Authentic Chicken Gyros

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!

Print