Make the perfect chicken gyro at home with simple ingredients and no special equipment! This juicy, flavorful Greek classic uses tender chicken thighs or breast, marinated in olive oil, mustard, paprika, curry, and herbs before being oven-roasted and sliced thinly — just like your favorite street food. In this recipe, you’ll also learn how to fillet chicken thighs step by step, making it easier and cheaper than buying pre-cut meat. Serve it in pita bread with tzatziki, fries, and veggies for the ultimate homemade Greek meal.
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The Perfect Homemade Chicken Gyro – Easy, Juicy & Flavorful (Step-by-Step Guide)
6
servings20
minutes1
hour10
minutes345
kcal1
hour30
minutesJuicy and flavorful homemade chicken gyro with a simple marinade. Includes step-by-step instructions for filleting chicken thighs at home.
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Ingredients
6 6 Chicken Thighs or Breast Fillets (about 1.2 kg / 2.6 lbs)
2 tbsp 2 Mustard
50 g 50 Olive Oil
1 tsp 1 Thyme
Juice of 1/2 Lemon
1 tsp 1 Sweet Paprika
1 tsp 1 Smoked Paprika
1 tsp 1 Curry Powder
Salt and Pepper, to taste
How to make the Chicken Gyro
- How to Fillet Chicken Thighs (watch the video for step-by-step guide)
- Place the chicken thigh skin-side down on a clean cutting board.
- With a sharp knife, locate the central bone and carefully cut along each side of it.
- Slide the knife under the bone and cut it out, keeping as much meat as possible intact.
- Trim away excess fat or sinew.
- Trim away excess fat or sinew.
- Marinating
- Place the filleted chicken in a bowl. Add mustard, olive oil, thyme, both paprikas, curry powder, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
- Mix well so all pieces are coated.
- Let marinate for at least 10 minutes.
- Cooking the Gyro
- Line a baking tray with parchment paper. Stack the chicken pieces on top of each other.
- Wrap tightly in parchment paper and then again in aluminum foil.
- Place in the middle rack of a preheated oven at 170°C (340°F) and bake for 45 minutes.
- Remove, unwrap, and spread the chicken on the tray.
- Increase oven temperature to 200°C (390°F) and bake for 15 minutes.
- Slice into thin strips.
- Return the sliced gyro to the tray and bake at 180°C (355°F) for another 10 minutes until golden.
- Serving
- Serve wrapped in warm pita bread with tzatziki, tomato, onion, fries, and lettuce, or enjoy it with rice and salad for a lighter option.
Recipe video
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Why Make Chicken Gyro at Home?
Chicken gyro is one of the most popular Greek street foods, usually roasted on a vertical rotisserie. At home, you can achieve the same flavor and texture using your oven and simple ingredients. This method is budget-friendly, healthier than store-bought, and incredibly delicious.
Tips for Success
- Choose thighs: Chicken thighs stay juicier and more flavorful than breast.
- Filleting: Learning how to fillet thighs saves money and gives you full control over the meat.
- Crispiness: The final bake after slicing gives the gyro its signature golden edges.
Variations
- Add a touch of chili powder for a spicy version.
- Use Greek yogurt in the marinade for extra tenderness.
- Try mixing oregano with thyme for a more traditional Greek flavor.
