If you’re craving the bold, herbaceous flavors of the Mediterranean, Greek Chicken Gyros are here to save the day! This recipe combines tender, juicy chicken with a marinade bursting with tangy and savory notes, slow-roasted to perfection for that irresistible caramelized char.
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating yourself to a flavorful meal, these gyros are sure to impress.
Let’s dive into this easy-to-follow recipe and explore how you can bring the authentic taste of Greece to your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Greek Chicken Gyros are a celebration of Mediterranean flavors. The marinade is a perfect blend of olive oil, honey Dijon mustard, garlic, lemon zest, and oregano, infusing the chicken with a mouthwatering aroma. Slow-roasting on a spit ensures the chicken remains juicy while developing a golden-brown crust. Pair it with pita bread, tzatziki sauce, or a refreshing Greek salad for a complete meal that feels like a trip to the shores of Santorini.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we get started, gather these simple yet flavorful ingredients:
- Chicken: 12 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 1.3kg total)
- Olive Oil: ⅛ cup for richness and flavor
- Honey Dijon Mustard: 2 tablespoons for a tangy-sweet kick
- Garlic: 6 cloves minced (or 3 very large ones) for bold flavor
- Lemon Zest: From two lemons for brightness
- Salt: ½ tablespoon (adjust if using regular table salt)
- Dry Oregano: To taste, for an earthy herbal note
- Water or Stock: 1 cup, added to the pan for moisture and sauce
Equipment
To make this recipe, you’ll need:
- Vertical Spit (optional): If you have one, it’s perfect for authentic gyro preparation. If not, don’t worry! You can easily create a DIY spit using wooden skewers and an onion (details below).
- Nakiri Knife: For precise chopping.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: To ensure your ingredients are just right.
- Liquid Measuring Cup: For accurate measurement of water or stock.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
1. Marinate the Chicken
In a mixing bowl, combine the chicken thighs with olive oil, honey Dijon mustard, minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, and oregano. Mix thoroughly to coat each piece of chicken evenly. For best results, let the chicken marinate for at least one hour—or overnight if you have time. The longer it marinates, the deeper the flavors will penetrate.
2. Prepare Your Spit
If you have a vertical gyro spit plate, thread the marinated chicken thighs onto it, alternating their orientation to ensure even cooking. Don’t have a spit? No problem! Cut an onion in half and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or foil. Insert two wooden skewers vertically into the onion and thread the chicken onto them. This simple hack works like magic!
3. Roast the Gyros
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the prepared gyro in the oven and add 1 cup of water or stock to the base of the pan to create a flavorful sauce while roasting. For extra protection against burning, cover the top piece of chicken with pierced foil—it’s often the first to char.
Bake for 75–90 minutes or until fully cooked. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The exterior will develop a golden-brown caramelization while staying juicy inside.
4. Rest and Slice
Once cooked, remove the gyro from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat. Slice thinly and serve immediately!
Serving Ideas
Greek Chicken Gyros are incredibly versatile! Here are some ways to enjoy them:
- Classic Gyro Wraps: Serve on warm pita bread with tzatziki sauce, chopped tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and crumbled feta cheese.
- Loaded Greek Fries: Top crispy fries with gyro slices, tzatziki sauce, and fresh veggies for a Mediterranean-inspired treat.
- Greek Salad: Pair sliced gyros with a refreshing salad of mixed greens, olives, cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta cheese.
- Rice Bowls: Serve over fluffy rice with roasted vegetables and your favorite toppings.
Tips & Variations
Protein Alternatives
Not a fan of chicken thighs? Swap them out for lamb, pork, or beef! Adjust cooking times depending on the meat you choose—lamb and pork may require slightly longer roasting times while beef cooks faster.
Experiment with Marinades
Feel free to customize the marinade to suit your taste. Add yogurt for creaminess or paprika and cumin for smoky depth. Lemon juice or vinegar can enhance tanginess as well.
Spice It Up
Mix up your spice blend by incorporating coriander, thyme, or smoked paprika for an extra layer of flavor complexity.
Creative Toppings
Elevate your gyros with unique toppings like pickled vegetables, roasted red peppers, or even spicy harissa sauce for a fusion twist!
Nutrition Information
Here’s what you’ll get per serving (approximately):
- Calories: 485 kcal
- Protein: 66g
- Fat: 21g (including healthy monounsaturated fats from olive oil)
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Sodium: 1215mg
- Cholesterol: 322mg
Note: Nutrition values are automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.
The Secret Sauce: Exclusive Content Delivered to Your Inbox
Love this recipe? Want more Mediterranean-inspired dishes? Sign up for exclusive content and get delicious recipes delivered straight to your inbox! You’ll be the first to know about new creations and cooking tips that will elevate your culinary game.
Final Thoughts
Greek Chicken Gyros are more than just a meal—they’re an experience! From marinating to slow-roasting and slicing, every step brings out incredible flavors that transport you straight to Greece. Whether you’re serving them at a gathering or enjoying them solo, this recipe is bound to become a household favorite.
So what are you waiting for? Fire up your oven, grab your apron, and get ready to savor every bite of these delectable gyros! Opa!
Print
Greek Chicken Gyros
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
These Greek Chicken Gyros are perfectly seasoned, slow-roasted on a vertical spit until slightly charred on the outside and tender on the inside. A Mediterranean delight bursting with tangy, herby, and savory flavor.
Ingredients
- 12 boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 1.3 kg)
- 1/8 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey Dijon mustard
- 6 cloves minced garlic (or 3 very large ones)
- Zest of two lemons
- 1/2 tablespoon salt (adjust if using table salt)
- Dry oregano, to taste
- 1 cup water or stock (for bottom of pan)
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a bowl, combine chicken, olive oil, honey Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, lemon zest, and oregano. Mix well.
3. Marinate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for best flavor.
4. Thread chicken thighs onto a vertical spit, alternating orientation with each thigh.
5. If no spit is available, use a halved onion on a baking sheet with skewers to hold the chicken upright.
6. Place gyro in oven and pour 1 cup of water or stock at the base to create a flavorful sauce.
7. Optionally, loosely cover the top chicken thigh with pierced foil to prevent burning.
8. Bake for 75–90 minutes or until fully cooked (about 1.5 hours).
9. Remove from oven, rest briefly, then slice and serve as desired.
Notes
Protein Alternatives: Use lamb, pork, or beef instead of chicken—adjust cooking time accordingly.
Other Marinades: Try yogurt, lemon juice, vinegar, paprika, or cumin for variation.
Alternative Spice Blends: Experiment with paprika, cumin, coriander, or thyme.
Toppings: Serve with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, feta, or pickled vegetables.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 485
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 1215mg
- Fat: 21g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0.1g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0.1g
- Protein: 66g
- Cholesterol: 322mg
Leave a Comment