Name: Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h 30 min
Total time: 1 h 45 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: 12 boneless skinless chicken thighs (1.3kg total); 1/8 cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons honey Dijon mustard; 6 cloves minced garlic (or 3 very large ones); lemon zest (from two lemons); 1/2 tablespoon salt; dry oregano (to taste); 1 cup water or stock

Jump to Recipe

Get ready to bring a burst of Mediterranean sunshine straight to your kitchen with these Greek Chicken Gyros! This classic street food favorite combines juicy, flavorful chicken, tempting herbal aromas, and a hint of citrus zest, all wrapped up in a way that will make any weeknight dinner feel special. Whether it’s for a lively family meal or a fun dinner party, Greek Chicken Gyros offer that perfect balance of vibrant flavor, satisfying texture, and crowd-pleasing freshness you just can’t get enough of.

Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of Greek Chicken Gyros lies in its simplicity; each ingredient plays a starring role, working together to deliver bold flavor and authentic character. There’s no need for complicated prep work or hard-to-find elements—just fresh, honest ingredients with a Mediterranean twist.

Chicken Thighs: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken thighs for juicy and tender results—these hold up well to roasting and are packed with flavor.
Olive Oil: The foundation of Mediterranean cooking, olive oil keeps the chicken moist and infuses it with rich, earthy notes.
Honey Dijon Mustard: This secret star delivers subtle sweetness and tang, creating a glazed finish you’ll love.
Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is non-negotiable for that bold, aromatic punch in each bite.
Lemon Zest: Don’t skip this step! Grate the zest of two lemons for a citrusy brightness that wakes up all the flavors.
Salt: Essential for drawing out all those delicious flavors—adjust according to your salt preference and type.
Dry Oregano: A sprinkle goes a long way, lending those iconic herbal notes that make Greek Chicken Gyros truly authentic.
Water or Stock: Poured into the bottom of the pan, this steams the chicken and forms a flavorful sauce you’ll want to drizzle over everything.

How to Make Greek Chicken Gyros

Step 1: Prep Your Oven

First, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Giving your oven plenty of time to get nice and hot ensures the chicken starts crisping on the edges while staying tender inside—the ideal texture for Greek Chicken Gyros. Use this time to gather all your ingredients and revel in how quickly things will come together!

Step 2: Make the Marinade

In a large mixing bowl, combine the chicken thighs, olive oil, honey Dijon mustard, minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, and a generous pinch of dry oregano. Mix everything thoroughly—don’t be shy about using your hands to work the marinade into every nook and cranny of the chicken. This is where the magic starts, as the chicken begins soaking up all those bright and savory flavors.

Step 3: Marinate

Let the marinated chicken rest for at least one hour in the fridge. If you have time, marinate overnight for the most flavorful Greek Chicken Gyros imaginable. The longer the marinade, the more every chunk of chicken will sing with zesty, herbal flavor.

Step 4: Assemble Your Spit (No Special Gear Needed!)

If you own a vertical gyro spit plate, now’s the time to use it—simply thread the marinated chicken thighs onto the spit, alternating their direction for even layering. But don’t worry if you don’t have this specialty equipment! Just halve an onion, use it as your base, and skewer the chicken stack vertically on two sturdy wooden skewers planted in the onion, right on a parchment-lined baking sheet. It’s a handy DIY hack for authentic-style Greek Chicken Gyros at home.

Step 5: Add Liquid and Cover

Pour one cup of water or chicken stock into the base of your pan or baking sheet. This not only prevents sticking, but also collects deliciously seasoned juices at the bottom. If your top chicken thigh looks like it might brown too quickly, loosely cover it with a small pierced piece of foil—this will protect it as the rest cooks to perfection.

Step 6: Bake Until Golden and Juicy

Slide the whole assembly into your preheated oven and bake for 75 to 90 minutes, depending on the size of your chicken stack. You want the chicken cooked through, golden, and drool-worthy. The aroma filling your kitchen will make it impossible to wait! Once done, let it rest a few minutes before slicing into thin shavings.

Step 7: Slice and Serve

When your Greek Chicken Gyros are hot and ready, carve off thin slices—just like at your favorite street vendor. These are ready to tuck into warmed pitas, pile high onto salads, or serve however your heart desires. Don’t forget to spoon over some of that tangy, aromatic pan sauce for even more wow factor.

