Greek Chicken Gyros: A Homemade Taste of Greece

Transport yourself to warm and sunny Greece without having to leave your kitchen!

Photo bySkinny Ms.

Adored by both locals and tourists, gyros are a Greek version of a famous dish enjoyed worldwide. It has been around for ages and comes in many different forms across regions like the Balkans, the Middle East, and Asia. Whether it’s called Kebab, Kepap, Kabab, Satè, Kebabi, or Gyros, this dish always brings joy with every mouthful. We love to try our hand at any recipe, which is how we ended up with these healthy and delicious homemade chicken gyros.

What Are Gyros?

The type of meat can vary, from chicken and pork to beef and lamb, but the cooking process stays pretty much the same. The meat is either sliced or minced, then seasoned and cooked over charcoal, on a grill, or in an oven. Typically, it’s cooked using a metal skewer, which is placed either horizontally or vertically to the heat source to cook the dish. The word gyros literally means “around”, which makes sense if you think about it!

Ingredients Needed for Homemade Chicken Gyros

This homemade chicken gyros recipe only requires about a dozen ingredients (most of which you probably already have in your pantry). Here’s what you’ll need:

• 3 pounds boneless chicken thighs better with skin on
• 10 ounces Greek yogurt
• 1.5 tablespoons salt
• 1 tablespoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 0.5 tablespoon black pepper
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 teaspoons apple cider vinegar
• 2 garlic cloves crushed
• 1 yellow onion largest available

These are the things you’ll need to make the gyro meat, but you will also want to be sure to pick up the optional extra fixins. But more on that in a bit!

Photo bySkinny Ms.

How to Make Gyros at Home

Making these homemade chicken gyros might seem overwhelming but don’t stress! We’re going to break each step of the process down for you.

First, place your chicken thighs in a large bowl and add the Greek yogurt and all of the spices. Mix well until the meat is evenly coated.

Next, add the olive oil, apple cider vinegar, and the two cloves of crushed garlic. Mix well, cover, and refrigerate for at least 12 hours. You can do this in the morning before you head to work or the night before you plan on making this for dinner (it can marinate in the fridge safely for up to 24 hours).

When you are ready to cook the gyros, move the oven shelf to the lowest setting and preheat to 350° F. Then, line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Cut the onion in half, remove the skin, and place it on the baking sheet with the flat side down. Poke the 3 bamboo sticks into the onion, forming a triangle shape, to create the base where you will skewer the pieces of meat. The triangle should span most of the width of the onion.

Begin creating your gyros by threading each chicken thigh so that they all fit together perfectly. Be sure not to press them too tightly together. They should be lightly resting on top of each other. Keep the excess marinade; you will need it later.

To close your gyro tower, cover the other half of the onion with foil and stick it on top of the meat like a hat. Remember to not apply too much pressure. Making the tower too compact may result in an overcooked outside but raw inside.

Photo bySkinny Ms.

Bake your chicken gyros for approximately 65 minutes.

Halfway through cooking, brush the surfaces of the gyros with the leftover marinade. You can repeat this step several times, as long as you leave the gyros in the oven for at least 10 minutes after the final brushing. This will ensure the juices from the raw chicken in the marinade can cook properly.

If you want to be 100% sure it’s fully cooked, we recommend using a kitchen thermometer. Once the internal temperature reaches 170° it’s safe to eat!

Allow your chicken gyros to rest for a few minutes. Then, hold the top middle with a fork while slicing the chicken from each side with a sharp knife. Now let’s talk about how to serve it!

How to Serve Homemade Chicken Gyros

I’ll say it now: you don’t have to eat gyros with pita. That’s right, even if windows shake in the white houses with blue roofs on every Greek island. Of course you can use pita because, well, it’s delicious that way! But you can also use tortillas, taco shells, or simply enjoy the tender meat on its own or on a bed of lettuce. Once you figure that out, it’s time to think about toppings. Here are some common ingredients to include on your homemade chicken gyros:

• Tzatziki sauce: A creamy sauce made with yogurt, cucumber, garlic, and herbs.
• Chopped tomatoes: Fresh tomatoes add a burst of juicy flavor.
• Lettuce: Crisp lettuce leaves like Romaine offer a refreshing crunch.
• Sliced cucumbers: Cool cucumbers complement the flavors of the gyro.
• Feta cheese: Crumbled feta cheese adds a tangy and salty element.
• Kalamata olives: These salty olives contribute a distinctive Mediterranean flavor.
• Pepperoncini peppers: These mildly spicy peppers add a pinch of heat and acidity.
• Hummus: Some gyro variations include hummus for extra creaminess and flavor.
• Sliced bell peppers: Colorful bell peppers can provide sweetness and crunch.

Frequently Asked Questions

We know that most people have never prepared homemade chicken gyros before, so it’s likely you will have some questions! Here are some of the most commonly asked questions but if you don’t see the answer you’re looking for, drop your question in the comment section below.

Can I use chicken breasts instead of chicken thighs for gyros?

Yes, you can use chicken breast if you prefer. However, chicken thighs tend to be juicier and more flavorful, which some people prefer for gyros. Chicken breast is also leaner, so it typically cooks faster than chicken thighs however depending on thickness it may also require more time. In order to ensure your chicken gyros are fully cooked, make sure the internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.

Help! My gyro tower won’t stand up! What should I do?

Don’t worry! If your gyro tower won’t stand up in the oven there are a few things you can do.

First, try using a larger onion half as the base if possible (this is why we recommend using the largest onion available in the ingredients list.)

If you don’t have a larger onion, you can try propping the tower up with a few extra skewers.

If that doesn’t work, feel free to lay it on its side. Just be sure to rotate it every 5-10 minutes to make sure each side roasts evenly.

Can I customize the ingredients for my chicken gyros?

Of course you can! Feel free to customize the toppings based on your preferences. You can add or omit any ingredients to suit your taste.

How long will my leftover gyros last in the fridge?

These homemade chicken gyros will last in the fridge for up to 4 days if they are stored properly. You will want to cool them to room temperature before placing them in an airtight container or wrapping them tightly in foil or plastic wrap. Be sure to store them separately from other ingredients to help them maintain their freshness.

Can I freeze my leftover chicken gyros?

You sure can! Once cooled to room temperature, wrap your leftovers tightly in foil or plastic wrap or in a freezer safe bag or container. They will last for up to 2 months in the freezer but keep in mind the fresher they are, the better they will taste and the better their texture will be.

How should I reheat my leftover gyros?

Refrigerated Gyros: Reheat them in the microwave, oven, or on the stove top until warmed through. You can also briefly warm the pita bread in a toaster or oven for a crispier texture!

Frozen Gyros: Thaw the previously roasted, frozen gyros overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Once thawed, you can reheat them in the microwave, oven, or on the stove top until heated through.

Some Mediterranean Side Dish Ideas

These homemade chicken gyros are ultra filling and satisfying on their own, but if you’re looking for a heartier meal we’ve got some great side dishes to choose from. Here are some great options:

• Healthiest Greek Salad
• Greek Roasted Potatoes
• Baked Feta Sticks with Hot Honey Dip
• Spicy Mediterranean Chickpeas
• Loaded Greek Sweet Potato Fries