Master the Homemade Authentic Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe

Sizzling aromas of Mediterranean spices dance through the kitchen with this authentic Greek chicken gyros recipe that promises a culinary journey straight to the heart of Greece.

Tender marinated chicken, seasoned with robust herbs and zesty garlic, creates a mouthwatering centerpiece for any meal.

The secret lies in the perfect blend of traditional spices that infuse each succulent bite with rich, vibrant flavors.

Grilled to golden perfection, the chicken becomes wonderfully crisp on the outside while maintaining its juicy interior.

Wrapped in soft, warm pita bread and topped with cool tzatziki sauce, these gyros bring a burst of Mediterranean sunshine to your plate.

Fresh ingredients and bold seasonings turn this classic street food into a restaurant-worthy experience you can easily recreate at home.

Prepare to transport your taste buds to the charming streets of Athens with every delicious bite.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 1 hour

Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Calories: 415 kcal

Servings: 5

Inside the Ingredients of Authentic Greek Chicken Gyros

• Chicken Thighs: Tender, juicy cut perfect for absorbing robust Mediterranean flavors and creating succulent gyro texture. Choose boneless, skinless thighs with minimal fat for even cooking.

• Paprika, Coriander Seeds, Black Peppercorns, Rosemary, Chili Flakes, Salt: Aromatic blend creating depth and traditional Greek seasoning profile. Select whole spices for maximum flavor intensity and freshness.
• Garlic: Powerful flavor enhancer providing authentic Mediterranean earthiness. Choose fresh, firm cloves with no green sprouts.
• Olive Oil: Rich, smooth binding agent carrying spice flavors into meat. Select extra virgin for superior taste and quality.
• Lemon Juice: Bright acidic component tenderizing meat and balancing spice complexity. Use fresh, ripe citrus for optimal zestiness.

• Onion: Structural support for rotisserie technique and adding subtle sweetness. Pick firm, crisp white or yellow onions.
• Bamboo Stick: Practical skewering tool for creating traditional gyro preparation method. Ensure stick is food-safe and sturdy.
• Tzatziki Sauce: Classic Greek accompaniment providing cooling contrast to spiced meat. Prepare with fresh yogurt and cucumber.

Tools You’ll Need for Authentic Greek Chicken Gyros

• Meat Mallet: Essential for tenderizing and flattening chicken thighs to perfect thickness.
• Ziplock Bag: Protects work surface and contains meat while pounding.
• Mortar and Pestle: Perfect for grinding whole spices into a semi-coarse powder.
• Bamboo Skewers: Critical for creating vertical rotisserie-style chicken setup.
• Baking Tray: Supports chicken during roasting and catches any drippings.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for slicing chicken and preparing ingredients.
• Cutting Board: Provides clean surface for food preparation.
• Measuring Spoons: Ensures accurate spice and seasoning amounts.

How to Make Authentic Greek Chicken Gyros at Home

• Chicken Preparation

Tenderly flatten each chicken thigh to create an even, delicate texture that ensures perfect cooking and maximum flavor absorption.

• Marinade Magic

Craft a vibrant spice blend by grinding an aromatic mix of paprika, coriander, peppercorns, rosemary, and chili flakes into a fragrant powder. Incorporate garlic, olive oil, and fresh lemon juice to create a mouthwatering marinade that will transform ordinary chicken into a Mediterranean sensation.

• Flavor Infusion

Lovingly massage the marinade into the chicken, allowing the flavors to penetrate deeply. Wrap and let the chicken rest in the refrigerator, allowing the spices to work their magic and tenderize the meat.

• Rotisserie Setup

Create a simple home rotisserie by skewering a halved onion and carefully layering the marinated chicken thighs, mimicking traditional Greek cooking techniques.

• Cooking Perfection

Roast in a preheated oven until the chicken reaches golden-brown deliciousness and is thoroughly cooked. Allow the meat to rest briefly before serving, ensuring juicy, flavorful gyros that transport you straight to the streets of Greece.

Tips & Twists for Authentic Greek Chicken Gyros

• Pound chicken evenly to ensure consistent cooking and maximum flavor absorption throughout the meat.
• Allow chicken to marinate for full 24 hours for deeper, more intense Mediterranean-style seasoning profile.
• Customize spice blend by swapping chili flakes with smoked paprika or adding ground cumin for extra warmth.
• Grill chicken on skewers or use air fryer at 375°F for crispy exterior if rotisserie setup isn't available.
• Replace chicken thighs with lamb, turkey, or plant-based protein for diverse dietary preferences while maintaining traditional Greek seasoning approach.