How to Serve Greek Chicken Gyros

Garnishes

A sprinkle of fresh parsley or dill, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, and a scattering of diced red onion bring lively color and brightness to your Greek Chicken Gyros. Serve with creamy tzatziki, crumbly feta, or even a few Kalamata olives for that classic finish.

Side Dishes

Pair your Greek Chicken Gyros with thick-cut seasoned fries, a crisp cucumber-tomato Greek salad, or warm pita bread for scooping up every last bite. The tangy, garlicky flavors go beautifully with roasted vegetables, lemon potatoes, or a simple bowl of herbed rice. It’s a feast ready for sharing!

Creative Ways to Present

Try building a gyro bar for your next gathering, letting everyone assemble their own personalized wraps with all the toppings. For something lighter, serve the sliced chicken atop a vibrant salad or in lettuce cups. Greek Chicken Gyros also make stunning party bites when tucked into mini pitas or skewered onto toothpicks for appetizers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Greek Chicken Gyros keep beautifully! Store any extra cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay delicious for up to four days. Keep sauces and toppings in separate containers to maintain freshness and texture.

Freezing

You can freeze sliced, cooked chicken portions for up to two months. Let your Greek Chicken Gyros cool completely, then pack into freezer bags or containers. Defrost overnight in the fridge for best results—you’ll love having a ready-to-heat protein on hand for quick meals.

Reheating

Reheat individual portions in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or chicken stock to keep things juicy, or pop them in the microwave for a quick lunch fix. For the tastiest results, avoid overheating; just warm until the chicken is hot throughout.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While chicken thighs are juicier and more forgiving, chicken breasts can work—just be careful not to overcook them, as they have less fat and may dry out faster.

What’s the best way to slice the chicken for gyros?

For authentic street-food vibes, let the chicken rest a few minutes, then slice it thinly against the grain using a sharp knife. Aim for strips that fit perfectly into a pita pocket or salad bowl.

How can I make Greek Chicken Gyros dairy free?

The chicken marinade is naturally dairy-free! Simply serve with non-dairy sauces and toppings—think dairy-free tzatziki and plenty of fresh veggies—for a delicious, allergy-friendly meal.

Can I grill instead of bake?

Yes, you can grill the marinated chicken thighs over medium heat until nicely charred and cooked through, then slice them thin for your gyros. This adds wonderful smoky flavor.

What can I do with leftovers?

Turn leftover Greek Chicken Gyros into salads, grain bowls, wraps, or even pizza toppings. The flavorful chicken pairs with just about anything and makes a superb meal prep staple.

Final Thoughts

There’s nothing quite like homemade Greek Chicken Gyros to transport you to the sun-drenched streets of Athens, no matter where you are. With simple ingredients and a little oven magic, you’ll have tender, zesty, irresistible chicken that disappears fast at any table. Give this recipe a try, and discover just how easy and rewarding it is to create your own gyro feast at home!

Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe

★★★★★

5.2 from 13 reviews

Author: lilan
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

Description

This Greek Chicken Gyros recipe is a flavorful and satisfying dish that is perfect for a family dinner or a gathering with friends. Marinated with a blend of olive oil, honey Dijon mustard, garlic, lemon zest, and oregano, these chicken thighs are roasted to juicy perfection. Serve them in pita bread with tzatziki sauce and fresh vegetables for an authentic Greek experience.

Ingredients

Scale

Marinade:

12 boneless skinless chicken thighs (1.3kg total)
1/8 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons honey Dijon mustard
6 cloves minced garlic (or 3 very large ones)
lemon zest (from two lemons)
1/2 tablespoon salt
dry oregano (to taste)

For Cooking:

1 cup water or stock

Instructions

Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 425F (220C).
Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken, olive oil, honey Dijon mustard, garlic, salt, lemon zest, and oregano. Mix well and marinate for at least one hour.
Thread the chicken: Thread the marinated chicken thighs onto a Vertical Gyro Spit Plate or makeshift spit using skewers inserted into an onion.
Cook the gyro: Place the gyro in the oven, add water or stock to the base for sauce, cover the top with foil, and bake for 75-90 minutes until fully cooked.
Rest and serve: Let the gyro rest before slicing and serving with your choice of sides like tzatziki, pita bread, or Greek salad.

Notes

If you don’t have a Vertical Gyro Oven Plate, you can create a makeshift spit using an onion and wooden skewers.
Consider serving the chicken gyro with loaded Greek fries, tzatziki, or on a Greek salad for a complete meal.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Roasting
Cuisine: Greek