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Ridiculously tender rooster, heat fluffy pita, and a creamy tzatziki sauce… that is next-level gyros! After I say these home made Rooster Gyros are unbelievable, I imply it. We’re speaking completely seasoned rooster, infused with daring Mediterranean flavors, wrapped in heat, pillowy pita, and completed with cool, garlicky tzatziki.

Appears like one thing you’d solely get from a Greek taverna? Nope. You may make it at residence—with just some easy steps. And the most effective half? That marinade. It’s game-changing—filled with yogurt, lemon, crimson wine vinegar, and heat, smoky spices that infuse each chew with unimaginable depth.
In case you’re obsessive about Greek meals or simply need one thing straightforward, contemporary, and full of taste, this Rooster Gyros recipe is a must-try.
Earlier than You Begin: Key Ideas for the Finest Rooster Gyros
- The Secret to Extremely-Tender Rooster? Yogurt Marinade! Greek yogurt does greater than add taste—it’s a pure meat tenderizer! The lactic acid gently breaks down the rooster, making it so extremely juicy. That’s why even when you solely have an hour to marinate, it makes an enormous distinction. However when you can go 4 hours (or in a single day), the flavors actually develop!
- Thighs vs. Breasts – Which to Use?
✔ Rooster thighs = Juicier, extra flavorful, and inconceivable to dry out. Extremely really helpful.
✔ Rooster breasts = Nonetheless works nice, simply watch out to not overcook! Scale back baking time barely and don’t skip the yogurt marinade. - Don’t Skip the Cinnamon – I do know what you’re pondering—cinnamon in a savory marinade? Sure! It provides a refined heat that makes gyros style like genuine Greek avenue meals. You gained’t style it instantly, however belief me—it’s the magic contact.
- The Finest Strategy to Prepare dinner Gyro Rooster
✔ Oven: The best technique! Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15-18 minutes, then broil for 2-3 minutes to crisp the sides.
✔ Grill: Need a charred, smoky taste? Grill on medium-high for about 5-6 minutes per facet.
✔ Stovetop: Use a cast-iron skillet over medium-high warmth for the most effective sear.
- Rooster thighs – The only option for juicy, flavorful gyros. They keep tender and absorb the marinade superbly. In case you’re utilizing rooster breasts, cut back the cooking time barely to stop drying out.
- Greek yogurt – This does two jobs: it tenderizes the rooster and helps the spices cling to the meat. Use full-fat yogurt for the richest taste!
- Lemon juice & crimson wine vinegar – This acid duo brings the signature tangy, zesty taste that makes Greek rooster so irresistible. Don’t have crimson wine vinegar? White wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar works too.
- Olive oil – Helps distribute the flavors within the marinade and retains the rooster moist whereas roasting. A very good additional virgin olive oil will add genuine Mediterranean depth.
- Garlic – Important! Freshly minced garlic provides a stronger, extra fragrant kick than pre-minced or powdered variations.
- Cumin & oregano – The spine of Greek seasoning. Cumin provides earthy heat, whereas oregano brings that herby, barely citrusy notice you anticipate in Greek meals.
- Smoked paprika – Provides a deep, smoky undertone that enhances the charred taste of the rooster.
- Cinnamon – The sudden however important spice! It provides a touch of heat and complexity, making this style like a real Greek taverna dish.
- Salt & pepper – By no means skip these! Seasoning each step of the best way enhances each taste within the dish.
- Tzatziki sauce – For my part that is what make gyros superior. You need to use retailer purchased, but it surely’s tremendous easy to make your individual. Take a look at my recipe for homemade tzatziki here.
- Pitas – I like to toast up my pitas a bit to get some golden colour on them. You may as well use tortillas if that’s all you’ve gotten.

Mix Greek yogurt, lemon juice, crimson wine vinegar, olive oil, garlic, and spices in a big freezer bag or bowl. Add the rooster and therapeutic massage the marinade throughout—ensure each piece is coated very well. Refrigerate for not less than 1 hour, however 4+ hours (or in a single day) is greatest.
✔ Professional Tip: In case you’re brief on time, let the rooster sit at room temp for 20-Half-hour—this hurries up marination barely.

