There’s nothing quite like the vibrant flavors of a good Greek gyro. The tender, marinated chicken, the warm pita, and that cool, creamy tzatziki sauce—it’s a combination that transports you straight to the Mediterranean. While traditional gyros involve slowly roasted meat on a vertical spit, this recipe for Grilled Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce brings all those incredible flavors right to your home kitchen using your grill or grill pan. It’s quicker, easier, and just as delicious, making it perfect for a weeknight meal or a weekend gathering.

Why I Love This Recipe

For me, this recipe is a complete winner because it captures the essence of a classic gyro without needing any special equipment. The marinade is a powerhouse of flavor, infusing the chicken with bright lemon, aromatic garlic, earthy oregano, and warm cumin. Grilling gives the chicken that perfect char and juicy tenderness that’s hard to beat.

But let’s be honest, the real star here is the combination of the perfectly seasoned chicken with the cooling, zesty tzatziki. It’s a match made in culinary heaven. This recipe is not just delicious; it’s also relatively quick to prepare, especially if you let the chicken marinate ahead of time. It feels fresh, healthy, and satisfying all at once, making it a regular on my dinner rotation.

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Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create your own irresistible Greek Chicken Gyros:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 1.5 lbs total)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 4 pita bread or flatbreads
• 1/2 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Swaps and Notes

• Chicken: Chicken breasts can be used instead of thighs, but chicken thighs tend to stay juicier when grilled. Adjust grilling time accordingly if using breasts.
• Spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to your preference. A pinch of thyme or marjoram would also be lovely.
• Pita Bread: While fresh pita is ideal, any soft flatbread or even warmed tortillas could work in a pinch.
• Tzatziki Sauce: Homemade tzatziki is always fantastic, but a good quality store-bought version makes this recipe even quicker.
• Garnish: Besides parsley, thinly sliced red onion, chopped tomatoes, and cucumber are traditional additions for gyros and would be excellent here.
• Marination Time: Don’t skimp on the marination! Even 30 minutes makes a difference, but 2-4 hours will really deepen the flavor.

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Directions

Getting these flavorful chicken gyros on your table is a breeze. Here’s how:

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until well combined.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Add the boneless, skinless chicken thighs to the marinade bowl. Toss the chicken thoroughly to ensure each piece is well coated. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. For a deeper, richer flavor, you can marinate for up to 4 hours.
3. Preheat Grill: While the chicken is marinating, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
4. Grill the Chicken: Place the marinated chicken thighs on the preheated grill. Grill for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the chicken is fully cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). The chicken should have nice grill marks and be slightly charred in spots.
5. Rest and Slice: Remove the grilled chicken from the heat and let it rest on a cutting board for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken tender. Once rested, slice the chicken thighs into thin strips, mimicking traditional gyro meat.
6. Warm the Pita: While the chicken rests, lightly warm the pita bread or flatbreads on the grill for 1-2 minutes per side, until they are slightly charred and warmed through. This makes them pliable and adds a nice texture.
7. Assemble the Gyros: To assemble your gyros, spread a generous amount of tzatziki sauce on the warm pita bread. Top with the sliced grilled chicken, and garnish with fresh chopped parsley.
8. Serve: Serve your delicious Greek chicken gyros immediately and enjoy every flavorful bite!

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Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcrowd the Grill: Cook the chicken in batches if necessary to ensure even cooking and good browning. Overcrowding can steam the chicken instead of grilling it.
• Rest the Chicken: This step is crucial for juicy chicken. Don’t skip it!
• Quality Tzatziki: A good tzatziki sauce makes all the difference. If buying, choose a reputable brand. If making your own, drain the cucumber well to prevent a watery sauce.
• Warm Pita: Warming the pita makes it soft and easy to fold without tearing.
• Slice Thinly: Slicing the chicken into thin strips helps distribute the flavor and makes for a more authentic gyro experience.

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

These Grilled Greek Chicken Gyros are a complete meal in themselves, but they also pair beautifully with a variety of sides to round out your spread.

• Classic Greek Sides: Serve alongside a simple Greek salad with fresh tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, and olives, or some roasted lemon potatoes.
• Light Lunch: Enjoy as a satisfying and healthy lunch.
• Appetizer or Party Food: You can slice the chicken and set up a “gyro bar” with various toppings, including my This Walking Taco Bar Is My Favorite No-Fuss Way to Feed a Crowd for another build-your-own style meal.
• Other Chicken Dishes: If you love chicken, consider serving these gyros with a side of my A Light, Tangy Chicken Salad I Actually Crave (and There’s No Mayo in Sight) for a refreshing contrast. Or, if you’re a fan of cheesy chicken, try my Easy Cheesy Chicken Sliders with Marinara Garlic Butter.

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Storage and Leftover Tips

This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but components can be prepped ahead.

• Storage: Store leftover grilled chicken separately from the pita and tzatziki in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: Reheat the chicken gently in a pan or microwave. Warm the pita just before serving.
• Meal Prep: Marinate the chicken the night before, and prepare homemade tzatziki ahead of time to make assembly even quicker on the day you plan to eat.

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More Recipes You Will Love

If you’re a fan of easy, flavorful chicken dishes and meals that come together quickly, you’ll love these other recipes:

• For another fantastic one-pan chicken dinner, check out my This Mexican Chicken and Rice Casserole Is My Favorite One-Pan Dinner That’s Always a Hit.
• If you’re feeding a crowd and want something simple yet satisfying, These Sheet Pan Quesadillas Are My Favorite Way to Feed a Crowd Fast are always a hit.
• And for a fresh, lighter chicken option, don’t miss A Light, Tangy Chicken Salad I Actually Crave (and There’s No Mayo in Sight).

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Final Thoughts

These Grilled Greek Chicken Gyros with Tzatziki Sauce are truly a testament to how simple ingredients, when combined thoughtfully, can create an explosion of flavor. They’re quick enough for a weeknight and impressive enough for entertaining. The combination of juicy, marinated chicken, warm pita, and creamy tzatziki is simply irresistible. Give this recipe a try, and I guarantee it’ll become a new favorite!

What are your go-to Greek-inspired dishes? Let me know in the comments below! And don’t forget to follow Chef Maniac for more delicious and easy recipes.