Description
This Greek Chicken Gyros recipe features tender, marinated boneless chicken thighs cooked on skewers in the oven, delivering authentic Mediterranean flavors perfect for pita wraps, loaded fries, or salads. The marinade blends olive oil, honey Dijon mustard, garlic, lemon zest, salt, and oregano for a beautifully aromatic and juicy dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken Marinade
- 12 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (~1.3 kg total)
- â…› cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp honey Dijon mustard
- 6 cloves garlic, minced (or 3 large cloves)
- Zest of 2 lemons
- ½ tbsp salt (adjust if using table salt)
- Dry oregano, to taste
For Baking
- 1 cup water or stock (for the bottom of the pan)
Instructions
- Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for cooking the gyros evenly and quickly.
- Prepare the Marinade: In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, honey Dijon mustard, minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, and dry oregano. Add the chicken thighs and mix well to coat each piece thoroughly. For optimal flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour or preferably overnight in the refrigerator.
- Assemble the Spit (DIY Method): Cut an onion in half and place it cut-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Insert two wooden skewers vertically into the onion to create a spit. Thread the marinated chicken thighs onto the skewers carefully, ensuring they are evenly distributed for uniform cooking.
- Bake the Gyros: Place the assembled chicken gyro in the preheated oven. Pour 1 cup of water or stock into the base of the baking sheet to keep the chicken moist and to create a flavorful sauce as the meat cooks. Bake at 425°F (220°C) until the chicken is fully cooked, tender, and lightly browned, approximately 40 to 50 minutes.
- Rest and Slice: Remove the gyro from the oven and allow it to rest for a few minutes. This helps retain juices within the meat. Then, carefully slice the chicken thinly along the skewers, preparing it for serving.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve the sliced gyro chicken stuffed into warm pita bread with tzatziki, fresh vegetables, and feta cheese. Alternatively, top crispy fries with the sliced chicken, tzatziki, and diced tomatoes for loaded Greek fries or add the chicken to a classic Greek salad for a hearty meal.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken overnight enhances flavor and tenderness.
- If wooden skewers are unavailable, metal skewers can be used.
- Adjust salt according to your preference and dietary needs.
- Use chicken stock instead of water for deeper flavor.
- Ensure to rest the chicken after baking to keep it juicy.
