This Greek Chicken Gyros (with Homemade Tzatziki) is a bright, bold, and irresistibly fresh dish that brings the flavor of the Mediterranean right to your kitchen. Juicy chicken breast is marinated in a classic Greek souvlaki-style blend of garlic, lemon, herbs, and olive oil, grilled to perfection, and tucked into warm pita bread with crisp lettuce, Greek salad, and a generous dollop of creamy homemade tzatziki sauce.

A Greek gyro is a Greek pita dish made with rotisserie meat, fresh vegetables (tomato, cucumber, and onions) and tzatziki sauce. Perfect for a warm day or anytime you're craving a refreshing and satisfying meal, this dish is lighter than traditional takeout and packs in tons of flavor with minimal effort. It's quick enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough for entertaining — and you can customize the toppings to your taste for a truly personalized plate.
Why You’ll Love These Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki
- Fresh and flavorful. The marinade infuses the chicken with bright lemon, bold garlic, and fragrant herbs. Paired with tangy feta, fresh veggies, and creamy tzatziki, every bite is bursting with flavor and freshness that brings a taste of Greece to your kitchen.
- Perfectly tender chicken. Marinating the chicken in advance helps it stay juicy and tender, even after grilling. The bay leaves add depth and a touch of Mediterranean aroma that complements the other spices and ingredients perfectly.
- Easy to make at home. These gyros come together with pantry staples and simple ingredients. With minimal prep, they’re surprisingly easy for a dish that tastes like it came from your favorite Greek restaurant, and perfect for beginners.
- Balanced and nutritious. Packed with lean protein, fiber-rich veggies, and healthy fats from olive oil and Greek yogurt, this meal is as wholesome as it is satisfying and fits a wide range of dietary needs.
- Customizable. Choose your favorite toppings or use what you have on hand. It’s easy to make this dish your own — vegetarian versions or grilled veggie options work great too, especially with seasonal produce.
Ingredient Notes
To make these easy Greek Chicken Gyros (with Homemade Tzatziki) at home, you will need the following ingredients (full measurements in recipe card below):
- pita bread - I like making my own quick and easy pita bread, but of course storebought pitas work perfectly. Go for a thicker one if you can find it. You can also use any thick flatbread or naan bread.
- chicken breasts - 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1.5-inch pieces. You can use chicken thighs for juicier results.
- souvlaki marinade - made with a combination of simple ingredients:
- olive oil – substitute with avocado oil if preferred.
- garlic – fresh garlic cloves give the best flavor. Garlic powder can work in a pinch.
- lemon juice – use freshly squeezed for brightness. Bottled lemon juice can be substituted in a 1:1 ratio.
- fresh parsley – adds freshness. You can substitute with cilantro or dill if needed.
- dried oregano – a classic Greek herb. Use Italian seasoning if you're out.
- dried mint – optional, but adds a cool, herbal flavor. Fresh mint can also be used.
- salt and pepper – to season all the components.
- bay leaves – used in the marinade for an aromatic touch.
- tzatziki sauce - made with a combination of Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, fresh dill, salt and pepper. Use full-fat Greek yogurt for the best texture, but low-fat can be used. You can also use dried dill in smaller amounts.
- romaine lettuce – adds crunch. Any leafy greens like spinach or arugula can work.
- cherry tomatoes – sweet and juicy. Substitute with grape tomatoes or diced regular tomatoes.
- cucumber – for the tzatziki and toppings. English or Persian cucumbers work best.
- red onion – for sharp flavor and crunch. Soak in cold water for a milder taste.
- feta cheese – adds tangy creaminess. Crumbled goat cheese is a good alternative.
- salt and pepper
You will also need measuring cups and spoons, mixing bowls, knife and cutting board, bamboo skewers, grilling tongs, and an indoor grill pan (if you are not using an outdoor grill).
How to Make the Best Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki
First, prepare the chicken souvlaki marinade.
- Combine ingredients. Add all of the ingredients for the chicken souvlaki marinade into a ziploc bag. Press the marinade around to combine.
- Add chicken. Add in the chopped chicken, and press the air out of the bag and seal tightly. Press the marinade around the chicken to coat.
- Marinate. Place in the fridge to marinate at least 1 hour or overnight.
Next, prepare the tzatziki sauce.
- Prepare cucumber. Grate the cucumber and drain through a cheesecloth, fine mesh sieve or using your hands. Transfer drained cucumber to a medium bowl.
- Add remaining ingredients. Add the yogurt, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, dill, salt and pepper. Stir to combine.
- Refrigerate. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavours infuse into the yogurt.
Next, let's grill the chicken.
- Prep. You can thread the chicken onto bamboo skewers to grill, or grill the individual pieces. Lightly brush olive oil over grill pan. Heat the grill over medium high heat for about 5 minutes, until sizzling hot.
- Cook. Cook the chicken for 7 minutes on each side, or until its internal temperature reaches 165 F (75 C).
