Homemade Chicken Gyro Tzatziki

Category: Restaurant-Quality Entrées at Home

Enjoy savory marinated chicken wrapped in warm pita with crisp cucumber, juicy tomatoes, red onion, and crumbled feta. Homemade tzatziki, with its creamy, cool tang, ties everything together for a refreshing, hearty meal. Each bite delivers tender chicken layered with vibrant vegetables and a burst of Mediterranean flavors. Use fresh produce and allow the chicken to soak up marinade for depth. Prepare tzatziki in advance for convenience. This vibrant handheld meal is ideal for quick lunches or light dinners, offering balanced protein and lively Greek flavor in every serving.

Sandra
By Sandra Sandra
Updated on Sat, 28 Jun 2025 08:52:29 GMT
A plate of food with a chicken sandwich and tomatoes. Pin
A plate of food with a chicken sandwich and tomatoes. | howtogourmet.com

This Homemade Chicken Gyro with Tzatziki brings the taste of Greece right into your kitchen A medley of fresh crisp vegetables tender marinated chicken and creamy tangy tzatziki all wrapped up in warm pita creates a satisfying meal that is both simple to make and full of vibrant flavors When I want something quick but special this recipe is my favorite way to switch up our dinner routine especially in the summertime

The first time I served these gyros to my family everyone raved about the homemade tzatziki They keep asking for it every week now and it has become our go to for casual get togethers

Ingredients

  • Chicken breasts: gives you a lean and juicy protein base Slice across the grain for tenderness
  • Chicken marinade: adds Greek inspired flavor with herbs and citrus Look for fresh garlic and the best olive oil you can find
  • Pita flatbreads: make the perfect soft carrier for fillings Warm briefly for pliability
  • Cucumber: adds cool crunch Seedless varieties work best
  • Cherry tomatoes: bring a sweet juicy burst Choose firm ripe tomatoes for the best flavor
  • Red onion: provides a sharp bite Slice thinly for balance
  • Feta cheese: offers a creamy and salty note Crumble just before serving for texture
  • Tzatziki sauce: is tangy garlicky and herby Use thick Greek yogurt and English cucumber for a creamy sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:
Combine sliced chicken breasts with your chicken marinade in a large bowl or zip top bag Make sure every piece is coated well Let the chicken sit in the fridge for at least thirty minutes Longer marinating means deeper flavor
Grill the Chicken:
Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium high heat Cook the marinated chicken for about five to seven minutes on each side until golden with good grill marks and no pink remaining Slice into even strips
Prepare the Vegetables:
While the chicken is grilling wash and slice the cucumber dice the cherry tomatoes and slice the red onion Thin and even pieces help everything fit nicely in the gyro
Warm the Pitas:
Place each pita flatbread directly over a low flame or dry skillet for about thirty seconds per side This makes them soft and flexible for filling
Assemble the Gyros:
Lay out a warm pita Arrange sliced grilled chicken cucumber tomatoes onions and feta down the center Drizzle generously with homemade tzatziki Sauce Wrap and enjoy while warm
A chicken sandwich with onions and tomatoes. Pin
A chicken sandwich with onions and tomatoes. | howtogourmet.com

Tzatziki is my personal favorite part of this recipe I love how it brightens every bite and my kids always sneak extra scoops My family has fond memories of picnics where we would wrap gyros in foil and head out to the park

Storage Tips

Wrap leftover gyros in foil or parchment and keep them in the fridge for up to two days Store components like chicken vegetables and pita separately for best results Tzatziki keeps well for several days in an airtight container

Ingredient Substitutions

You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer extra juiciness For dairy free options try a coconut milk based yogurt for tzatziki Swap out feta for creamy goat cheese or leave it out for a lighter version Whole wheat or gluten free pitas work if needed

Serving Suggestions

Serve gyros with a side of roasted potatoes or a simple Greek salad A handful of fresh mint or parsley on top adds a burst of freshness They are also great cut in half and served as party appetizers

A plate of food with tomatoes, onions, and lemon. Pin
A plate of food with tomatoes, onions, and lemon. | howtogourmet.com

Cultural Context

Gyros are a staple of Greek street food typically featuring pork or chicken wrapped in pita with tzatziki and vegetables This homemade version celebrates those classic flavors while letting you customize toppings to your preference

Recipe FAQs

→ How long should the chicken be marinated?

For best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. Longer marination, such as a few hours or overnight, will enhance tenderness and depth of taste.

→ What makes the tzatziki sauce creamy and fresh?

Tzatziki blends Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, and herbs like dill, creating a cool and creamy contrast to the warm chicken.

→ Can I prepare any elements ahead of time?

Yes, both the chicken and tzatziki sauce can be made ahead. Store in the fridge until ready to assemble for easy meal prep.

→ What are suitable pita substitutes?

If pita is unavailable, try flatbreads, naan, or even lettuce leaves for a lighter twist while still wrapping the fillings efficiently.

→ How to keep the pita from getting soggy?

Use fresh, dry vegetables and avoid overfilling with sauce. Lightly toasting the pita also helps maintain structure and texture.

Homemade Chicken Gyro Tzatziki

Marinated chicken, crisp veggies, and creamy tzatziki serve up vibrant Greek-inspired flavors in every bite.

Preparation Time
10 min
Cooking Time
10 min
Total Time
20 min
By Sandra: Sandra

Category: Main Courses

Skill Level: Intermediate

Cuisine: Greek

Yield: 4 Servings (4 gyros)

Dietary Preferences: ~

Ingredients

→ Main Ingredients

01 2 chicken breasts
02 4 pita flatbreads
03 1 cucumber, thinly sliced
04 125 g cherry tomatoes, diced
05 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
06 75 g feta cheese, crumbled

→ For Serving

07 Tzatziki sauce

→ For Marinade

08 Chicken marinade (prepared according to preferred recipe)

Steps

Step 01

Combine chicken breasts with the chicken marinade and let them marinate for at least 30 minutes to infuse maximum flavor.

Step 02

Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Cook the marinated chicken breasts for 5-7 minutes on each side or until cooked through and juices run clear. Remove from heat and slice into strips.

Step 03

While chicken is grilling, slice the cucumber and red onion thinly and dice the cherry tomatoes, ensuring all vegetables are fresh and well-drained.

Step 04

Place a warm pita flatbread on a work surface. Layer on sliced chicken, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and crumbled feta. Generously drizzle with tzatziki sauce before folding to serve.

Additional Notes

  1. Marinating the chicken in advance enhances its flavor and tenderness.
  2. Always use fresh, dry vegetables to prevent the pita from becoming soggy.
  3. Tzatziki sauce can be prepared ahead and kept refrigerated for optimal convenience.

Required Equipment

  • Grill or grill pan
  • Knife
  • Cutting board

Allergen Information

Always review every ingredient for potential allergens and consult a health professional if you’re unsure.
  • Contains dairy (feta cheese, tzatziki sauce)
  • Contains gluten (pita flatbreads)

Nutritional Information (per serving)

The provided details are for informational purposes and should not replace professional health advice.
  • Calories: 312
  • Fats: 8 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Proteins: 31 g