Authentic Chicken Gyros: A Homemade Delight
Introduction
If you’ve ever craved the mouthwatering flavors of a chicken gyro, you’re in for a treat! This recipe for Authentic Chicken Gyros brings the delicious taste of a Greek favorite straight to your kitchen. With tender, juicy chicken marinated to perfection and roasted on a homemade rotisserie, these gyros are sure to impress. Whether you’re hosting a family dinner or looking for a satisfying weeknight meal, this recipe is a must-try.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Gyro Marinade:
- 1.32 pounds Boneless Chicken Thighs (or 600 grams)
- 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 Home-Made Rotisserie:
- ½ large Onion
- 1 Bamboo Skewer
Directions
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Marinating Time: 2 hours to 1 day
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Total Time: Approximately 3 hours 15 minutes to 1 day 2 hours
Servings: 4
Calories per Serving: 310 kcal
Step 1: Tenderize the Meat
Begin by placing each chicken thigh inside a ziplock bag. Using a meat mallet, pound the thighs until they are about ½ inch thick. This step ensures that the chicken cooks evenly and absorbs the marinade fully.
Step 2: Prepare the Marinade
In a mortar and pestle, combine the paprika, coriander seeds, peppercorns, dried rosemary, red chili flakes, and sea salt. Grind these spices into a semi-coarse powder. Next, add the finely chopped garlic and continue to grind until well mixed. Finally, incorporate the olive oil and lemon juice, blending everything into a flavorful marinade.
Step 3: Marinate the Chicken
Coat each chicken thigh evenly with the prepared marinade. Wrap the marinated chicken in cling film and refrigerate. For best results, let the chicken marinate overnight. If you’re short on time, a minimum of 2 hours will suffice.
Step 4: Assemble the Rotisserie
To create a simple yet effective home rotisserie, start by sticking a bamboo skewer vertically through a large onion half. This will serve as the base and pole for your rotisserie.
Step 5: Skewer and Cook
Carefully skewer the marinated chicken thighs one by one onto the bamboo skewer, stacking them to form a mound. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the assembled rotisserie on a cookie tray and bake for 1 hour, or until the chicken’s internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Step 6: Slice and Serve
After baking, allow the chicken to cool for about 15 minutes. Then, thinly slice the meat. Serve your authentic chicken gyros with tzatziki sauce, fresh pita bread, and your favorite toppings like lettuce, tomatoes, and onions.
Conclusion
Making authentic chicken gyros at home is easier than you might think, and the results are incredibly rewarding. The rich marinade infuses the chicken with vibrant flavors, while the homemade rotisserie method ensures juicy, perfectly cooked meat every time. Pair these gyros with a refreshing side salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal that will transport you straight to the heart of Greece. Enjoy!
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Authentic Chicken Gyros
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes to 1 day 2 hours
- Yield: 4 1x
Ingredients
1.32 pounds Boneless Chicken Thighs (or 600 gms)
For the Chicken Gyro Marinade:
2 tbsp Finely Chopped Garlic
2 tbsp Lemon Juice
1 tsp Black Peppercorns (black)
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 Home-Made Rotisserie:
½ large Onion
1 Bamboo Skewer
Instructions
Tenderize the meat & marinate: Pound each chicken thigh inside a ziplock bag using a meat mallet until ½ inch thick. Repeat for all thighs and set aside.
Prepare the Marinade: In a mortar & pestle, combine paprika, coriander seeds, peppercorns, dried rosemary, red chili flakes, and sea salt. Grind to a semi-coarse powder, then add chopped garlic and continue to grind until well blended. Incorporate the olive oil and lemon juice to create the marinade.
Marinate the chicken: Coat the chicken thighs evenly with the marinade, wrap in cling film, and refrigerate overnight, or at least 2 hours if short on time.
Assemble the rotisserie: Stick a bamboo skewer vertically through a large onion half to create a base and pole.
Skewer and cook: Skewer the marinated chicken thighs individually on the bamboo skewer, stacking them to form a mound. Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C) and bake on a cookie tray for 1 hour, or until internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Let cool for 15 minutes, then slice the meat thinly to serve with tzatziki sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Marinating Time: 2 hours to 1 day
- Cook Time: 1 hour
Nutrition
- Calories: 310 kcal