How to Cook Greek Chicken Gyros in the Oven
You can also bake the chicken in the oven instead. Place the chicken on a baking tray and spread it out evenly. Roast in a 480F preheated oven for 12-13 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165F, as read on a meat thermometer. You can add some charing by placing under the broiler on high for 1 minute. Keep a close eye on the broiler though, because things can burn quickly in there.
Finally, let's assemble the gyros.
- Prepare the toppings. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the toppings and toss together.
- Warm the pitas. Warm the pitas on the grill, about 1-2 minutes per side.
- Assemble. Then, on the centre each pita bread, add a few spoonfuls of the salad toppings in a line down the middle. Top with grilled souvlaki chicken, and a generous scoop of tzatziki sauce. Fold the pita up and enjoy. You can also wrap it in parchment paper and twist the bottom to keep the ingredients inside.
Recipe Video
Recipe Variations
- Make it spicy. Add crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of hot sauce to the marinade or drizzle over the finished gyros for a spicy kick. This enhances the boldness of the dish.
- Use chicken thighs. For extra juicy gyros, try boneless skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breast — they're more forgiving when cooking and offer rich flavor.
- Add pickled veggies. Add quick pickled red onions or pickled turnips for extra tang and crunch. They complement the creaminess of the tzatziki perfectly.
- Make it vegetarian. Swap the chicken for grilled halloumi or roasted chickpeas to make a meatless version with the same bold flavors and protein.
- Try grilled veggies. Add slices of grilled zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers to the gyro for a boost of smoky flavor, nutrients, and color.
How to Serve
Greek Chicken Gyros are delicious and filling served on their own. To keep the filling inside, I normally serve these pitas wrapped with parchment paper. You can secure it with an elastic band and twist the bottom together so that the tzatziki sauce doesn't drip out.
These wraps can be made more filling when paired with some of my favorite Mediterranean side dishes including:
- Greek Lemon Roasted Baby Potatoes
- Tabbouleh Salad
- Mezze Platter
- Classic Hummus
- Greek Salad with Lettuce
- Baba Ganoush Eggplant Dip
- Mediterranean Orzo Pasta Salad
For more recipes, see our 30 Best Greek Recipes.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Marinate in advance. It is important to let the chicken marinate at least for an hour to allow the maximum flavours to infuse and to ensure the juiciest results. I prefer letting it marinate overnight, if you have the time.
- Use a hot grill or pan. High heat gives the chicken a good sear while locking in moisture and flavor. Don’t overcrowd the pan for best texture.
- Use a digital thermometer. A digital meat thermometer is very useful when grilling skewers for checking doneness. Simply insert halfway inside the meat to get a quick measurement.
- Let the chicken rest. Rest for 5 minutes after cooking before slicing to keep it juicy. This helps redistribute the juices inside the meat.
- Drain the cucumber. Squeeze the grated cucumber with a clean towel to remove excess moisture so the tzatziki stays thick, creamy, and not watery.
- Warm the pita. Gently warm pitas before serving to make them more pliable and enhance flavor. This adds a soft, comforting texture to each bite.
- Make your own homemade pitas. You can make your own quick and easy pita bread in under 2 hours with only 15 minutes of actual prep work. These pitas are so soft and puffy with a perfect pocket. Totally worth the extra effort.
Storing and Freezing Instructions
How to Store
Store leftover chicken, tzatziki, and toppings in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How to Reheat
Reheat chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat or in a 300°F oven until warmed through. Avoid overcooking to keep it tender and juicy. If using a microwave, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
How to Freeze
Freeze the marinated raw chicken or cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating or cooking. Tzatziki and toppings are best enjoyed fresh and not frozen.
FAQ
Yes! You can marinate the chicken and prepare the tzatziki sauce a day ahead. Assemble just before serving for best texture and freshness. It’s a great option for meal prepping in advance. You can also chop the vegetables and store them in separate containers for even faster assembly.
Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 300°F until warmed through. Avoid microwaving to maintain the juicy texture and avoid drying it out. For extra moisture, add a splash of broth or water to the pan while reheating.
Absolutely. While homemade tzatziki offers a fresher taste, store-bought versions save time and still taste great in a pinch. Look for brands with minimal additives for best results. You can even mix in some chopped cucumber or dill to enhance the store-bought variety.
Yes, simply serve the gyro fillings over rice or in gluten-free pita bread or wraps. Double-check sauces and spices to ensure they’re gluten-free and safe for your dietary needs. Some gluten-free flatbreads or lettuce wraps also work well and keep things light and fresh.
More Sandwich Recipes
- Chicken Shawarma
- Pita Grilled Cheese
- Lemongrass Chicken Banh Mi Sandwich
- Buffalo Turkey Wraps
- Chicken Salad
- Gourmet Hot Dogs
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Recipe
Greek Chicken Gyros (with Homemade Tzatziki)
- Total Time: 1 hour 34 minutes
- Yield: 6 gyros
Description
This Greek Chicken Gyros (with Homemade Tzatziki) is a bright, bold, and irresistibly fresh dish that brings the flavor of the Mediterranean right to your kitchen. Juicy chicken breast is marinated in a classic Greek souvlaki-style blend of garlic, lemon, herbs, and olive oil, grilled to perfection, and tucked into warm pita bread with crisp lettuce, Greek salad, and a generous dollop of creamy homemade tzatziki sauce.
