Name: Chicken Gyros
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 40 min
Total time: 1 h 50 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts); 3 tablespoons olive oil; 1/3 cup yogurt; Juice of 1 lemon; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 teaspoons dried oregano; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 1 teaspoon ground cumin; 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Jump to Recipe·Leave a Review

These homemade chicken gyros deliver the bold, herby flavors of Mediterranean street food with juicy marinated meat and a perfect blend of spices. Roasted vertically for a traditional touch, the result is crispy-on-the-outside, tender-on-the-inside chicken, ideal for stuffing into warm pita with all your favorite toppings.

Chicken Gyros

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Authentic Mediterranean flavor made simple
Uses everyday ingredients
Tender, juicy chicken every time
Great for meal prep, wraps, bowls, or salads
Customizable with your favorite sauces and veggies
Vertical roasting delivers crispy edges
Naturally gluten-free (if using GF flatbread)
Family-friendly and crowd-pleasing
Works with thighs or breasts
Excellent make-ahead marinade

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
3 tablespoons olive oil
1/3 cup yogurt
Juice of 1 lemon
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 teaspoons dried oregano
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Marinate the Chicken:

Slice chicken into thinner pieces for stacking, if necessary.
In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Add chicken and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or overnight for best flavor.

Assemble the Spit:
4. If using a vertical spit stand, secure it on a baking tray. Line with foil and oil lightly for easy cleanup.
5. Stack marinated chicken onto the spit, alternating the direction of each piece to balance thickness.
6. Optionally, top or bottom with half an onion for flavor and stability.

Roast the Chicken:
7. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
8. Place the vertical spit in the center of the oven. Roast for 30 minutes, then rotate the spit 90 degrees and baste with pan juices.
9. Continue roasting, rotating and basting every 30 minutes until the outer layer is golden brown and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Total time: 60–90 minutes.

Rest and Slice:
10. Remove from the oven and let rest for a few minutes.
11. Using a sharp knife, shave off the crispy outer layer vertically, as you would with traditional gyro meat.

Serve:
12. Stuff shaved chicken into warm pita or flatbread. Add toppings like tzatziki, garlic sauce, tomato, onion, lettuce, or pickles.
13. Drizzle with pan drippings for extra flavor.

Servings and timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Marinate Time: 1 hour
Cooking Time: 40 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 50 minutes
Calories: Approximately 420 kcal per serving

Variations

Pan-Roasted Version: No vertical spit? Just roast the marinated chicken flat on a baking sheet at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes.
Grilled Chicken Gyros: Grill the chicken on skewers or directly on grates for a smoky twist.
Spicy Gyros: Add 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper or chili flakes to the marinade for heat.
Herb-Lover’s Version: Add chopped fresh mint or dill to the marinade for a refreshing spin.
Dairy-Free: Use dairy-free yogurt and serve with tahini or hummus instead of tzatziki.
Wraps & Bowls: Skip the pita and serve shaved chicken over rice, quinoa, or salad greens.
Add Veggies: Roast bell peppers, zucchini, or onions alongside the chicken for a full meal.
Mini Gyros: Use small pita or flatbread rounds for appetizer-sized servings.
Lemon-Garlic Twist: Add extra lemon zest and fresh garlic for a brighter flavor.
Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and portion out for lunches or dinners all week.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store leftover cooked chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Freeze shaved chicken in a sealed bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge.
Reheating (Microwave): Heat in 30-second intervals until warm.
Reheating (Stovetop): Warm in a skillet with a splash of water or broth for a few minutes.
Reheating (Oven): Bake at 325°F (160°C) covered for 10–15 minutes until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, but thighs are preferred for juiciness. If using breasts, don’t overcook and consider slicing thinner for better texture.

Do I need a vertical spit to make chicken gyros?

No, you can bake the marinated chicken flat on a tray or grill it. A vertical spit just adds that traditional shaved texture.

What’s the best yogurt to use for the marinade?

Plain Greek yogurt works best for its thickness and tanginess, but regular plain yogurt is fine too.

Can I prep this ahead of time?

Absolutely. Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours ahead and even assemble the spit in advance. Just refrigerate until ready to roast.

Is this freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken in slices or whole pieces. Reheat gently before serving.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Yes, just use a plant-based yogurt and olive oil or tahini for sauces.

What toppings go well with chicken gyros?

Tzatziki, hummus, garlic sauce, cucumbers, tomatoes, lettuce, red onions, pickles, or feta (if desired) all pair well.

How do I get crispy edges like restaurant gyros?

Make sure to baste with pan juices and roast at a high enough temperature. Broil for a few minutes at the end if needed.

Can I cook this in an air fryer?

You can cook the marinated chicken pieces in the air fryer at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes, flipping halfway through.

What kind of bread should I use?

Use soft pita, Greek-style flatbread, or even naan. Warm it slightly before serving for best texture.

Conclusion

Chicken Gyros are a flavorful, satisfying way to enjoy Mediterranean cuisine at home with minimal effort. With bold herbs, juicy roasted meat, and endless ways to serve, this dish is a true favorite for family dinners, casual entertaining, or meal prep. Stack it, slice it, wrap it—however you serve it, these gyros are sure to impress.