Grilled Chicken Gyros
Recipe Overview
Overview
Grilled Chicken Gyros are a delightful twist on a classic dish, bringing together the rich flavors of marinated chicken thighs and the freshness of a Greek salad. The marinade, which includes yogurt, lemon juice, and a special Euro seasoning, not only infuses the chicken with flavor but also helps to keep it juicy during cooking. Cooking the chicken on a vertical spit allows for even heat distribution, resulting in perfectly crispy edges while maintaining tenderness inside.
The accompanying Greek salad is a vibrant mix of diced tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and olives, all seasoned with fresh herbs and a drizzle of olive oil and vinegar. This salad not only adds a refreshing crunch but also elevates the gyros, making them a complete meal. The creamy sauce made from Greek yogurt and herbs ties everything together, providing a zesty finish that enhances each bite.
These gyros are perfect for summer barbecues or casual weeknight dinners. They are easy to prepare and can be served with warm pita bread, making them a fun and interactive meal. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, these Grilled Chicken Gyros are sure to impress with their delicious flavors and satisfying textures.
Recipe Details
Steps & Tips
Whisk together lemon juice, red wine vinegar, Euro hero seasoning, parsley, minced garlic, olive oil, and Greek yogurt.
Place chicken thighs in a Ziploc bag, pour marinade over, and mix well. Refrigerate for a couple of hours.
Tip: Spraying the vertical spit roaster with cooking spray helps with easy cleaning.
Spray the vertical spit roaster with cooking spray.
Take chicken thighs out of the marinade, leaving some moisture.
Tip: Seasoning the chicken thighs again before stacking helps create a nice crust.
Sprinkle additional Euro hero seasoning over the chicken thighs.
Stack the chicken thighs on the spit, alternating the direction to create nooks for crispiness.
Fire up the grill with a chimney of lump charcoal and a tumbleweed.
Place hot coals around the edges of the grill for indirect cooking.
Tip: Aim for a cooking temperature around 350°F for even cooking.
Let the chicken cook on the spit until it reaches an internal temperature of 175°F.
In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, red wine vinegar, olive oil, Euro hero seasoning, oregano, parsley, kosher salt, and black pepper.
Tip: Adding red wine vinegar to the sauce gives it brightness.
Tip: Squeezing fresh lemon juice into the sauce enhances its flavor.
Squeeze fresh lemon juice into the sauce to achieve desired consistency.
Refrigerate the sauce to let flavors meld.
Check the chicken for doneness using a thermometer.
Rotate the chicken on the spit for even cooking.
Dice tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and kalamata olives, and combine in a bowl.
Add oregano, parsley, salt, pepper, Greek seasoning, olive oil, and red wine vinegar to the salad.
Tip: Using fresh herbs in the Greek salad adds bright flavors.
Take the chicken off the spit once it reaches the desired temperature.
Grill pita bread for about 30 seconds on each side.
Tip: Letting the chicken rest after cooking helps retain its juices.
Slice the chicken off the spit, keeping the pieces thin.
Layer lettuce, chicken, Greek salad, and sauce onto warm pita bread.
Tip: Using dark meat thighs prevents drying out compared to chicken breasts.
Serve the assembled gyro and enjoy.
Ingredients
Ingredient: Dairy
→ Substitution: Coconut Yogurt
Ingredient: Gluten
→ Substitution: Gluten-Free Pita
Nutrition
Skill Level
Frequently asked questions
Below you will find answers to the most common questions about this recipe.
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Interesting Tidbits
- •Marinating chicken in yogurt helps tenderize the meat and adds flavor.
- •Using a vertical spit allows for even cooking and crispy edges on the chicken.
- •Greek salad adds freshness and crunch, complementing the savory chicken.
- •The combination of lemon juice and red wine vinegar brightens the flavors in the marinade.