Ingredients
For the souvlaki marinade:
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, crushed
- juice of 1 lemon, freshly squeezed
- 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 ½ tablespoons dried oregano
- ½ tablespoon dried mint
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 3 bay leaves
For the chicken:
- 2 pounds chicken breast (approximately 3 chicken breasts), cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
For the tzatziki sauce:
- ½ large cucumber, unpeeled
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 cloves garlic, pressed or finely minced
- ½ tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 2 teaspoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed (juice of ¼ lemon)
- 1 ½ tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- pinch of ground black pepper
For the gyros:
- 1 ½ cups romaine lettuce, chopped
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, quartered
- ½ cup red onion, chopped (roughly 1 small red onion)
- ½ cup cucumber, sliced and chopped into quarters (roughly 1 medium cucumber)
- 2 tablespoons feta cheese, crumbled
- salt and pepper (to taste)
- 6-8 pita bread rounds
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade. Add all of the ingredients for the chicken souvlaki marinade into a large ziploc bag. Press the marinade around to combine. Add in the chopped chicken, and press the air out of the bag and seal tightly. Press the marinade around the chicken to coat. Place in the fridge to marinate at least 1 hour or overnight.
- Prepare the tzatziki sauce. Grate the cucumber and drain through a cheesecloth, fine mesh sieve or using your hands. Transfer drained cucumber to a medium bowl. Add the yogurt, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, dill, salt and pepper. Stir to combine. Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavours infuse into the yogurt.
- Prepare the toppings. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the toppings and toss together.
- Grill the chicken. You can thread the chicken onto bamboo skewers to grill, or grill the individual pieces. Lightly brush olive oil over grill pan. Heat the grill over medium high heat for about 5 minutes, until sizzling hot. Cook the chicken for 7 minutes on each side, or until its internal temperature reaches 165 F (75 C).
- Assemble the gyros. Warm the pitas on the grill, about 1-2 minutes per side. Then, on the centre each pita bread, add a few spoonfuls of the salad toppings in a line down the middle. Top with grilled souvlaki chicken, and a generous scoop of tzatziki sauce. Fold the pita up and enjoy. You can also wrap it in parchment paper and twist the bottom to keep the ingredients inside.
Notes
How to cook the chicken in the oven: To bake the chicken in the oven instead, place the chicken on a baking tray and spread it out evenly. Roast in a 480F preheated oven for 12-13 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165F, as read on a meat thermometer. You can add some charing by placing under the broiler on high for 1 minute. Keep a close eye on the broiler though, because things can burn quickly in there.
How to store: Store leftover chicken, tzatziki, and toppings in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days.
How to reheat: Reheat chicken gently in a skillet over medium heat or in a 300°F oven until warmed through. Avoid overcooking to keep it tender and juicy. If using a microwave, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture.
How to freeze: Freeze the marinated raw chicken or cooked chicken for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating or cooking. Tzatziki and toppings are best enjoyed fresh and not frozen.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Marinate Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Sandwich
- Method: Grill
- Cuisine: Greek
Jenny says
You made my Greek heart happy with your recipe. It looks amazing and it reminds me of home. Thank you!
Sam | Ahead of Thyme says
Aww that is so nice to hear! Thank you!
Sylia says
You speak right into my Greek soul. Delicious and familiar to the popular street food in Greece. Thank you for sharing.
Sam | Ahead of Thyme says
That makes me so happy! Thank you so much!
Eva says
For some weird reason I always thought that making gyros was a much bigger hassle. I never really did enough research to convince myself of the opposite. Yet for some reason this dish, that is so scrumptious, felt like it required more effort. I was really pleased to read that it's much more simple than I thought. Or maybe you just made it feel like a much easier recipe than I thought it would be. So thank you for encouraging me to try my hand at gyros, because it's a dish I adore, but that I always felt like it's more time consuming than it really is!
Sam | Ahead of Thyme says
So happy to have changed your perspective. It's super simple! Once you cook the chicken, it is basically like putting a sandwich together. So easy! 🙂
Jacqueline Debono says
I make a lot of tzatziki in summer. We love it! I love the sound of using it in chicken gyros. These would be great for picnics!
Sam | Ahead of Thyme says
Totally! It's the best summer recipe. Let me know if you make it!
Aditi Bahl says
Tried this yesterday, came out just fantastic. Thanks for sharing such an easy and lovely recipe.
Aditi Bahl says
Tried these yesterday, came out just fantastic. Thanks for sharing such an easy and lovely recipe.
Sam | Ahead of Thyme says
Awesome! So happy you liked the recipe!