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 (approximately 1.3 kg total); 1/8 cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons honey Dijon mustard; 6 cloves minced garlic (or 3 very large cloves); Zest of 2 lemons; 1/2 tablespoon salt (reduce if using regular table salt); Dry oregano, to taste; 1 cup water or chicken stock (for the base of the pan)

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Introduction

Greek Chicken Gyros are a flavorful and satisfying dish featuring tender, marinated chicken thighs cooked to perfection. This recipe captures the authentic taste of Greece with simple ingredients and can be served in various delicious ways. Whether on pita bread or alongside a fresh salad, it’s a versatile meal that’s sure to impress.

A tall stack of grilled chicken pieces with a golden-brown color and charred edges is arranged in multiple layers on a round silver pan, each layer showing juicy, cooked texture with herbs and spices visible, while a spoon held above pours rich, glossy sauce down the sides, creating a glistening effect; the scene is set against a white marbled surface with a white tiled background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

12 boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 1.3 kg total)
⅛ cup olive oil
2 tablespoons honey Dijon mustard
6 cloves minced garlic (or 3 very large cloves)
Zest of two lemons
½ tablespoon salt (adjust if using regular table salt)
Dry oregano, to taste
1 cup water or stock (for the bottom of the pan)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C).
Step 2: In a bowl, combine chicken thighs, olive oil, honey Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, lemon zest, and oregano. Mix well to coat the chicken evenly. Marinate for at least one hour, or overnight for best flavor.
Step 3: If you have a Vertical Gyro Spit Plate, thread the chicken thighs onto it, rotating each piece in the opposite direction from the last. If you don’t have one, create a homemade spit by halving an onion, placing it on a baking sheet lined with parchment or foil, and inserting two wooden skewers vertically into the onion.
Step 4: Place the assembled gyro in the oven. Pour 1 cup of water or stock into the base of the pan to catch drippings and create a sauce.
Step 5: To prevent the top chicken pieces from burning, loosely cover them with a small pierced piece of foil.
Step 6: Bake for 75 to 90 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
Step 7: Remove from the oven, let the chicken rest for a few minutes, then slice and serve. Enjoy with loaded Greek fries, pita bread and tzatziki, or a fresh Greek salad.

Tips & Variations

Marinating overnight enhances the flavor and tenderness of the chicken.
Use chicken breast if you prefer leaner meat, but thighs stay juicier.
For extra smokiness, finish the gyros under the broiler for a few minutes before resting.
Serve with traditional toppings like tomatoes, onions, and tzatziki sauce for an authentic experience.

Storage

Store leftover chicken gyros in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave to retain moisture. Chicken can also be frozen for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

A large stack of cooked meat pieces is pierced by a tall metal skewer, standing upright in the center. The stack shows about six thick layers of golden-brown grilled meat with slightly charred edges and juicy textures visible between layers. The meat looks tender and well-marinated with spices and herbs giving it a flavorful sheen. The stack sits in a shiny silver frying pan with handles, resting on a white marbled surface. The background is white with a subway tile pattern. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, chicken breasts can be used, but they tend to be drier than thighs. Be careful not to overcook and consider marinating longer to keep them moist.

What can I use if I don’t have a Vertical Gyro Spit Plate?

You can create a DIY spit by halving an onion, placing it on a baking sheet, and inserting two wooden skewers vertically into the onion. This setup holds the chicken upright while cooking.