There’s something undeniably comforting about a warm, flavorful wrap loaded with tender meat, fresh vegetables, and a creamy sauce that ties it all together. Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki is that kind of meal—easy to make, fun to customize, and packed with bold, Mediterranean flavor.

This recipe brings the vibrant taste of Greek street food right into your kitchen. You’ll marinate juicy chicken thighs in lemon, garlic, and herbs, then grill them to perfection. Pair that with homemade cucumber tzatziki—cool, tangy, and rich—and wrap it all up in a soft, pillowy pita with your favorite toppings.

It’s the perfect blend of savory and fresh, and you don’t need a rotisserie or special tools to pull it off. Whether you’re feeding your family, meal-prepping for the week, or hosting a casual dinner, these gyros check every box for flavor, ease, and satisfaction.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Benefits

This recipe is your new go-to for easy weeknight dinners or meal prep. The chicken can be marinated ahead of time, the sauce comes together in minutes, and the whole thing assembles like a dream.

It’s super customizable—swap in your favorite veggies or even try a different protein. Whether you love it spicy, cheesy, or piled high with toppings, there’s room to make it your own. Most importantly, every bite bursts with the flavors of lemon, garlic, herbs, and creamy Greek yogurt.

Suitable For

If you’re new to cooking or just looking for a low-effort recipe with a big payoff, this one’s for you. It’s beginner-friendly, yet the results taste restaurant-level.

Perfect for family meals, summer cookouts, casual dinner parties, or even lunch prep. And for those cutting back on carbs, it works great in lettuce wraps or bowls, too. It’s a crowd-pleaser no matter how you serve it.

Ingredients for Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki

Core Ingredients

Here’s what makes this recipe so delicious:

• Boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts – Thighs give you extra juiciness, while breasts offer a leaner option.

• Olive oil and lemon juice – For richness and brightness in the marinade.

• Garlic, oregano, cumin, and paprika – These build the base of that signature Greek flavor.

• Greek yogurt – Full-fat or low-fat both work well for the tzatziki sauce.

• Cucumber – Adds coolness and crunch to the sauce.

• Fresh dill – Gives tzatziki its unique, herby twist.

• Pita or flatbread – Warm and fluffy, the perfect wrap.

• Toppings – Tomato, red onion, lettuce or spinach, feta, parsley—you can mix and match.

Substitutions and Tips

Not a fan of chicken? Lamb, beef, or even tofu make great substitutes. You can marinate them the same way, just adjust cooking times.

For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based yogurt in your tzatziki. It still delivers that cool, creamy texture with a lighter touch.

Fresh herbs are always best, but dried dill or mint will work in a pinch—just remember that dried herbs are more concentrated, so adjust accordingly. This recipe is forgiving and flexible, so don’t stress over getting every single ingredient perfect.

Best Chicken for Greek Chicken Gyros

While you can use chicken breasts, boneless, skinless chicken thighs really shine in this recipe. They stay tender and juicy even if you slightly overcook them—ideal for grilling or searing.

If you’re going for a leaner meal, breasts are still great. Just slice them evenly and don’t skip the marinade—it helps infuse flavor and lock in moisture. A tip: let your chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, but if you can, give it a full 2 hours or even overnight for maximum flavor.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Must-Have Tools

You won’t need anything fancy here—just the basics:

• Grill pan or skillet – For cooking your marinated chicken to golden, juicy perfection.

• Mixing bowls – One for the chicken marinade, one for the tzatziki.

• Cutting board & knife – For slicing veggies and prepping ingredients.

Nice-to-Have Tools

Want to make the process even easier?

• Garlic press – Speeds up garlic prep, especially when making tzatziki.

• Mandoline slicer – For super-thin, even slices of red onion and cucumber.

• Meat thermometer – Ensures your chicken hits that perfect 165°F without guessing.

How to Make Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki

Making your own Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki might sound like something best left to the pros, but trust me—this is totally doable in your own kitchen. Each step builds on the next, bringing together bold, fresh flavors and textures you’ll want to return to again and again. Let’s walk through it together.

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

This is where all the flavor magic begins. Combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Give it a good whisk so everything blends well.

Now add your chicken—thighs if you want juicy and tender, breasts if you prefer lean. Use your hands to massage the marinade into every piece. It helps to lightly score the chicken or poke it with a fork to let the flavors really soak in.

Let it sit in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, but if you can, go for a full two hours or even overnight. The longer it rests, the deeper the flavor gets. Just cover the bowl or place the chicken in a zip-top bag.

Step 2: Make the Tzatziki Sauce

While the chicken’s doing its thing, you can whip up the tzatziki. It’s a cool and creamy sauce that balances out the warm, spiced chicken perfectly.

Start by grating half a cucumber. Then—and this is important—squeeze out as much water as you can using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels. If you skip this step, your sauce will turn watery.

Mix the cucumber with Greek yogurt, minced garlic, lemon juice, fresh dill (or dried if that’s all you have), salt, and pepper. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Pop it in the fridge to chill while the chicken finishes marinating. A little time helps the flavors meld and makes it even better.

