Greek Chicken Gyros with Creamy Cucumber Tzatziki

Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki OPA

By Sally Thompson September 28, 2025

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Recipe Introduction

Fancy a trip to Greece without the airfare?

Get ready for Greek chicken gyros with cucumber goodness. Honestly, have you ever tasted anything so fresh? It's like a sunshine holiday in a pita.

Greek Chicken Gyros: a Quick Hook

This recipe for Greek chicken gyros with cucumber is the bomb. The Cucumber Tzatziki Sauce takes it to another level. The Lemon Oregano Chicken Gyro delivers a unique fresh summer flavour.

Quick Overview

Gyros are a Greek street food staple. They are a culinary icon and a total flavour explosion. This recipe is medium difficulty.

It needs about 2 hours and 45 minutes, including marinating. This recipe makes 4 servings.

The Main Benefits of Greek Chicken Gyros

This gyro recipe is high in protein. It's also lower in carbs than some other takeaway options. This Easy Gyro Recipe is perfect for a casual get-together with mates.

This recipe is so special because it's incredibly fresh. It's bursting with authentic Greek flavours. This is way better than your local takeaway Chicken Gyro Recipe .

Ready to dive in? Let's grab the ingredients.

Ingredients & Equipment for Authentic Greek Flavours

Greek Chicken Gyros with Creamy Cucumber Tzatziki presentation

Okay, so you want to make some proper greek chicken gyros with cucumber tzatziki ? Ace! Here's what you'll need. Trust me, it's easier than finding decent weather in Manchester.

Main Ingredients: Let's Get Real

Chicken Thighs: 2 lbs (900g) boneless, skinless. Don't use chicken breast! Chicken thighs are where it's at. They stay juicy and take on the marinade like a boss.

Look for thighs that are plump and have a good colour. Seriously, Chicken Thigh Gyro is where is at, so you should use it.
Olive Oil: 1/4 cup (60ml) . Extra virgin is best. It adds a richness you just can't beat.
Lemon Juice: 1/4 cup (60ml) , freshly squeezed. Bottled stuff? Nah, treat yourself.
Garlic: 2 cloves , minced. Freshly minced, obviously. None of that jarred nonsense.
Dried Oregano: 2 tablespoons . The backbone of Greek flavour!
Salt: 1 teaspoon .
Black Pepper: 1/2 teaspoon .
Cayenne Pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (optional, for a bit of oomph ). I quite like the kick from it.
Greek Yogurt: 1 cup (240g) plain, full fat or low-fat. Full fat gives you that creamy, dreamy texture, but low-fat works too. I once accidentally used vanilla yogurt... don't do that!
Cucumber: 1/2 cup (80g) peeled, seeded, and grated. Squeeze out that excess water, or your tzatziki will be runny. No one wants that.
Garlic: 1 clove , minced. Because you can never have too much garlic, right?
Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon .
Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon , freshly squeezed.
Fresh Dill: 1 tablespoon , chopped. Dried dill works in a pinch (1 teaspoon), but fresh is so much better. Honestly, Cucumber Tzatziki Sauce is where it all begins
Pita Bread: 4 pitas . Warm them up before serving. Pita Bread Gyro Recipe are the best!.

Seasoning Notes: The Greek Secret

Lemon & Oregano: This combo is basically the smell of Greece. Don't skimp! Lemon Oregano Chicken Gyro can be an awesome experience.
Garlic: Essential. Adds a pungent kick that cuts through the richness.
Dill: For the tzatziki. Adds a fresh, herbaceous note.
Substitution Alert!: No fresh dill? Use 1 teaspoon of dried dill. No Greek yogurt? Strain regular yogurt through cheesecloth.

Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple

Large Bowl: For marinating.
Grater: For the cucumber.
Small Bowl: For the tzatziki.
Grill Pan or Skillet: For cooking the chicken. I prefer a grill pan. It's about that awesome Chicken Gyro Recipe .
Tongs: For flipping the chicken.
Cutting Board & Knife: Obvious, right?

Cooking Up a Storm: Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki

Right, let's talk Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber Tzatziki! Honestly, making authentic Greek gyros at home isn't as scary as you think.

It's easier than navigating the M25 on a Friday arvo. It's the perfect Mediterranean Chicken Gyro .

Prep Steps: Your Mise en Place Mission

First things first. We need to get organised, yeah? It's called mise en place , fancy French for "everything in its place.

" Chop your onions, measure out your spices. Squeeze that lemon juice! Trust me, prepping saves a tonne of time.

No one wants to be faffing about while the chicken's burning.

Safety first, especially with raw chicken. Wash your hands like you've just handled a badger. And always, always use a separate cutting board for meat. You know?

step-by-step: Gyro Glory

Here's the deal. A killer Chicken Gyro Recipe starts here:

Marinate: Combine all marinade ingredients in a bowl. Throw in your chicken pieces. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours , or even overnight! I once marinated mine for a full 24 hours. Oh my gosh, the flavour was insane.
Tzatziki Time: Grate your cucumber. Squeeze out the excess liquid with a paper towel. Honestly, this step is crucial. Mix it with Greek yogurt, garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, and dill. Season to taste.
Cook the Chicken: Heat a grill pan over medium high heat. Cook the chicken until it reaches an internal temperature of 165° F ( 74° C) . About 5- 7 minutes per side.
Warm the Pita: Warm your pita breads in a dry skillet. You want them nice and pliable.
Assemble: Smear tzatziki on the pita. Pile on the chicken, red onion, and tomatoes.