✔ Oven Methodology (Best!): Preheat to 425°F (220°C). Place rooster on a rack over a baking sheet (this helps it crisp up). Bake for 15-18 minutes, then broil for 2-3 minutes till frivolously charred.
✔ Grill Methodology: Preheat your grill to medium-high warmth and cook dinner the rooster for about 5-6 minutes per facet.
✔ Stovetop Methodology: Warmth a cast-iron skillet over medium-high warmth. Prepare dinner the rooster in batches, about 5 minutes per facet.
Let the rooster relaxation for five minutes earlier than slicing. This retains it juicy and flavorful!

✔ Heat your pita: Both microwave for 15-20 seconds or toast in a dry skillet till tender and pliable.
✔ Chop the rooster into bite-sized items.
✔ Layer the fillings: Begin with tzatziki, then pile on the rooster, onions, tomatoes, and additional sauce (as a result of why not?).
Wrap, devour, repeat!

Incessantly Requested Questions
Can I make Rooster Gyros forward of time?
Sure! Marinate the rooster as much as 24 hours prematurely and cook dinner when prepared.
How do I retailer & reheat leftovers?
Retailer in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 4 days. Reheat on the range or within the oven—keep away from microwaving if potential.
Can I freeze the marinated rooster?
Completely! Freeze uncooked, marinated rooster for as much as 3 months. Thaw within the fridge in a single day, then cook dinner as regular.
Can I exploit store-bought tzatziki?
After all! However you probably have 5 minutes, home made tzatziki is even higher.

Make This Tonight!
When you strive home made Rooster Gyros, you’ll by no means return. The juicy, flavorful rooster, heat pita, and creamy tzatziki come collectively for a meal that’s contemporary, daring, and ridiculously scrumptious. So… are you making these tonight or proper now?
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Rooster Gyros
Juicy, flavorful rooster gyros made simply at residence! Marinated in a mix of Greek yogurt, lemon, garlic, and heat Mediterranean spices, this rooster is extremely tender and bursting with genuine gyro taste. Wrapped in tender pita with creamy tzatziki, crisp crimson onions, and juicy tomatoes, it’s the right Greek-inspired meal—able to impress with minimal effort!
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Directions
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Add the rooster and marinade components to a big freezer bag. Squeeze to combine all of the components round and switch the bag to the fridge. Marinate for 1-4 hours.
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Preheat the oven to 425℉. Equip a baking sheet with a roasting rack. Line the rooster on the rack and bake for 15-18 minutes, or till the sides start to crisp. You possibly can activate the broiler for 2-3 minutes if you would like extra crispiness with out drying the rooster out.
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Roughly chop the rooster into bite-sized items. Heat the pitas for 15-20 seconds within the microwave or toast them individually in a dry skillet over medium-high warmth. Spoon a number of the rooster into the pita, then prime with tzatziki, onion, and tomatoes.
Notes
- Marination Time Issues – Even one hour within the yogurt marinade makes a distinction, however for greatest taste, marinate for 4+ hours or in a single day.
- Rooster Thighs vs. Breasts – Thighs keep juicier and are extra forgiving, however breasts work too—simply cut back cooking time barely.
- Baking vs. Grilling vs. Stovetop – The oven technique is best, however grilling provides genuine smoky taste. A cast-iron pan works nice for stovetop cooking!
- Pita Bread Tip – Heat your pitas briefly in a dry skillet or microwave for 15-20 seconds for the most effective texture.
- Make-Forward Pleasant – The rooster could be marinated as much as 24 hours prematurely, and leftovers retailer properly for as much as 4 days within the fridge.
- Reheating Tip – Heat rooster gently on the range or within the oven. Keep away from microwaving, as it could dry it out.
- Freezing Directions – Freeze marinated uncooked rooster for as much as 3 months. Thaw in a single day within the fridge and cook dinner as regular. Cooked rooster can be frozen, however gained’t be as juicy when reheated.
Diet Info
Serving: 1servingEnergy: 555kcal (28%)Carbohydrates: 40g (13%)Protein: 53g (106%)Fats: 20g (31%)Saturated Fats: 4g (25%)Polyunsaturated Fats: 3gMonounsaturated Fats: 9gTrans Fats: 0.04gLdl cholesterol: 219mg (73%)Sodium: 1174mg (51%)Potassium: 832mg (24%)Fiber: 3g (13%)Sugar: 3g (3%)Vitamin A: 1102IU (22%)Vitamin C: 9mg (11%)Calcium: 171mg (17%)Iron: 5mg (28%)
Discover: Diet is auto-calculated to your comfort. The place related, we advocate utilizing your individual vitamin calculations.