Quick & Authentic Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe Everyone Will Love

Gyros represent a mouthwatering Mediterranean culinary treasure that embodies vibrant flavor profiles and robust cultural traditions.

These delectable wraps have roots deeply embedded in generations of Greek cooking techniques.

Succulent meat redefines simple ingredients into a sensational dining experience that tantalizes taste buds.

Each carefully assembled gyro combines tender proteins with complementary seasonings and fresh accompaniments.

The perfect gyro balances textures and temperatures, creating a harmonious blend of crisp, warm, and cool elements.

authentic preparation requires precision and understanding of traditional cooking methods passed through family kitchens.

Quality ingredients make all the difference in elevating this street food classic from ordinary to extraordinary.

Best Sides for Chicken Gyros Night

• Elevate with Crisp Greek White Wine: Pair the gyros with a chilled Assyrtiko from Santorini, its citrusy and mineral notes perfectly complementing the herb-infused chicken and cutting through the richness.
• Refresh with Tangy Tzatziki Companion: Serve alongside a cucumber and dill salad dressed in extra virgin olive oil and lemon, mirroring the gyros' bright Mediterranean flavors and providing a cool, refreshing contrast.
• Match with Robust Red Wine Alternative: For red wine lovers, choose a medium-bodied Agiorgitiko from Nemea, whose soft tannins and berry undertones harmonize beautifully with the spiced chicken marinade.
• Complete with Greek Village Salad: Add a traditional horiatiki salad with ripe tomatoes, feta cheese, kalamata olives, and oregano to round out the meal, creating a full Greek dining experience that celebrates authentic Mediterranean ingredients.

Flavor Twists for Greek Chicken Wraps

• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Replace traditional Greek spices with a blend of za'atar, sumac, and dried mint for a Middle Eastern-inspired flavor profile that adds depth and complexity to the chicken.
• Smoky Paprika Infusion: Increase paprika quantity and add smoked paprika to create a richer, more intense smoky undertone that transforms the classic gyro experience with robust warmth.
• Citrus Zest Marinade: Incorporate orange zest and swap lemon juice for fresh lime juice, introducing a brighter, more vibrant citrus dimension that enhances the chicken's natural flavors and creates a refreshing undertone.
• Spicy Chili Kick: Amplify chili flakes and add ground cayenne pepper to develop a more pronounced heat level that brings exciting boldness to the traditional Greek chicken gyro recipe.

What Makes Greek Chicken Gyros Feel So Fresh

• Flavor-Packed Mediterranean Adventure: This gyros recipe transforms ordinary chicken into a taste explosion with a complex spice blend of paprika, coriander, rosemary, and chili flakes that delivers authentic Greek culinary magic right to your kitchen.
• Foolproof Technique Mastery: The step-by-step method of pounding chicken, creating a homemade spice mix, and using a clever rotisserie setup makes this recipe approachable for home cooks wanting to elevate their grilling skills without complicated equipment.
• Marination Magic Transformation: Overnight marinating infuses deep, rich flavors into the chicken, ensuring each bite is incredibly tender, juicy, and packed with aromatic Mediterranean seasonings that guarantee a restaurant-quality experience at home.
• Time-Efficient Gourmet Cooking: With just a few preparation steps and a straightforward one-hour baking process, this recipe delivers impressive results without demanding hours of complicated cooking techniques, perfect for busy food lovers craving something special.

Ingredients for Greek Chicken Gyros at Home

• Chicken Thighs: Tender, flavorful meat that absorbs marinade perfectly and provides rich protein for the gyros.
• Onion: Creates vertical support for rotisserie and adds subtle sweetness during cooking.

• Paprika: Provides warm, sweet pepper flavor and beautiful reddish color to the marinade.
• Coriander Seeds: Offers citrusy, nutty undertones that complement chicken's richness.
• Black Peppercorns: Adds sharp, aromatic heat to enhance overall seasoning.
• Rosemary: Brings earthy, pine-like herbal notes that pair wonderfully with chicken.
• Chili Flakes: Introduces mild spicy kick to balance other marinade flavors.
• Salt: Essential for bringing out and balancing all other flavor profiles.
• Garlic: Delivers intense, pungent base flavor fundamental to Mediterranean cooking.

• Olive Oil: Helps distribute marinade evenly and ensures chicken remains moist during cooking.
• Lemon Juice: Provides bright acidity that tenderizes meat and adds fresh citrus brightness.
• Bamboo Stick: Supports chicken during vertical roasting and enables traditional gyros preparation method.
• Tzatziki Sauce: Classic Greek yogurt-based condiment that perfectly complements grilled chicken.

How to Wrap and Assemble Chicken Gyros

Step 1: Prepare Chicken

Place chicken thighs inside a ziplock bag. Using a meat mallet, pound each thigh to 1/2 inch (1 cm) thickness. Ensure even flattening for consistent cooking.