Pro Tips: Level Up Your Gyros

Want next level gyros? Here's what's up. Squeezing the cucumber is a make-or-break step. Nobody likes a watery tzatziki. Trust me.

Don't overcook the chicken! Use a meat thermometer. Dry chicken is the worst . This is how you create a real Homemade Gyro Recipe .

You can make the tzatziki a day in advance. It actually tastes better after the flavours have had time to meld.

This Easy Gyro Recipe is fantastic if you are looking for a meal that is delicious and simple to prepare after a long day.

Serve with a Greek salad. Fancy!

Recipe Notes for the Best Greek Chicken Gyros with Cucumber

Right, you've got the Homemade Gyro Recipe down. Now let's chat about those little extras to make your greek chicken gyros with cucumber sing . Honestly, it's all about the details, innit?

Serving Suggestions: Gyro Glam Up!

Okay, so you've cooked your Lemon Oregano Chicken Gyro . Ace! Time to plate up. Think rustic, think taverna chic. Pile those gyros high on a wooden board.

Scatter some extra sliced tomatoes and red onion around. For drinks, I love a crisp Greek white wine. Alternatively, a can of ice-cold fizzy pop works a treat, you know? A Greek Salad (Horiatiki) or some lemon roasted potatoes on the side? Chef's kiss .

Storage Tips: Keepin' it Fresh

Got leftovers? Lucky you! Pop the chicken into an airtight container. It'll happily sit in the fridge for up to 3 days .

The tzatziki? Keep that separate in its own container. It's best used within 2 days .

I wouldn't recommend freezing the greek chicken gyros with cucumber , especially the tzatziki. It just doesn't thaw well. To reheat the chicken, a quick zap in the microwave will do.

However, for that proper crispy finish, a quick pan-fry is the way to go.

Variations: Gyro Remix

Fancy a change? Why not try a Mediterranean Chicken Gyro ? Sub halloumi for the chicken. Grilled halloumi is delightful and it is a fun twist.

Want to cut the carbs? Use lettuce wraps instead of pita. Also, if you're feeling brave, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the Cucumber Tzatziki Sauce for a bit of a kick.

Nutrition Basics: Goodness in a Gyro

Okay, I'm no nutritionist. But, let's break it down simple. One serving is roughly 550-650 calories. You're getting a good whack of protein ( 45-55g ).

You also get some healthy fats ( 25-35g ). Thanks to the yogurt and cucumber, you are getting some gut-friendly probiotics and hydration.

Bonus!

So, go on. Give it a go! These greek chicken gyros with cucumber are proper tasty and easy to make. You will nail it, no worries.

Juicy Chicken Gyro Recipe The Best Greek Chicken with Cucumber Tzatziki

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I marinate the chicken for these Greek chicken gyros with cucumber? Is overnight marinating too long?

Ideally, you should marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, but overnight (up to 12 hours) is even better! A longer marinating time allows the flavours to really penetrate the chicken, making it extra tender and delicious.

Just don't go beyond 24 hours, as the lemon juice could start to break down the chicken too much, making it a bit mushy nobody wants that, right?

My tzatziki always ends up watery. What am I doing wrong when making Greek chicken gyros with cucumber?

The key to avoiding watery tzatziki is to remove as much moisture as possible from the grated cucumber. After grating, place the cucumber in a clean tea towel or several layers of paper towels and squeeze out the excess liquid.

This step is crucial for a thick and creamy tzatziki that won't make your gyros soggy it's the difference between a soggy bottom and a Bake Off worthy gyro!

Can I make Greek chicken gyros with cucumber ahead of time?

Yes, you can definitely prep some components in advance! You can marinate the chicken a day ahead and store it in the fridge. The tzatziki can also be made a day in advance in fact, the flavours meld together even better if it sits overnight.

Just wait to warm the pita and assemble the gyros until right before serving for the best texture. Think of it as batch cooking, but with a Mediterranean twist!

Is there a substitute for Greek yogurt in the tzatziki sauce? I can't find it at my local shop.

If you can't find Greek yogurt, you can use regular plain yogurt, but you'll need to strain it to remove some of the whey. Line a sieve with cheesecloth and place it over a bowl. Add the yogurt, cover, and refrigerate for a few hours (or even overnight).

This will thicken the yogurt, making it a suitable substitute with the desired tang. It's like a DIY hack for a perfectly creamy tzatziki!

How can I store leftover Greek chicken gyros with cucumber?

Ideally, store the components of the gyros separately to prevent the pita from getting soggy. Keep the cooked chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. The tzatziki sauce will also last for about 3-4 days in the fridge.

Warm the pita bread and assemble the gyros just before serving to enjoy them at their best. Just like having leftovers from your favourite Greek takeaway, but you know exactly what's in them!

What are some healthy alternatives or additions I can add to my Greek chicken gyros with cucumber?

If you're looking to lighten up your gyros, consider using whole wheat pita bread for added fibre. Load up on veggies like extra tomatoes, bell peppers, or even some spinach for added nutrients. You could also use low-fat Greek yogurt in the tzatziki. If you want a little more fiber, add some chickpeas.

It's all about making it a well rounded, guilt free indulgence!