Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Juicy and Flavorful: The chicken is marinated in a blend of olive oil, honey Dijon mustard, garlic, lemon zest, and oregano, resulting in tender and succulent meat.
- Authentic Experience: Cooking the chicken on a vertical spit mimics traditional gyro preparation, offering an authentic taste.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy the gyros in pita bread, over salads, or in bowls, making it adaptable to various preferences.
- Meal Prep Friendly: The marinated chicken can be prepared in advance, making it convenient for busy schedules.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 12 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (approximately 1.3 kg)
- ⅛ cup olive oilt
- 2 tablespoons honey Dijon mustard
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of two lemons
- ½ tablespoon salt (adjust to taste)
- Dried oregano, to taste
- 1 cup water or stock (for the base of the pan)
Directions
-
Marinate the Chicken:
- In a bowl, combine the chicken thighs, olive oil, honey Dijon mustard, minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, and dried oregano. Mix well to ensure the chicken is evenly coated
- Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight for enhanced flavor.
-
Prepare the Vertical Spit:
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Thread the marinated chicken thighs onto a vertical gyro spit, alternating the direction of each piece to ensure even cooking.
- Cover the top piece of chicken with a small piece of foil to prevent burning.
-
Roast the Chicken:
- Place the vertical spit on a baking sheet or in a roasting pan.
- Pour 1 cup of water or stock into the base of the pan to create a flavorful sauce and keep the chicken moist.
- Roast in the preheated oven for 1 to 1.5 hours, or until the chicken is fully cooked and the exterior is slightly caramelized.
-
Serve:
- Remove the chicken from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes.
- Thinly slice the chicken and serve on warm pita bread with tzatziki sauce, sliced tomatoes, onions, and any other desired toppings ing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Marinating Time: 1 hour (or overnight)
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes (plus marinating time)
- Calories: Approximately 300 kcal per serving
Variations
- Grill Option: If a vertical spit is unavailable, grill the marinated chicken thighs over medium heat until fully cooked.
- Spice Level: Add chili flakes or smoked paprika to the marinade for a spicy kick.
- Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme into the marinade for additional aroma.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover sliced chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or microwave on medium power for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but thighs are preferred for their juiciness and flavor.
Do I need a vertical spit to make this recipe?
No, you can grill or bake the marinated chicken thighs without a spit.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
At least 1 hour, but overnight marination yields the best flavor.
What toppings are traditional for gyros?
Tzatziki sauce, sliced tomatoes, onions, and sometimes lettuce or fries.
Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
Yes, freeze for up to 3 months; thaw before cooking.
Is it necessary to add water or stock to the roasting pan?
Yes, it keeps the chicken moist and creates a flavorful sauce.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Proper marination and not overcooking ensure juicy chicken.
Can I make this recipe on a stovetop?
Yes, cook the marinated chicken in a skillet over medium heat.
What type of pita is best for serving?
Soft, Greek-style pita bread works best.
How can I make this recipe gluten-free?
Use gluten-free pita bread or serve over a salad.
Conclusion
These Greek Chicken Gyros offer a delectable taste of Mediterranean cuisine
Greek Chicken Gyros
Greek Chicken Gyros bring the authentic flavors of Greece to your kitchen with juicy, marinated chicken thighs roasted to perfection. Served on warm pita bread with creamy tzatziki sauce and fresh toppings, this easy homemade gyro recipe is perfect for a satisfying meal. Whether cooked on a vertical spit, grilled, or baked, these gyros are bursting with Mediterranean flavors!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Roasting
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
For the Chicken Marinade:
- 12 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (about 1.3 kg)
- ⅛ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons honey Dijon mustard
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of two lemons
- ½ tablespoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 cup water or chicken stock (for the roasting pan)
For Serving:
- Warm pita bread
- Tzatziki sauce
- Sliced tomatoes
- Sliced red onions
- Fresh parsley or lettuce (optional)
Instructions
-
Marinate the Chicken
- In a bowl, mix olive oil, honey Dijon mustard, garlic, lemon zest, salt, and oregano.
- Coat the chicken thighs evenly with the marinade.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or overnight for enhanced flavor.
-
Prepare the Vertical Spit or Oven Baking
- Preheat oven to 425°F (220°C).
- Thread marinated chicken thighs onto a vertical gyro spit, alternating directions for even cooking.
- If using a baking sheet, lay the chicken flat in a single layer.
- Add 1 cup of water or chicken stock to the roasting pan to keep the meat moist.
-
Roast the Chicken
- Place the spit or pan in the oven and roast for 60-75 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and slightly caramelized.
- If using a baking sheet, flip the chicken halfway through cooking.
-
Slice and Serve
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before thinly slicing it.
- Serve in warm pita bread with tzatziki, tomatoes, onions, and any desired toppings.
Notes
- Alternative Cooking Methods: Grill the marinated chicken thighs over medium heat for 5-6 minutes per side or cook in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes or smoked paprika to the marinade for extra heat.
- Herb Infusion: Incorporate fresh rosemary or thyme for additional aroma.
