These Greek Chicken Gyros are a mouthwatering, juicy delight, inspired by authentic Greek cooking. The chicken thighs are marinated with a flavorful combination of lemon, garlic, Dijon mustard, and oregano, then roasted to perfection. The result? Tender, flavorful chicken wrapped in warm pita, served with creamy tzatziki sauce, making it perfect for a family dinner or a fun gathering with friends.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the chicken:

• 12 boneless skinless chicken thighs (about 1.3 kg total)

• ⅛ cup olive oil

• 2 tbsp honey Dijon mustard

• 6 cloves garlic (minced)

• Zest of 2 lemons

• ½ tbsp salt (adjust to taste)

• Dried oregano (to taste)

• 1 cup water or stock (for the base of the pan)

Directions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, mix the chicken thighs with olive oil, honey Dijon mustard, garlic, lemon zest, salt, and oregano. Marinate for at least 1 hour (overnight for best results).

2. Prepare the Gyro Spit (Optional): Thread the marinated chicken thighs onto a vertical gyro spit. If you don’t have a vertical gyro oven plate, you can create a makeshift spit using a halved onion and wooden skewers. Arrange the chicken opposite to each other for even cooking.

3. Bake: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the gyro in the oven, adding 1 cup of water or stock to the bottom of the plate. Cover the top chicken thigh with a piece of foil to prevent burning. Bake for 75-90 minutes, or until fully cooked and juicy.

4. Rest and Serve: Let the gyro rest for a few minutes, then cut the chicken. Serve the Greek Chicken Gyros with pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and any desired toppings like tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 485 kcal

• Protein: 66g

• Fat: 21g

  • Saturated Fat: 4g

• Carbohydrates: 4g

  • Fiber: 0.1g

  • Sugar: 2g

• Sodium: 1215mg

• Cholesterol: 322mg

• Iron: 3mg

Why Greek Chicken Gyros Are So Great

Greek Chicken Gyros are not only incredibly delicious but also simple to make. The chicken thighs are marinated in a flavorful combination of honey Dijon mustard, lemon, garlic, and oregano, which creates a delicious balance of tangy, savory, and slightly sweet flavors. The high-fat content of the chicken thighs helps keep the meat tender and juicy during the roasting process, making it far more flavorful than other leaner cuts of meat.

Additionally, the option to cook the chicken on a makeshift gyro spit (or in the oven) adds authenticity to the dish, creating that familiar crispy, golden exterior while maintaining a juicy, flavorful interior. Paired with warm pita bread and cool tzatziki sauce, this dish offers the perfect balance of warm, savory, and fresh ingredients, making it a crowd-pleasing meal that everyone will enjoy.

How to Make Greek Chicken Gyros

This recipe is easy to follow and can be prepared in a few simple steps. Here’s how you make these delicious Greek Chicken Gyros:

1. Marinate the Chicken:
   In a large bowl, combine the boneless skinless chicken thighs (12 thighs, about 1.3 kg total) with ⅛ cup olive oil, 2 tbsp honey Dijon mustard, 6 cloves of minced garlic, zest from 2 lemons, ½ tbsp salt, and dried oregano to taste. Toss everything together until the chicken is well coated. Marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but for the best results, marinate it overnight in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to fully infuse the meat.

2. Prepare the Gyro Spit (Optional):
   If you have a vertical gyro spit, thread the marinated chicken thighs onto the spit for even cooking. If you don’t have a gyro oven plate, you can create a makeshift spit by halving an onion and using wooden skewers to arrange the chicken thighs in an upright position. This helps ensure the chicken is evenly cooked and retains its juiciness.

3. Bake the Chicken:
   Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Place the gyro (whether on the spit or in a baking dish) into the oven, adding 1 cup of water or stock to the bottom of the plate to help keep the chicken moist. Cover the top of the chicken with a piece of foil to prevent it from burning. Bake for 75-90 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and juicy, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

4. Rest and Serve:
   Once the chicken is done, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it into thin strips. Serve the Greek Chicken Gyros with warm pita bread, a generous drizzle of tzatziki sauce, and your choice of toppings like sliced tomatoes, cucumbers, and red onions. You can also add a side of Greek salad or roasted vegetables to complete the meal.

Why This Recipe Works So Well

This recipe is simple yet packed with flavor. The combination of Dijon mustard, lemon, and garlic creates a tangy marinade that infuses the chicken with a rich, savory taste. The slow roasting in the oven ensures the chicken stays tender and juicy, while the honey Dijon mustard adds a subtle sweetness that balances the savory flavors. The crispy exterior, combined with the tender interior, gives the chicken a perfect texture that’s satisfying with every bite.

The homemade tzatziki sauce (if you choose to make it) is the perfect complement to the roasted chicken, with its creamy, cool texture and refreshing cucumber flavor. The soft pita bread holds everything together and adds a nice contrast to the juicy chicken. Overall, this recipe strikes a balance between ease of preparation and authentic flavors, making it a perfect meal for any occasion.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of these Greek Chicken Gyros is a satisfying, protein-packed meal. The total calorie count for the entire recipe is 800-900 kcal, with approximately 66g of protein per serving. This makes the dish an excellent option for those looking to increase their protein intake.

The fat content is 21g, including 5g of saturated fat, which comes primarily from the chicken and olive oil. While this is a moderate amount of fat, the use of healthy olive oil helps provide beneficial monounsaturated fats.

The carbohydrates are relatively low (4g), and the dish provides 2g of sugar, which comes naturally from the lemon and the small amount of honey in the Dijon mustard. The sodium content is 1215mg, which is something to keep in mind, especially if you’re watching your salt intake, but this is typical of dishes that include marinated meats and store-bought pita bread.

This meal is a great source of iron (3mg) and will keep you full and satisfied, thanks to the combination of lean protein and healthy fats.

Customizing the Greek Chicken Gyros

While this recipe is delicious on its own, there are several ways to customize it based on your preferences:

• Vegetarian Version: If you prefer a vegetarian option, you can substitute the chicken with grilled portobello mushrooms or another hearty vegetable, such as zucchini or eggplant. Marinate the vegetables in the same sauce and grill or roast them for a flavorful, plant-based version.

• Add Spices: If you want to add a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick.

• Homemade Tzatziki Sauce: While store-bought tzatziki sauce is convenient, making your own is easy and allows you to customize the flavor. Combine Greek yogurt, cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and fresh dill for a fresh, tangy sauce.

• Toppings: You can get creative with toppings, adding ingredients like feta cheese, kalamata olives, or pickled onions for an extra burst of flavor.

Conclusion

Greek Chicken Gyros are a delicious, satisfying, and easy-to-make dish that brings the flavors of Greece into your home. The tender, juicy chicken thighs, marinated in a combination of lemon, garlic, Dijon mustard, and oregano, are roasted to perfection and served with a cool, creamy tzatziki sauce. This recipe is not only quick and simple but also versatile, allowing you to add your favorite toppings or customize it to suit your preferences. Whether you’re cooking for a casual dinner with friends or preparing a family meal, these Greek Chicken Gyros will surely be a hit.