Step 3: Grill the Chicken

When you’re ready to cook, heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. You want it hot enough to get a nice sear.

Cook the chicken for about 5–7 minutes per side, depending on thickness. You’re aiming for a golden-brown crust on the outside and an internal temp of 165°F.

Let the chicken rest for 5–10 minutes after grilling. This helps lock in the juices, so every bite stays tender. Then slice it into strips—perfect for layering into your warm pita.

Step 4: Warm the Pitas

A warm pita makes all the difference here. You can microwave them for 10–15 seconds, warm them in a dry skillet for a minute on each side, or pop them in a 350°F oven for about 5 minutes wrapped in foil.

Whatever method you choose, just don’t skip this step—it brings the whole dish together.

Step 5: Assemble the Gyros

Now the fun part—assembly. Lay a warm pita on a plate and start layering:

1. Sliced grilled chicken

2. A generous scoop of tzatziki

3. Sliced tomatoes

4. Thin red onion

5. Lettuce or spinach

6. Optional extras: crumbled feta, Kalamata olives, a sprinkle of chili flakes, or even roasted red peppers

Wrap it up like a burrito or fold it taco-style—whatever works. It’s all about that balance of juicy, creamy, crunchy, and herby in every bite.

Tips for Success

• Avoid overcooking the chicken. Use a thermometer if needed—165°F is your sweet spot. Overcooked chicken dries out fast.

• Balance your garlic. Fresh garlic is strong. If you’re not a huge fan, start with half a clove in the tzatziki and add more if needed.

• Creamier tzatziki? Use full-fat Greek yogurt. It’s thicker, richer, and holds up beautifully in wraps.

How to Store Greek Chicken Gyros

At Room Temperature

This is one of those recipes best served right after cooking. Once the chicken cools, the texture changes and the pita can get soggy. Serve immediately for best results.

In the Refrigerator

Store leftovers separately. Keep the grilled chicken in an airtight container and the tzatziki in another. They’ll stay fresh for up to 3 days. Veggies can be chopped ahead, but store them dry to avoid wilting.

Freezing Tips

Chicken freezes well—just let it cool completely, then freeze in portions. Tzatziki doesn’t freeze great due to the yogurt and cucumber content, so make it fresh when needed. Reheat chicken gently in a skillet or microwave to keep it moist.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Absolutely—and it’s a great idea if you’re hosting or planning meals in advance. You can marinate the chicken the night before, which gives it even more time to soak in all that garlic-lemon goodness. The tzatziki sauce also holds up beautifully in the fridge for a day or two. Just give it a quick stir before serving. When it’s time to eat, all you have to do is cook the chicken and warm your pita. Easy, right?

Can I use store-bought tzatziki?

You definitely can. Store-bought tzatziki is convenient and works in a pinch. That said, making it at home takes just a few minutes and lets you control the flavor. Like it extra garlicky? Add more. Prefer a smoother texture? Use full-fat Greek yogurt. Homemade just feels a little more special—and it pairs so perfectly with the warm grilled chicken.

What kind of pita should I use?

Look for soft, Greek-style pita or flatbread that’s thick enough to hold up to the fillings without tearing. You want something flexible enough to wrap, but hearty enough to soak up the juices. If you’re lucky enough to have a bakery nearby, freshly baked pita makes this dish even more unforgettable.

Can I make this vegetarian or vegan?

Yes, and it’s delicious. Swap out the chicken for grilled veggies like zucchini, bell peppers, mushrooms, or even roasted chickpeas. Use a plant-based yogurt to make a dairy-free tzatziki that still delivers on creaminess and flavor. The seasoning and assembly stay the same, so you’re not missing out on any of that Greek-inspired magic.

Related Recipes You’ll Love

If you loved this Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki recipe, you might enjoy these savory dishes from RecipeSeasys:

• One Pan Garlic Herb Chicken with Potatoes & Green Beans – An easy, hearty dinner with minimal cleanup.

• Golden Garlic Chicken Bites Over Creamy Parmesan Pasta – Garlic-lovers, this one’s for you.

• Creamy Broccoli and Chicken Penne – A creamy, comfort-filled pasta perfect for busy nights.

• Air Fryer Garlic Parmesan Chicken Skewers – Crispy and flavorful skewers with minimal oil.

• Cheesy Garlic Chicken Wraps – A great alternative to gyros with a cheesy twist.

Conclusion

There’s something deeply satisfying about pulling together a dish that’s simple, nourishing, and full of bold flavor. Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki hits all the right notes—juicy grilled chicken, creamy herbed sauce, and fresh toppings wrapped in warm pita.

It’s easy to adapt, easy to love, and even easier to share. Whether you’re making dinner for your family, meal-prepping for the week, or cooking with friends, this recipe brings people together. Try it once, and you’ll want it on repeat. Don’t forget to snap a photo, tag your version, and make it your own.

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