Nothing says “fresh, flavorful dinner” like Easy Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki. Juicy, tender chicken is packed with Mediterranean herbs and spices, wrapped in warm pita, and topped with creamy, tangy tzatziki sauce, crisp vegetables, and a squeeze of bright lemon. Every bite delivers a perfect balance of textures soft pita, succulent chicken, crunchy veggies, and silky yogurt sauce that keeps you coming back for more.
What makes these gyros so irresistible is how simple they are to prepare. In just 30 minutes, you can transform everyday ingredients into a vibrant, restaurant quality meal that feels indulgent without being heavy. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, casual lunches, or even casual entertaining when you want something fun and flavorful.
Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce
What Is Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki ?
Gyros are a classic Greek street food, traditionally made with rotisserie style meat cooked on a vertical spit and served in pita with toppings like tomato, onion, and tzatziki. This Easy Greek Chicken Gyros recipe brings those same bold, savory flavors to your kitchen in half the time.
Instead of slow roasting or grilling meat on a spit, this version uses quick cooking chicken breasts or thighs, marinated in olive oil, garlic, lemon, and Mediterranean spices. The homemade tzatziki A creamy yogurt sauce with cucumber, garlic, and fresh dill adds freshness and tang that perfectly balances the seasoned chicken.
These gyros are not only fast, but they’re also versatile, approachable, and packed with flavors that taste like a little escape to the Greek islands.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 30 minutes: Fast, flavorful weeknight dinner
- Fresh and vibrant: Loaded with herbs, veggies, and zesty tzatziki
- Family friendly: Mildly seasoned and crowd pleasing
- Customizable: Swap chicken for lamb, beef, or plant based protein
- Balanced and filling: Protein packed without feeling heavy
How This Recipe Works
- Quick marinade: Lemon, olive oil, garlic, and oregano infuse flavor without long prep
- High heat cooking: Searing chicken ensures a golden crust and juicy interior
- Tzatziki balance: Creamy yogurt with cucumber and garlic adds cooling, tangy contrast
- Assembly technique: Warmed pita, layered with protein and toppings, delivers the perfect bite every time
Ingredients You’ll Need
For the Chicken
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cup cucumber, finely grated and drained
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For Assembly
- 4–6 pita breads, warmed
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 medium tomato, diced
- ½ small red onion, thinly sliced
- Optional: crumbled feta, sliced olives, or hot sauce
Notes & Substitutions
- Use chicken thighs for juicier meat
- Cucumber should be well drained to avoid watery tzatziki
- Pita can be store bought or homemade
- Fresh oregano adds depth, but dried works well in a pinch
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and coat evenly. Let marinate for 10–15 minutes while you prepare the tzatziki.
Step 2: Make the Tzatziki Sauce
Combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well and chill until ready to serve.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Let rest for 2–3 minutes, then slice thinly.
Step 4: Prepare the Pita and Veggies
Warm pita in the oven or on a skillet. Prepare shredded lettuce, diced tomato, and sliced onion for toppings.
Step 5: Assemble the Gyros
Layer chicken slices on each pita, top with tzatziki, lettuce, tomato, onion, and optional feta or olives. Fold or roll and serve immediately.
Tips & Tricks / Flavor Variations
- Spicy kick: Add crushed red pepper or harissa to the chicken marinade
- Lamb or beef variation: Use thinly sliced cooked lamb for a classic gyro flavor
- Extra crunch: Add shredded cabbage or radishes
- Wrap to go: Wrap in foil for a portable lunch option
- Air fryer option: Cook chicken in air fryer at 400°F for 12–14 minutes
Make Ahead, Storage & Freezing Instructions
Make Ahead
- Tzatziki can be made up to 24 hours ahead
- Chicken can be marinated in advance for deeper flavor
Storage
- Store cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for 3 days
- Assemble gyros just before serving to keep pita from becoming soggy
Freezing
- Cooked chicken freezes well for up to 2 months
- Tzatziki is best made fresh; freezing can change texture
Serving Suggestions
Serve your gyros with:
- Greek style roasted potatoes or fries
- Mediterranean salad or tabbouleh
- Lemon rice or couscous
- A side of hummus or baba ganoush
For a lighter weeknight meal, pair with roasted vegetables or a simple side salad.
Nutritional Notes (Approximate per Serving)
- Calories: 450–500
- Protein: 35–38g
- Fat: 18–22g
- Carbohydrates: 40–45g
Values vary depending on pita size and toppings.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Overcooking chicken: Can make it dry; slice thinly to keep tender
- Watery tzatziki: Make sure cucumber is well-drained
- Cold pita: Warm to make folding easier and enhance flavor
- Skipping herbs: Dill and oregano are essential for authentic flavor
FAQs About Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki
Can I use pre cooked rotisserie chicken?
Yes! Slice and reheat before assembling, then add tzatziki and toppings.
Can I make this dairy free?
Use a dairy free yogurt alternative for the tzatziki.
Is this kid friendly?
Absolutely. Keep garlic and herbs mild, or serve toppings on the side.
Can I prep for meal prep?
Marinate chicken and make tzatziki in advance; assemble gyros just before eating.
Can I grill the chicken instead?
Yes, high-heat grilling adds extra smoky flavor.
Conclusion
These Easy Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki are fresh, flavorful, and ready in just 30 minutes. Juicy chicken, tangy tzatziki, and crisp vegetables wrapped in warm pita make for a meal that’s satisfying, versatile, and endlessly delicious. Perfect for weeknights, casual gatherings, or quick lunches, it’s a recipe you’ll return to again and again.
If you love easy dinners like Lemon Dill Salmon or One Pot Chili Mac and Cheese, this recipe belongs in your regular rotation.
Juicy, herb packed chicken, creamy tzatziki, and warm pita these Easy Greek Chicken Gyros are a 30-minute Mediterranean dinner everyone will love. Save this recipe for your next weeknight meal!
Easy Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki (30-Minutes)
Ingredients
For the Chicken
- 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Tzatziki Sauce
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cup cucumber finely grated and drained
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill chopped
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
For Assembly
- 4 –6 pita breads warmed
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- 1 medium tomato diced
- ½ small red onion thinly sliced
- Optional: crumbled feta sliced olives, or hot sauce
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
- In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and coat evenly. Let marinate for 10–15 minutes while you prepare the tzatziki.
Step 2: Make the Tzatziki Sauce
- Combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well and chill until ready to serve.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
- Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Cook chicken 4–5 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Let rest for 2–3 minutes, then slice thinly.
Step 4: Prepare the Pita and Veggies
- Warm pita in the oven or on a skillet. Prepare shredded lettuce, diced tomato, and sliced onion for toppings.
Step 5: Assemble the Gyros
- Layer chicken slices on each pita, top with tzatziki, lettuce, tomato, onion, and optional feta or olives. Fold or roll and serve immediately.
Video
Notes
📝 Notes
- Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts for tender meat.
- Marinate chicken at least 30 minutes for maximum flavor.
- Greek yogurt makes a creamy and tangy tzatziki sauce.
- Add cucumber and fresh dill to tzatziki for authentic taste.
- Warm pita bread before assembling for soft, pliable wraps.
- Top with fresh tomatoes, red onion, and lettuce for crunch.
- Store chicken and tzatziki separately in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Reheat chicken gently to prevent drying out.
