Introduction

Is there anything better after a long Tuesday than a truly satisfying meal that feels like an escape, but only takes about 20 minutes to pull together? I often think about the meals Emily and I had when we first started dating. We’d go to this little Greek place downtown, and I’d always order the chicken gyros. The smell of oregano, the hint of lemon, and that cool, creamy tzatziki sauce. Man, it was magic. Now, with Adams (12) and Jana (9) running around, those quiet dinners are long gone, but the desire for that flavor hasn’t faded one bit. I needed a way to bring that authentic, fresh feeling of Greek chicken street food home, but make it fit our weeknight schedule.

That’s how I perfected these ridiculously simple easy chicken gyro wraps with tzatziki sauce. They capture all the flavor of the classic dish, but we skip the vertical broiler and use thinly sliced, quickly cooked, yogurt marinated chicken breast instead. This is one of my favorite quick weeknight chicken wraps recipes because the marinade does all the heavy lifting. We’re talking tender, flavorful chicken nestled inside warm Greek pita wraps, piled high with fresh veggies, and drizzled with that incredible homemade tzatziki. This recipe is also perfect for meal prep chicken gyros, meaning you can have a healthy, high-protein lunch ready to go. Skip the takeout and grab your apron, we are making people happy tonight!

Why You’ll Love These Chicken Gyro Wraps with Tzatziki

When I develop a recipe for MisterRecipes.com, it has to pass the ‘Sharif Family Test.’ That means it needs three things: incredibly flavorful, fast enough for a school night, and healthy enough that Emily approves. These Greek chicken wraps check all those boxes, making them a perfect addition to your rotation. Seriously, this recipe for healthy Greek chicken gyro wrap recipe is a winner.

• Speed Demon Dinner: The whole process, from slicing the chicken to building the wrap, takes less than 30 minutes, especially if you pre-chop your vegetables. They truly are 20 minute chicken gyros with tzatziki if you’ve done ten minutes of prep ahead of time.
• Flavor that Pops: The chicken is coated in a simple but powerful Greek chicken marinade, featuring lemon juice, olive oil, dried oregano, and a touch of paprika. This blend provides that unmistakable Mediterranean zest Adams calls “zingy.”
• Family Customization Station: The best part about serve-yourself meals is that everyone can choose exactly what they want. Jana piles hers high with cucumber and tomatoes, while Adams always asks for extra feta cheese and maybe a sprinkle of paprika for color. This is why it’s a great family friendly Greek dinner option.
• Homemade Tzatziki is Non-Negotiable: While store-bought works in a pinch, making fresh tzatziki sauce is crucial here. It’s just Greek yogurt, fresh cucumber, garlic, and a hint of dill. Easy, cooling, and the perfect foil for the seasoned chicken.
• Versatility: If you’re watching carbs, turn this into a low carb chicken gyro lettuce wraps or a full Greek chicken gyro meal prep bowls. Just toss the chicken and veggies over a mound of mixed greens. (For other quick chicken ideas, check out the Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken recipe we love!)
• Super Satisfying: This dish leans on fresh ingredients and lean protein, making it a high protein Greek chicken wrap option that leaves you feeling full and satisfied, not heavy.

I remember one night Emily was stuck late helping a client, and I had to handle dinner solo. I was tired, the kids were hungry, and I needed a quick win. I pulled out this recipe, and within minutes, the kitchen smelled incredible. Jana said, “Daddy, are we eating at the beach?” That’s the power of these Greek chicken gyros – they transport you.

Ingredients for Chicken Gyro Wraps with Tzatziki

Most of these ingredients are pantry staples, especially if you cook Mediterranean often. Remember, quality ingredients make a difference, especially when a recipe is this simple.

