Name: Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 2 h 35 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar; 2 Tablespoons lemon juice; 1 Tablespoon olive oil; ½ cup full-fat Greek yogurt; 2 teaspoons oregano; 2 teaspoons cumin; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 teaspoon salt; ½ teaspoon pepper; 1 teaspoon seasoning salt (Lawry’s); 1 teaspoon Greek seasoning (Cavender’s); 1 large English cucumber (about 1⅓ cups shredded and drained); 1½ cups full-fat Greek yogurt; 2 Tablespoons lemon juice; 1 clove garlic, minced; 1 Tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped; ½ teaspoon salt; ¼ teaspoon pepper; 1 Tablespoon olive oil (for cooking and optional garnish); 4 pita wraps; Optional garnishes: sliced red onion, sliced grape tomatoes, shredded lettuce

Print Recipe·4 from 13 reviews

If you are craving a dish that bursts with Mediterranean flavors and fresh, vibrant textures, the Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe is an absolute must-try. This recipe brings together tender, juicy marinated chicken seasoned with a perfect blend of spices, paired with cool, creamy homemade tzatziki that offers a refreshing bite every time. Wrapped in warm pita, it’s a deliciously satisfying meal that feels both indulgent and wholesome all at once. Whether you’re making a family dinner or entertaining friends, this recipe is going to be your new favorite go-to for an exciting twist on classic gyros.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows two raw pale pink chicken breasts placed on a wooden cutting board in the center, surrounded by small white bowls and a wooden bowl filled with different spices and ingredients. From the top left, there is a wooden bowl with white creamy yogurt, a white bowl with dried herbs, a wooden bowl with salt, a white bowl with black pepper, a white bowl with light-colored seasoning, a whole yellow lemon on the side, a white bowl with red paprika, a white bowl with a light yellow liquid, three garlic cloves and garlic bulb, a white bowl with brown seasoning, a white bowl with golden-yellow powder, and a white bowl with olive oil. All items rest on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe plays an essential role in building layers of flavor, texture, and visual appeal. The spices provide aromatic depth, yogurt adds creaminess and tenderizes the chicken, and fresh cucumber and dill brighten the tzatziki to balance the rich meat.

2 pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts: The star of the dish, perfect for soaking up the marinade and easy to slice into strips.
3 cloves garlic (minced): Adds a pungent, savory depth to both marinade and sauce.
1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar: Brings a subtle tanginess that tenderizes the chicken.
2 Tablespoons lemon juice: Brightens the marinade and tzatziki with fresh citrus zest.
1 Tablespoon olive oil: Helps sear the chicken to golden perfection.
½ cup full-fat Greek yogurt: Adds creamy texture and tang, crucial for tender meat and authentic tzatziki.
2 teaspoons oregano: Classic herb that lends the quintessential Mediterranean flavor to the chicken.
2 teaspoons cumin: Brings a warm, earthy note to the spice mix.
1 teaspoon paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and a beautiful color.
1 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors throughout the dish.
½ teaspoon pepper: Provides just a gentle kick of heat.
1 teaspoon seasoning salt (Lawry’s): Adds an extra layer of savory seasoning.
1 teaspoon Greek seasoning (Cavender’s): Perfect blend of herbs to intensify traditional gyro flavors.
1 large English cucumber: Grated and drained for fresh, crisp tzatziki texture.
1 ½ cups full-fat Greek yogurt: The creamy base that makes the tzatziki sauce irresistible.
1 Tablespoon fresh dill (finely chopped): Gives an herby, fresh pop that brightens the sauce.
4 pita wraps: Soft and warm, perfect to cradle all those wonderful ingredients.
Optional garnishes: Sliced red onion, grape tomatoes, shredded lettuce for added crunch and color.

How to Make Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Begin by pounding the chicken breasts flat to about a quarter-inch thickness to ensure even cooking. This step is essential for juicy, tender chicken that cooks quickly and picks up the marinade flavors beautifully.

Step 2: Make the Marinade

In a bowl, combine the minced garlic, apple cider vinegar, lemon juice, olive oil, Greek yogurt, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, seasoning salt, and Greek seasoning. This mixture will give the chicken its signature tangy, spicy profile, infusing every bite with Mediterranean warmth.

