for about 5-6 minutes on each side until grill marks form and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing the chicken into strips.

4. Warm the Pita Bread:

Place the pita breads on the grill or in a pan, warming them just until soft and slightly charred.

5. Assemble the Gyros:

Lay each warm pita flat on a plate. Start with some lettuce, then add grilled chicken strips followed by a generous spoonful of tzatziki sauce. Top with chopped red onions, tomato slices, and feta cheese if using. Sprinkle some dried oregano on top for extra flavor.

6. Serve and Enjoy:

Fold the pita over the filling to make a wrap. Serve immediately with extra tzatziki sauce on the side. Enjoy your fresh, flavorful grilled chicken gyros!

Can I Use Frozen Chicken for This Recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen chicken breasts, but be sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator overnight before marinating and cooking. This helps ensure even grilling and keeps the chicken juicy.

How Long Can I Store Leftover Tzatziki Sauce?

Store 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 This Recipe Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! Marinate the chicken and prepare the tzatziki sauce up to a day ahead. Keep them refrigerated separately, then grill the chicken and assemble the gyros just before serving for the best texture and flavor.

What Can I Substitute for Pita Bread?

If you don’t have pita, you can use naan or any soft flatbread as a tasty alternative to hold your gyro fillings.