Step 2: Create Flavor-Packed Marinade

• Paprika
• Coriander seeds
• Black peppercorns
• Dried rosemary
• Chili flakes
• Salt
• Garlic
• Olive oil
• Lemon juice

Grind dry spices in a mortar until they become a semi-coarse powder. Crush garlic and mix into the spice blend. Pour in olive oil and lemon juice, stirring to create a fragrant marinade.

Step 3: Marinate Chicken

Completely coat chicken thighs with the marinade. Wrap tightly and refrigerate for 2 hours or overnight to allow flavors to penetrate the meat.

Step 4: Assemble Rotisserie Setup

Select a bamboo skewer. Cut an onion in half and secure it as a base. Carefully thread marinated chicken thighs onto the skewer, creating a vertical arrangement.

Step 5: Roast Chicken

Preheat oven to 375°F. Place the skewered chicken on a baking tray. Roast for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let the chicken rest for 15 minutes before slicing.

Step 6: Serve with Tzatziki

Slice chicken and serve alongside fresh tzatziki sauce for an authentic Greek dining experience.

Tips for Authentic Greek Flavor in Every Bite

• Tenderize Thoroughly: Pound chicken evenly to ensure consistent cooking and maximum flavor absorption throughout each piece.
• Mortar Magic: Freshly grinding spices releases more intense aromatics compared to pre-ground alternatives, elevating the gyros' authentic taste.
• Marinate Smartly: Allowing chicken to rest in marinade overnight helps develop deeper, more complex flavor profiles and enhances meat tenderness.
• Rotisserie Technique: Using the onion as a base stabilizes the skewer and adds subtle sweetness while preventing chicken from burning during roasting.
• Temperature Precision: Always use a meat thermometer to confirm chicken reaches safe 165°F internal temperature, guaranteeing juicy and perfectly cooked meat.

Store and Reheat Leftover Gyros Like a Pro

• Store Leftovers
• Refrigerate freshly cooked gyros within 2 hours of preparation. Pack meat and tzatziki separately in airtight containers to maintain crispness and prevent sogginess.
• Consume refrigerated chicken gyros within 3-4 days for optimal taste and food safety. Cover containers tightly to prevent moisture and odor absorption.
• Reheat Leftovers
• Warm chicken gyros in a preheated oven at 350°F for 10-15 minutes. Wrap loosely in aluminum foil to retain moisture and prevent drying out. Avoid microwaving to preserve meat's texture and prevent rubbery consistency.
• Slice cold meat before reheating for even warming. Drizzle with a tablespoon of olive oil to enhance flavor and prevent dryness during reheating.

Authentic Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Greek chicken gyros showcase Mediterranean flavors with tender marinated chicken wrapped in warm pita bread. Crisp vegetables, tangy tzatziki, and aromatic herbs create a delicious street-style sandwich you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1.32 pounds (600 g) boneless chicken thighs
• ½ large onion
• 1 bamboo skewer

Marinade Spices and Herbs:

• 2.5 tablespoons dried rosemary
• 2.5 tablespoons whole coriander seeds
• 2.5 tablespoons red chili flakes
• 2 tablespoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
• Coarse sea salt to taste

Liquid Marinade Ingredients:

• ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons finely chopped garlic

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Instructions

1. Tenderize chicken thighs to a uniform 1/2-inch (1.27 centimeters) thickness using a meat mallet, placing each piece inside a protective plastic bag to prevent splatter.
2. Craft an aromatic marinade by grinding paprika, coriander seeds, whole peppercorns, dried rosemary, chili flakes, and kosher salt into a semi-coarse powder using a traditional mortar and pestle.
3. Incorporate minced fresh garlic into the spice blend, then whisk in extra virgin olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice to create a vibrant marinade.
4. Thoroughly massage the marinade into each chicken thigh, ensuring complete coverage, then securely wrap in plastic film and allow to marinate in the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours or ideally overnight.
5. Prepare a vertical roasting method by inserting a sturdy bamboo skewer through a halved onion to create a stabilizing base.
6. Carefully thread the marinated chicken thighs onto the skewer, arranging them vertically to ensure even cooking and authentic rotisserie-style presentation.
7. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the chicken skewer on a rimmed baking tray, allowing for proper heat circulation.
8. Roast the chicken for approximately 55-65 minutes, monitoring the internal temperature until it reaches a safe 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer.
9. Remove from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for 15-20 minutes, enabling the juices to redistribute and ensuring maximum tenderness.
10. Slice the roasted chicken thinly and serve alongside cool, creamy tzatziki sauce for an authentic Greek dining experience.

Notes

• Tenderize chicken thighs evenly by pounding to ensure consistent cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
• Freshly ground spices create a more intense and aromatic marinade compared to pre-ground alternatives.
• Marinating overnight allows deep flavor penetration and helps soften the meat for a more succulent texture.
• Use a meat thermometer to accurately check internal temperature, preventing undercooked chicken.
• Create a stable vertical rotisserie using a bamboo stick and onion to help maintain chicken’s shape during roasting.
• Rest the cooked chicken for 15 minutes to redistribute juices, ensuring each slice remains moist and flavorful.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 420 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 280 mg
• Fat: 34 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 115 mg