For the Yogurt Marinated Chicken

• 1.5 lbs chicken breast, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (full fat preferred)
• 2 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 Tbsp lemon juice
• 1 Tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp onion powder
• 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Homemade Tzatziki Sauce

• 1 large cucumber, peeled, seeded, and grated (or finely diced)
• 1 cup thick, plain Greek yogurt (5% or higher fat content)
• 2 cloves fresh garlic, minced
• 1 Tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried dill)
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• 1/2 tsp salt

For the Assembly

• 6-8 pieces pita bread or thick flatbread wraps (look for Greek-style pita which is usually thicker and softer)
• 1 large red onion, thinly sliced
• 2 large tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup chopped romaine lettuce or mixed greens
• Feta cheese, crumbled (optional but highly recommended)
• A few kalamata olives (optional)

How to Make Chicken Gyro Wraps with Tzatziki

We are going to tackle this in three easy parts: the Tzatziki, the Marinating, and the Cooking/Assembly. Trust me, if you make the tzatziki first, the rest moves lightning fast. This specific process delivers the juiciest chicken, the key to truly wonderful Greek chicken gyros.

For the best results, aim for a minimum of 30 minutes of marinating time, allowing that beautiful yogurt and lemon chicken gyro marinade to seep in and tenderize the meat. This is how you achieve the signature softness. If you want more weeknight winning chicken recipes, don’t miss my favorite Creamy Cajun Chicken Orzo Skillet.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Part 1: The Homemade Tzatziki Sauce

1. Prep the Cucumber: Peel the cucumber and slice it lengthwise. Use a spoon to scoop out and discard the watery seeds. Grate the cucumber (or mince it finely). Place the grated cucumber in a clean kitchen towel or paper towel-lined sieve and squeeze out as much excess moisture as possible. This is critical, folks! If you skip this, your tzatziki will be watery and thin.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the strained Greek yogurt, the squeezed cucumber, minced garlic, chopped fresh dill, lemon juice, and salt.
3. Chill: Stir everything well until fully incorporated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. You can easily make this a day ahead.

Part 2: Marinating and Preparing the Chicken

4. Slice the Chicken: Take your chicken breast and slice it thinly against the grain into strips, about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick, similar to how actual gyro meat is shaved. Using chicken thighs instead offers even more flavor and fat if you prefer.
5. Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl or a zip-top bag, combine the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, paprika, dried thyme, onion powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
6. Marinate: Add the sliced chicken to the marinade mixture. Toss until every piece is coated. If you’re pressed for time, marinate for 15-20 minutes on the counter. If you have time, let it sit in the fridge for 2 hours, or even overnight, for the deepest tenderness. This yogurt marinated chicken is what makes these easy chicken gyros taste so authentic.

Part 3: High-Heat Cooking and Assembly

7. Preheat Skillet: Heat a large, heavy-bottomed skillet (cast iron works beautifully) or griddle over medium-high heat. Add a tablespoon of extra olive oil. You need high heat to get a little char without overcooking the chicken.
8. Cook the Chicken: Working in batches (don’t crowd the pan, or the chicken will steam instead of sear), place the marinated chicken strips in the hot pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes per side until beautifully browned and cooked through, with some nice crispy edges developing.
9. Rest the Meat: Remove the cooked chicken and set it aside, covered loosely with foil.
10. Warm the Pita: Quickly warm your pita bread. You can do this by throwing them on the hot skillet for 30 seconds per side, warming them in the microwave for 15 seconds, or even briefly in the toaster oven. Warm pita is essential for a good wrap!
11. Build the Gyro Wraps: Lay a piece of warm pita flat. Spread a generous tablespoon of the homemade tzatziki sauce down the middle. Pile high with the cooked yogurt marinated chicken gyro wraps meat. Top with fresh slices of tomato, red onion, and romaine lettuce. Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese if desired.
12. Serve: Fold the pita around the fillings, serve immediately, and enjoy the delicious flavor of true Mediterranean chicken wraps, right in your own kitchen! These grilled chicken gyros (or pan-seared in this case) are simply the best.

