There’s something truly magical about biting into a warm pita stuffed with tender grilled chicken, crisp veggies, and tangy tzatziki sauce. The combination of garlicky yogurt, smoky herbs, and lemon-kissed chicken feels like a trip to a seaside café in Greece — without leaving your kitchen.
When life gets busy, we all crave that perfect balance between fresh, healthy, and satisfying — and these chicken gyros with tzatziki sauce deliver exactly that. Whether you grill them outdoors or toss everything in an air fryer or crockpot, the result is the same: juicy, flavorful chicken with creamy, cooling contrast in every bite.
This is the only chicken gyros recipe you’ll ever need.
Why You’ll Love These Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce
- Quick & easy: Ready in 30 minutes — ideal for busy weeknights.
- Authentic Greek flavor: Made with lemon, oregano, garlic, and real Greek yogurt.
- Healthy & balanced: High-protein, keto-friendly, and light on calories.
- Versatile: Grill, bake, or air-fry — it’s delicious every time.
- Meal-prep friendly: Chicken and tzatziki can be prepped ahead for the week.
- Family-approved: Everyone loves the mix of creamy, tangy, and savory textures.
- Perfect for any occasion: Serve in wraps, bowls, or salads — endless options!
Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce
Equipment
- Mixing bowls
- Garlic press or microplane
- Grill pan or outdoor grill (alternatively, air fryer or skillet)
- Tongs
- Whisk
- Box grater for cucumber
- Measuring cups & spoons
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 1 ½ lbs boneless skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for juicier texture)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- Juice of 1 lemon about 2 tbsp
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Salt & pepper to taste
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt whole milk for creamier texture
- 1 small cucumber grated and squeezed dry
- 1 clove garlic minced
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh dill chopped (or mint for a twist)
- Salt & pepper to taste
To Assemble:
- 4 pita breads or flatbreads warmed
- 1 small red onion thinly sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup shredded lettuce or arugula
- Optional: crumbled feta kalamata olives, extra tzatziki for serving
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add chicken and toss to coat. Cover and let marinate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 24 hours for deeper flavor). Pro Tip: The longer the chicken marinates, the more tender and flavorful it becomes.
- Make the tzatziki sauce: In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and dill. Stir until smooth and creamy. Adjust salt and pepper to taste. Chill until serving.
- Cook the chicken: Grill or pan-sear chicken over medium-high heat for 5–6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly.
- Alternative methods: Air fryer (400°F, 10–12 min) or crockpot (low for 4 hrs, shred after cooking).
- Assemble the gyros: Warm pita or flatbread. Spread a generous spoonful of tzatziki down the center, add sliced chicken, veggies, and optional feta or olives. Roll and wrap in parchment or foil.
- Serve & enjoy: Drizzle extra tzatziki or lemon juice on top before serving. Best enjoyed warm and fresh!
Notes
How to Save It for Later
- Refrigerate: Store chicken and tzatziki separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- Freeze: Cooked chicken freezes beautifully up to 2 months.
- Reheat: Warm chicken in a skillet or microwave and assemble fresh.
Nutrition
Little Secrets for Success
- Use thighs instead of breasts for juicier, more flavorful meat.
- Always rest the chicken before slicing — it keeps it moist.
- Pat cucumber dry before mixing into tzatziki to prevent watery sauce.
- Add a touch of honey or vinegar to tzatziki if you love a tangier flavor.
- Warm your pitas briefly in a skillet or oven for a softer bite.
Fun Variations to Try
- Greek Bowl Style: Serve over rice or quinoa instead of in pita.
- Keto Chicken Gyros: Skip the pita — use lettuce wraps or a salad base.
- Spicy Twist: Add cayenne pepper or hot sauce to the marinade.
- Vegan Option: Swap chicken for grilled tofu or roasted chickpeas.
- Instant Pot Shortcut: Cook marinated chicken on “Poultry” for 8 minutes.
- Rotisserie Hack: Use shredded rotisserie chicken for an even quicker version.
Perfect Pairings
Serve your chicken gyros with tzatziki sauce alongside:
- Greek Lemon Potatoes or Mediterranean Salad
- Or try these: Garlic & Parmesan Sweet Potato Fries or Fluffy Homemade Pita Bread
A Bite Full of Health
This easy, healthy chicken gyro recipe is packed with lean protein, calcium-rich Greek yogurt, and fresh vegetables. The balance of healthy fats and probiotics makes it a wholesome meal that fuels your body without feeling heavy. Perfect for keto, low-carb, and Mediterranean-style diets.
Questions You Might Have (FAQ)
Can I make this ahead?
Yes! Marinate the chicken overnight and prep tzatziki up to 2 days in advance.
Can I use store-bought tzatziki?
Of course — but homemade tastes fresher and more authentic.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Thighs are juicier and more forgiving.
What sides go best with chicken gyros?
Greek salad, roasted potatoes, or sweet potato fries make perfect pairings.
Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes! Simply skip the pita or use low-carb wraps.
Nothing beats a homemade batch of chicken gyros with tzatziki sauce — fresh, fragrant, and utterly satisfying. Whether it’s a weekday dinner or a weekend grill night, this dish brings everyone to the table with smiles.