Step 3: Marinate the Chicken

Place the chicken into a large ziplock bag or shallow container and pour the marinade over it. Massage the marinade into the chicken to coat thoroughly. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours — this resting time is non-negotiable for that deep, rich flavor absorption.

Step 4: Make the Tzatziki Sauce

While the chicken marinates, prepare your tzatziki sauce. Slice the cucumber lengthwise, remove seeds, then shred it. Using a kitchen towel, squeeze out all excess moisture to avoid watery sauce. Mix the cucumber with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped dill, salt, and pepper. Pop it in the fridge for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld beautifully.

Step 5: Cook the Chicken

Heat a tablespoon of oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the excess liquid. Sear the chicken for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. This quick sear locks in juices and builds crave-worthy color and texture.

Step 6: Rest and Slice

Let the cooked chicken rest on a cutting board for at least 5 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Then slice into strips that are easy to stuff inside your pita bread.

Step 7: Assemble the Gyros

Warm your pita breads briefly, then layer with chicken strips, generous dollops of tzatziki sauce, and any optional garnishes like red onion or shredded lettuce. Wrap it up or serve open-faced — either way, you’re in for a treat!

How to Serve Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe

This image shows four pieces of cooked chicken in a white pan with some oil. The chicken pieces are golden brown with dark, crispy grill marks on the surface. One piece is being held by turquoise tongs, showing a textured, slightly rough surface from the cooked spices. The pan has a slightly worn appearance with brown spots from cooking. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Fresh garnishes elevate the dish with contrast in texture and flavor. Crisp red onions add a sharp bite, while grape tomatoes bring juiciness and vibrant color. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil over the assembled gyro boosts richness and sheen. Don’t underestimate the power of a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or more dill on top for that just-picked freshness.

Side Dishes

Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe shine on their own but pair wonderfully with light sides. Consider serving with a Greek salad drizzled in lemony dressing, crispy roasted potatoes sprinkled with oregano, or a simple tabbouleh for extra freshness. These sides keep the Mediterranean spirit alive and complement the hearty gyros perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the gyros deconstructed on a platter so everyone can build their own, offering a variety of garnishes and warm pita on the side. Alternatively, wrap the gyros tightly in parchment paper or foil for an on-the-go lunch or picnic-ready meal. You can also turn the recipe into a salad bowl by layering chicken and tzatziki over mixed greens with pita chips on the side for crunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover chicken strips and tzatziki can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them separate helps maintain the best texture and flavor for each component. Warm the chicken gently before serving for a fresh taste.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked chicken strips wrapped tightly in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze the tzatziki sauce separately or make a fresh batch, as the yogurt-based sauce can lose texture when frozen.

Reheating

Reheat the chicken gently in a skillet over low-medium heat or in the microwave until warm but not overcooked. Avoid reheating tzatziki sauce; instead, stir it well and serve cold for that fresh, tangy bite.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and can add extra flavor, but be mindful to adjust cooking time slightly as thighs might take a minute or two longer to cook through.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

At least 2 hours is ideal to let the flavors deeply penetrate the meat. If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes can still impart good flavor, but the taste won’t be as intense.

Can I make the tzatziki sauce in advance?

Yes! Making tzatziki ahead is encouraged since the flavors blend and mellow beautifully after resting in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, and up to a day.

Is there a substitute for Greek yogurt in the tzatziki?

Plain full-fat yogurt or strained yogurt (like labneh) can work in place of Greek yogurt, but avoid thin or low-fat yogurts as they change the texture and creaminess considerably.

How do I keep pita bread soft and warm?

Wrap the pita in foil and warm gently in an oven at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes or microwave covered with a damp paper towel for 20-30 seconds. This keeps it pliable and perfect for wrapping.

Final Thoughts

This Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe is truly one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug from the Mediterranean. Its perfect balance of spices, creamy tzatziki, and fresh garnishes makes it an all-time crowd-pleaser. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I love sharing it — it’s bound to become a staple in your recipe collection that you’ll return to again and again.