Authentic Greek Chicken Gyros

In the heart of Greek cuisine lies a dish celebrated for its robust flavors and rich culinary history: the Chicken Gyro. This beloved street food, known for its savory, spice-infused meat, crisp vegetables, and tangy sauces wrapped in soft pita bread, offers a taste of Greece’s vibrant culture and traditions. Today, we’re embarking on a culinary adventure to create Authentic Greek Chicken Gyros from the comfort of our home, complete with a homemade vertical rotisserie method that promises to bring the authentic taste of Greece right into your kitchen.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• For the Chicken:
  • 1.32 pounds (600 g) Boneless Chicken Thighs
• For the Marinade:
  • 2 tbsp Finely Chopped Garlic
  • 2 tbsp Lemon Juice
  • 1 tsp Black Peppercorns
  • ¾ cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 2 tbsp Paprika
  • 2.5 tbsp Dried Rosemary
  • 2.5 tbsp Whole Coriander Seeds
  • 2.5 tbsp Red Chili Flakes
  • Coarse Sea Salt to taste
• For the Vertical Homemade Rotisserie:
  • ½ Large Onion
  • 1 Bamboo Skewer

Step-by-Step Cooking Directions

1. Preparing the Chicken: Begin by gently pounding each chicken thigh to a thickness of ½ inch (1 cm) using a meat mallet. To keep things clean and simple, do this inside a ziplock bag. This step ensures that your chicken cooks evenly, absorbing all the flavors of the marinade.

2. Making the Marinade: The secret to the gyro’s signature flavor lies in its marinade. Start by grinding the paprika, coriander seeds, peppercorns, rosemary, chili flakes, and salt in a mortar until you achieve a semi-coarse powder. This releases the oils and aromas of the spices, forming the base of your marinade. Next, blend in the finely chopped garlic, then whisk in the olive oil and lemon juice. This concoction will not only tenderize the chicken but will also infuse it with the rich, aromatic flavors of the Mediterranean.

3. Marinating the Chicken: Coat each chicken thigh thoroughly with the marinade, ensuring every nook is covered. Wrap and refrigerate the marinated chicken overnight, or for at least 2 hours. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it becomes.

4. Assembling the Rotisserie: To mimic the traditional gyro cooking method at home, skewer a halved onion with a bamboo stick to create a base. Then, skewer the marinated chicken thighs onto this setup. This innovative approach not only keeps the chicken moist and flavorful but also adds a subtle sweetness as the onion cooks.

5. Baking: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the chicken on a tray using the rotisserie setup and bake for 1 hour or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). The slow roasting allows the chicken to cook perfectly, retaining its juiciness and absorbing all the flavors of the spices.

6. Serving: Let the chicken cool for 15 minutes before slicing. Serve your succulent chicken gyros wrapped in warm pita bread, accompanied by tzatziki sauce, fresh tomatoes, onions, and a squeeze of lemon for that authentic Greek experience.

Nutritional Information

• Prep Time: 20 minutes (excluding marinating time)
• Cooking Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
• Calories: 520 kcal per serving
• Servings: Serves 4

Crafting Authentic Greek Chicken Gyros at home offers not just a meal but an experience, a journey to the heart of Greek culinary tradition that’s both rewarding and delicious. This recipe invites you to embrace the art of cooking, to explore the rich tapestry of flavors and aromas that make Greek cuisine uniquely enticing. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a curious food enthusiast, these homemade gyros promise to bring a piece of Greece to your table, one succulent bite at a time.

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