Pro Tips & Variations

A good recipe is solid, but a great recipe is adaptable. I’ve made these chicken gyros in every way possible, particularly when trying to keep things interesting for Emily’s macro goals or when Jana goes through her ‘no cucumber’ phase.

Tip 1: The Importance of High Heat and Thin Slicing

To get that perfect Greek street food feel, where the meat is tender but has slightly charred, caramelized edges, you need a hot pan and thin slices. Slicing the chicken breast thinly not only ensures fast cooking but also maximizes the surface area for the marinade and the char from the pan. Don’t be afraid of the heat! When you hear that loud sizzle, you know you’re doing it right. If you crowd the pan, the temperature drops, and you end up with rubbery meat.

Tip 2: Straining the Tzatziki Cucumber

I mentioned this above, but seriously, drain the cucumber. Cucumber is about 95% water. If you skip this step, no amount of Greek yogurt will save your sauce from being soupy. Squeeze it hard! The goal is to get a thick, creamy sauce that clings to the chicken and doesn’t soak the pita bread.

Variation 1: The Mega Flavor Boost (Quick Pickled Red Onion)

While the fresh red onion is traditional, a quick pickle (slice the onion, soak in hot water, 1/4 cup red wine vinegar, 1 tsp sugar, and salt for 10 minutes) adds a wonderful tang that cuts through the richness of the yogurt and lemon chicken gyro marinade and the creaminess of the tzatziki. This makes your Greek chicken wraps with tzatziki pop even more.

Variation 2: Low-Carb and Gluten-Free Options

If you’re looking for a macro friendly chicken gyros option, ditch the pita! The marinated chicken and cool toppings taste incredible served over shredded lettuce as a low carb chicken gyro lettuce wraps. Alternatively, serve it as a gluten free chicken gyro bowls over quinoa or rice for a satisfying meal. For another easy rice bowl, try my Chicken Teriyaki Rice Bowl.

Variation 3: Air Fryer Chicken Gyros

Don’t want to use the stovetop? You can absolutely make these perfect air fryer chicken gyros. Lay the marinated chicken strips in a single layer in your air fryer basket. Cook at 375°F (190°C) for about 8-10 minutes, flipping halfway through, until cooked through and slightly crispy. It’s a fantastic, hands-off way to cook large batches, perfect for meal prep.

Chicken Gyro Wraps with Tzatziki Serving Suggestions

The beauty of the chicken gyro wrap is that it’s a complete meal in itself, featuring protein, carbs, and fresh vegetables. However, complementing it with a simple side elevates the entire dining experience and makes the plate look beautiful, which always helps convince Jana to eat her veggies.

1. Classic Greek Salad (Horiatiki)

You can’t go wrong with a traditional Greek salad. It’s vibrant, crunchy, and complements the warm chicken perfectly. Use large chunks of tomato, cucumber, green bell pepper, red onion, and generous blocks of feta cheese. Drizzle with a simple vinaigrette made from olive oil, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. The acidity of the salad is a wonderful counterpart to the creamy tzatziki.

2. Lemon-Herb Roasted Potatoes

I know, Adams is a carb kid. Inspired by the way street vendors sometimes stuff fries into their wraps, I often serve a side of crispy, lemon-infused potatoes. Toss baby potatoes in olive oil, lemon zest, oregano, and salt. Roast them until they are soft on the inside and crispy on top. They soak up any extra tzatziki sauce beautifully.

3. Simple Side of Hummus and Pita Chips

Keep the Mediterranean theme going. A small platter of homemade or store-bought hummus, some crunchy pita chips, and maybe a few capers or kalamata olives on the side adds texture and another layer of heart-healthy flavor. This is a great interactive side dish for the family.

If you prefer a lighter side, serve the gyros alongside a bowl of my delicious Mediterranean Chicken with Olives and Feta, or simply some fresh, crunchy vegetables like carrots and celery sticks.

Chicken Gyro Wraps with Tzatziki Storage & Reheating

This recipe is excellent for meal prep, but you need to store the components separately to maintain freshness and texture. As a general rule, wet ingredients should never touch the bread until the moment you eat it!