Serving Ideas for Your Greek Chicken Gyros

• Serve with Warm Pita Perfection: Gently warm soft pita bread and create a delicious wrap stuffed with sliced gyros chicken, crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and cool tzatziki sauce.
• Create Mediterranean Platter Magic: Arrange sliced gyros chicken on a large platter surrounded by Greek salad, kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and warm pita wedges for a stunning shared meal.
• Craft Quick Lunch Delight: Pack sliced gyros chicken in a lunch container with tzatziki sauce, cucumber slices, and pita bread for an easy, portable Mediterranean-inspired lunch that'll make coworkers jealous.
• Top with Fresh Flavor Boost: Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like parsley or dill over the sliced chicken, add a squeeze of lemon, and garnish with thinly sliced red onions for extra zesty freshness.

Storing & Planning with Authentic Greek Chicken Gyros

• Refrigerate and Savor
• Store marinated chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before cooking to enhance flavor penetration.
• Quick Freeze Method
• Wrap individual chicken portions in freezer-safe plastic wrap, then place in a sealed freezer bag to maintain freshness for up to 3 months.
• Smart Leftovers Strategy
• Slice remaining gyro chicken and store in a sealed container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, perfect for quick salads, wraps, or lunch reheating.
• Optimal Reheating Technique
• Warm refrigerated chicken slices in a skillet over medium heat with a touch of olive oil, ensuring moisture and preventing dryness while restoring the original juicy texture.

Rustic Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe

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• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Greek chicken gyros bring Mediterranean flavors to your kitchen with succulent marinated meat and classic tzatziki sauce. Home cooks can easily recreate this street-style sandwich, enjoying crisp vegetables and tender chicken wrapped in warm pita bread.

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Ingredients

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• 1.32 lbs (600 g) boneless chicken thighs
• ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2.5 tbsps dried rosemary
• 2.5 tbsps whole coriander seeds
• 2.5 tbsps red chili flakes
• 2 tbsps paprika
• 2 tbsps lemon juice
• 2 tbsps finely chopped garlic
• 1 tsp black peppercorns
• ½ large onion
• 1 bamboo skewer
• Coarse sea salt to taste

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Tenderize chicken thighs to uniform thickness using a meat mallet within a protective plastic bag, creating an even surface for optimal marination and cooking.
2. Spice Blend: Grind paprika, coriander seeds, peppercorns, dried rosemary, chili flakes, and kosher salt into a semi-coarse powder using a mortar and pestle, releasing their aromatic essences.
3. Marinade Creation: Integrate minced garlic with the spice blend, whisking in extra virgin olive oil and fresh lemon juice to craft a vibrant, flavor-packed marinade that will infuse the chicken with traditional Greek flavors.
4. Marinating Process: Massage the marinade thoroughly into each chicken thigh, ensuring complete coverage, then wrap securely and refrigerate for 2-8 hours to allow deep flavor penetration.
5. Roasting Setup: Create a vertical roasting structure by inserting a sturdy bamboo skewer through a halved onion, then carefully thread marinated chicken thighs onto the skewer in a vertical arrangement for authentic rotisserie-style cooking.
6. Oven Preparation: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C), positioning the chicken skewer on a rimmed baking tray to ensure proper heat circulation and even cooking.
7. Cooking and Monitoring: Roast the chicken for 55-65 minutes, carefully tracking the internal temperature until it reaches 165°F (74°C) with a meat thermometer, guaranteeing both safety and optimal tenderness.
8. Resting and Serving: Allow the roasted chicken to rest for 15-20 minutes, permitting juice redistribution, then slice thinly and present alongside cool tzatziki sauce for an authentic Greek culinary experience.

Notes

• Tenderizing Technique: Use a meat mallet inside a plastic bag to prevent messy splatters and ensure uniform chicken thickness for even cooking.
• Spice Grinding Tip: Crush whole spices with a mortar and pestle to release maximum flavor and create a more authentic, aromatic marinade.
• Marinating Magic: Allow chicken to marinate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight, to deeply infuse the meat with rich, complex Greek flavors.
• Temperature Precision: Use a meat thermometer to guarantee chicken reaches the safe internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring perfectly cooked and juicy meat.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 415
• Sugar: 0.5 g
• Sodium: 900 mg
• Fat: 38 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 3 g
• Fiber: 0.5 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg