Authentic Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe with Tzatziki Sauce Recipe

If you’re hungry for a meal that truly transports you to the sunny streets of Athens, then this Authentic Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe with Tzatziki Sauce will absolutely steal your heart (and likely a permanent spot on your weekly menu). Packed with impossibly tender marinated chicken, aromatic herbs, and an irresistible swirl of cool, tangy tzatziki, these gyros deliver classic Greek flavors in every single bite. Homemade yet totally unfussy, this recipe is a celebration of vibrant Mediterranean ingredients, bringing together juicy chicken, lively spices, and a comforting homemade twist that never fails to impress.

Ingredients You’ll Need

At the heart of any great gyro are uncomplicated, high-quality ingredients. Every single component here lends something special, whether it’s bold flavor, savory aroma, or just the kind of rustic texture that defines Greek cuisine. Let’s shine a light on each star player in this Authentic Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe with Tzatziki Sauce.

• Boneless Chicken Thighs (1.32 pounds / 600 gms): The foundation of this dish, chicken thighs stay juicy and tender—essential for gyro perfection.
• Finely Chopped Garlic (2 tbsp): Garlic brings robust, aromatic flavor that’s absolutely unmistakable in Greek cooking.
• Lemon Juice (2 tbsp): A zesty splash that brightens up the marinade and tenderizes the meat beautifully.
• Black Peppercorns (1 tsp): Freshly cracked pepper infuses mild heat and earthy depth.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil (3/4 cup): Adds richness and helps all those mouthwatering spices stick to the chicken.
• Paprika (2 tbsp): For a sweet, smoky note and that iconic golden color.
• Dried Rosemary (2.5 tbsp): Rosemary lends an unmistakable woodsy aroma that screams Mediterranean.
• Whole Coriander Seeds (2.5 tbsp): Slightly citrusy and nutty, they give the marinade delicious complexity.
• Red Chili Flakes (2.5 tbsp): Adds a gentle heat—you can dial this up or down to taste.
• Coarse Sea Salt (to taste): Essential for bringing out all the flavors (don’t be shy with the salt for authentic results).
• Onion (1/2 large): Acts as your rotisserie base and imparts subtle sweetness as the chicken cooks.
• Bamboo Skewer (1): The secret to an easy homemade vertical rotisserie for stacking your chicken.

How to Make Authentic Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe with Tzatziki Sauce

Step 1: Tenderizing the Chicken

Grab each boneless chicken thigh and place it inside a ziplock bag. Use a meat mallet to pound the chicken until it’s about 1/2 inch thick. Tenderizing ensures the chicken cooks evenly and comes out melt-in-your-mouth soft, which is essential for that irresistible gyro bite. Repeat until all your chicken thighs are prepped. Set them aside and get ready for the amazing marinade that’s about to happen!

Step 2: Creating the Flavor-Packed Marinade

In a mortar and pestle, combine the paprika, coriander seeds, peppercorns, dried rosemary, red chili flakes, and a generous pinch or two of coarse sea salt. Grind everything into a semi-coarse powder, savoring those fragrant aromas. Next, add the chopped garlic to the spice blend and work it into the mixture until evenly combined. Finally, stir in the olive oil and fresh lemon juice—this will transform your spice blend into a luscious, golden marinade that promises the true flavors of Greece.

Step 3: Marinating the Chicken

Toss your pounded chicken thighs with the flavorful marinade, making sure every nook and cranny is coated. For the most authentic results, cover your container with cling film and let this sit in the fridge overnight or up to 24 hours. If you’re pressed for time, give it at least two hours to soak up those beautiful flavors. You’ll be amazed at the difference a good marination makes for the Authentic Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe with Tzatziki Sauce.

Step 4: Crafting a Homemade Vertical Rotisserie

This step brings real street-food magic into your kitchen! Take half of a large onion and poke a bamboo skewer vertically through its center. You’ve just created a simple yet brilliant homemade rotisserie, Greek-style. The onion base keeps everything upright and even helps the meat develop fantastic flavor as it roasts.

Step 5: Skewering and Stacking the Chicken

Take each marinated chicken thigh and thread it onto the bamboo skewer, stacking them one on top of the next to form a compact mound of chicken. You’ll be amazed at how easily this transforms into a miniature version of the classic gyro spit. The onion holds things steady and even infuses a touch of sweetness as the chicken roasts.