Storage:

• Cooked Chicken: Store the cooked and cooled yogurt marinated chicken strips in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Tzatziki Sauce: The sauce lasts well in a sealed container for up to 5 days. It often tastes even better the day after it’s made because the garlic and dill flavors deepen.
• Vegetables: Keep chopped lettuce, tomatoes, and onions separate.
• Pita Bread: Keep it wrapped at room temperature.

Reheating:

• Best Method for Chicken: For the best texture, reheat the chicken on a clean skillet over medium heat for 2-3 minutes until sizzling hot. This crisps up the edges slightly. You can also use the air fryer for 3 minutes at 350°F (175°C).
• Assembly: Only assemble the gyro with the tzatziki and fresh vegetables right before eating.

For more meal planning ideas, these Greek chicken gyros are often part of our weekly rotation alongside recipes featured by my friends over at Recipetineats. I found their version helpful when I was perfecting my spice blend for the marinade! Check out their approach to perfectly tender Greek chicken gyros here.

FAQ about Chicken Gyro Wraps with Tzatziki

Q: Can I use store-bought tzatziki instead of making it homemade?

A: Yes, absolutely! If you are aiming for a sub-20 minute dinner, using good quality store-bought tzatziki is a huge time-saver. However, I always encourage people to try the homemade version at least once. It’s so simple—mostly just Greek yogurt, cucumber, and garlic—and the fresh flavor boost is undeniable. The homemade kind really makes these chicken gyro wraps with tzatzaki shine.

Q: What is the benefit of the yogurt marinade on the chicken?

A: The yogurt marinade (often called a yogurt and lemon chicken gyro marinade) is a game-changer for chicken breast. Dairy products contain lactic acid and calcium, which gently tenderize the meat without hardening the proteins, unlike harsh acid-only marinades. The yogurt also helps the spices adhere better, resulting in consistently juicy and flavorful yogurt marinated chicken gyro wraps every time.

Q: I don’t have Greek pita. What else can I use for the wraps?

A: The thick, slightly fluffy Greek pitas are traditional and the best for holding all the filling. However, you can certainly substitute with large flour tortillas, naan bread, or thin flatbread wraps. You could even use Lebanese-style thin pita, but you might need two layers to prevent breakage. For a low-carb alternative, large lettuce leaves work great for chicken gyro wrap with lettuce tomato cucumber and tzatziki.

Q: Can I make this with pre-cooked chicken, like rotisserie chicken?

A: Yes, this is a fantastic trick for even faster assembly! If you use pre-cooked chicken, you can skip the marinade step, although you’ll sacrifice a little flavor. To compensate, dice the rotisserie chicken and toss it with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and the dried oregano/paprika spice blend. Warm it briefly in the skillet to coat the flavor and heat it through. You’ll have easy chicken gyro wraps ready in under 15 minutes.

Q: Is it traditional to add French fries inside the Greek chicken gyros?

A: In Greece, particularly in places like Athens, it is increasingly common and very popular among street food vendors to stuff a few crispy French fries (potato chips) right inside the pita before folding it up. It adds a delicious extra texture and saltiness. Adams loves this variation, calling it the ultimate upgrade for a Mediterranean chicken pita!

Final Thoughts

Cooking isn’t just about food, it’s about making people happy. When I see the kids happily digging into these Greek chicken wraps, knowing they’re eating something flavorful, healthy, and made with love, it’s a tiny, perfect moment of domestic peace. It reminds me of those simple, satisfying dinners we all crave after a busy day. This recipe for chicken gyro wraps with tzatziki proves you don’t need complicated techniques or exotic ingredients to create something truly memorable.

Whether you’re making a batch for meal prep or sitting down with the family tonight, I hope these flavors transport you, just a little, to a sunny Greek island. Remember to breathe, enjoy the process, and taste your food! Happy cooking, friends.

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