Chicken Souvlaki Gyro with Tzatziki Sauce – A Fresh and Flavorful Classic
Few meals hit the spot like a classic Chicken Souvlaki Gyro. Juicy, lemony grilled chicken tucked inside a warm pita with crisp vegetables and cool, creamy tzatziki sauce. It’s simple, fresh, and packed with bright, Mediterranean flavor.
This homemade version brings everything you love about a Greek gyro stand straight into your kitchen. Whether you’re planning an easy dinner, a weekend cookout, or just want a lighter meal that still satisfies, these gyros will be your go-to.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
If you’re a fan of big flavors without a lot of fuss, this Chicken Souvlaki Gyro recipe is for you. It’s easy to prepare, and the ingredients are simple but incredibly flavorful when combined.
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Quick Marinated Chicken – A lemony, garlicky marinade that infuses flavor fast.
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Fresh and Colorful – Crisp lettuce, tomatoes, and onions bring great texture.
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Creamy Tzatziki – A homemade yogurt sauce ties everything together.
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Customizable – Add feta, olives, or extra veggies depending on what you love.
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Weeknight Friendly – Quick enough for busy evenings; impressive enough for company.
A Look at the Ingredients
This gyro starts with boneless skinless chicken thighs. They’re marinated in a bright, simple mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Thighs stay juicy and tender when grilled. This makes them perfect for quick cooking over medium-high heat.
The homemade tzatziki sauce is another standout. Grated cucumber, thick Greek yogurt, lemon juice, dill, and garlic come together into a cool, tangy sauce that’s easy to whip up while the chicken marinates.
Fresh pita or flatbread rounds out the dish, along with crisp toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and red onion. A sprinkle of feta or a few Kalamata olives adds a salty finish if you want to take your gyros to the next level.
How to Make the Best Chicken Souvlaki Gyros
Once you have your chicken marinating and your tzatziki chilling, assembly is simple. After cooking the chicken until golden and cooked through, slice it into strips and pile it onto a warm pita.
Layer on your toppings – lettuce, tomatoes, onions – and then spoon over a generous amount of tzatziki. Wrap it up, fold it in half, or eat it open-faced with a fork. There’s no wrong way to enjoy a gyro!
Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes is key to getting that bright, savory flavor; but even a quick marinade will still yield a delicious meal.
Equipment You’ll Need
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Mixing bowl – For marinating the chicken
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Tongs – To flip and serve the chicken
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Skillet – For cooking the chicken evenly
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Cutting board – For prepping and slicing vegetables
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Small bowl – For mixing the tzatziki
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Box grater – For grating the cucumber
Tips for Success
A few simple tricks make a big difference when it comes to assembling a gyro that holds together and tastes amazing:
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Squeeze the Cucumber Well – Too much water in your tzatziki will thin it out.
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Warm the Pita – Makes it softer and less likely to tear.
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Don’t Overcrowd – A few toppings go a long way. Keep it simple and balanced.
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Use Thighs for Juicier Chicken – They’re more forgiving and full of flavor.
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Serve Immediately – Gyros are best enjoyed fresh while the chicken is hot and the pita is soft.
This meal is great for casual dinners but feels special enough to serve to guests.
What to Serve with Chicken Souvlaki Gyros
Although a gyro is practically a meal on its own, a few simple sides can round it out beautifully:
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Greek Salad – A refreshing side with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and feta.
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Oven-Roasted Potatoes – Lightly seasoned and crispy.
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Lemon Rice – A fluffy, citrusy side that complements the chicken.
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Hummus and Pita Chips – Perfect for snacking or extra dipping.
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Grilled Vegetables – Keep it light and colorful.
Other Recipes to Try
If you love fresh Mediterranean flavors, here are a few more favorites from Sisters Know Best:
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Healthy Lemon Chicken Orzo with Green Beans – Light, lemony, and full of protein.
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Shrimp Pad Thai Recipe – A quick, fresh meal with big flavor.
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Zucchini Frittata – A great breakfast or brunch idea packed with veggies.
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Greek Chicken Souvlaki Bowls – Another easy way to enjoy those fresh Greek flavors.
When you’re craving something fresh, satisfying, and full of flavor, Chicken Souvlaki Gyro with Tzatziki Sauce delivers. It’s easy to prepare, packed with color, and endlessly adaptable to your taste. Serve it up for a quick dinner, a weekend lunch, or even a casual gathering – and watch it disappear FAST.
Chicken Souvlaki Gyro with Tzatziki Sauce
Equipment
- Mixing bowl For marinating the chicken
- Tongs To flip and serve grilled chicken
- Skillet For cooking the chicken
- Cutting board For prepping vegetables and slicing cooked chicken
- Small bowl For mixing the tzatziki
- Grater For shredding cucumber for tzatziki
Ingredients
For the Chicken Souvlaki:
- 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs cut into 1-inch pieces
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Tzatziki Sauce:
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
- ½ cup cucumber grated and squeezed dry
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic finely minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried dill)
- Salt to taste
To Assemble:
- 4 pita breads or flatbreads, warmed
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- 1 cup shredded lettuce
- ½ red onion thinly sliced
- crumbled feta cheese or sliced Kalamata olives Optional
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours.
- While the chicken marinates, prepare the tzatziki sauce by combining Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, lemon juice, garlic, olive oil, dill, and salt in a small bowl. Mix well, cover, and chill until ready to use.
- Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken pieces and cook for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
- Warm the pita breads and layer with lettuce, cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, and grilled chicken. Spoon tzatziki sauce over the top and add feta or olives if desired.
- Fold the pita and serve immediately.
Notes
- Chicken Option: You can use chicken breast, but thighs stay juicier and more flavorful.
- Prep Tip: Squeeze grated cucumber through a clean towel to avoid watery tzatziki.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Chicken and tzatziki can be made ahead for easy weekday lunches.
- Lighter Version: Serve the chicken and toppings over a salad or in lettuce wraps.
- Marinate Time: The longer the chicken sits in the marinade, the more flavorful it will be.