Step 6: Baking the Gyro in the Oven

Preheat your oven to 375 F. Stand your assembled vertical rotisserie upright on a cookie tray to catch all the flavorful juices. Bake for about one hour—though oven times will vary, so check that the internal temperature reaches 165 F for perfect doneness. The edges should be bronzed and crispy while the inside remains juicy. Let it rest for 15 minutes before shaving the meat with a sharp knife; you’ll get those quintessential gyro slices every time.

Step 7: Serving with Loads of Tzatziki Sauce

Carve thin slices of your roasted chicken and pile them high on warm pita bread. Don’t be shy—drizzle or dollop luscious amounts of tzatziki sauce over the top. That creamy, cool finish is the heart and soul of this Authentic Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe with Tzatziki Sauce. Now you’re officially ready to savor the best homemade Greek eat you’ve ever had.

How to Serve Authentic Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe with Tzatziki Sauce

Garnishes

Traditional toppings take your gyros to the next level. Sprinkle on some finely diced tomato, crisp cucumber, slivers of red onion, or a handful of chopped fresh parsley. For true Greek flair, add a few briny Kalamata olives or thin slices of feta cheese. These simple garnishes add bursts of freshness, color, and an extra layer of flavor that’ll make every bite dynamic and totally irresistible.

Side Dishes

Complete your Authentic Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe with Tzatziki Sauce with a few classic Mediterranean sides. A crunchy Greek salad brimming with tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and tangy feta is always a winner. Lightly salted fries tucked right into the pita (a fun trick from Greek street vendors), or a small bowl of lemony roasted potatoes, pair beautifully as well. Don’t forget a glass of chilled white wine or homemade lemonade for that vacation-vibes meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Go beyond the standard wrap by serving your gyro meat in a colorful bowl layered with rice or quinoa, or arrange everything platter-style for a DIY gyro night. Let everyone load their own pitas with their preferred garnishes and sauces. For a modern twist, turn the flavors into mini sliders or build beautiful skewers for a party appetizer platter—you’ll get all the flavor in bite-sized portions.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Extra chicken gyro meat stores surprisingly well. Place cooled, sliced chicken in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to three days. If you’ve got leftover tzatziki sauce, it’ll stay fresh in the fridge for up to four days. Store pita and garnishes separately for best results—this keeps every element tasting fresh when you’re ready for round two.

Freezing

This Authentic Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe with Tzatziki Sauce is totally freezer-friendly! Simply wrap leftover cooked chicken tightly in foil or store in a ziplock bag, squeezing out as much air as possible. Freeze for up to two months. When you’re ready for a fast, flavor-packed meal, just reheat and you’re all set. It’s best to make fresh tzatziki when serving, as the sauce doesn’t freeze well.

Reheating

To reheat gyro meat, place the slices on a baking sheet, cover loosely with foil, and warm in a 350 F oven for about 10 minutes, just until heated through. You can also reheat individual portions in a skillet over medium heat, which adds a bit of extra crisp to the edges. Avoid microwaving for too long, as it can make the meat lose its appealing tenderness.

FAQs

Can I substitute chicken breasts for thighs?

Yes! While chicken thighs deliver more moisture and authentic flavor, you can absolutely use chicken breasts. Just keep an eye on them as they tend to cook faster and can dry out more easily. A slightly shorter cook time and a generous marinade will help keep the meat juicy.

How do I make tzatziki sauce from scratch?

It’s easy! Just mix Greek yogurt with grated cucumber (squeezed dry), minced garlic, a splash of olive oil, a squeeze of lemon juice, chopped fresh dill, and salt to taste. Stir until creamy and chill until ready to serve. This cool, herby sauce balances the spices in the gyro perfectly.

Can this recipe be made on the grill instead of the oven?

Absolutely! Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers and grill over medium heat, turning every few minutes, until the meat is well-browned and cooked through. You’ll get fantastic smokiness that plays deliciously with the Greek spices.

What’s the best way to shave the chicken gyro meat?

Let the meat cool slightly after baking so the juices settle, then use a sharp knife to slice thin strips, just like they do at Greek takeout spots. Shaving thinly gives you crisp, flavorful edges and that iconic street-food texture.

Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Certainly! Mix up the marinade a day ahead and keep it in a sealed jar in the fridge. When it’s time to cook, simply add the chicken, toss, and you’re good to go—and the flavors will be even more intense and delicious.

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dinner that feels both special and incredibly satisfying, you truly can’t go wrong with this Authentic Greek Chicken Gyros Recipe with Tzatziki Sauce. From the tender, juicy chicken to the fresh, punchy toppings and that swoosh of cool tzatziki, every bite is a little taste of Greece. I can’t wait for you to try it—let me know how your homemade gyro adventure turns out!

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