Description
Greek chicken gyros showcase Mediterranean flavors with tender marinated chicken wrapped in warm pita bread. Crisp vegetables, tangy tzatziki, and aromatic herbs create a delicious street-style sandwich you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1.32 pounds (600 g) boneless chicken thighs
- ½ large onion
- 1 bamboo skewer
Marinade Spices and Herbs:
- 2.5 tablespoons dried rosemary
- 2.5 tablespoons whole coriander seeds
- 2.5 tablespoons red chili flakes
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 teaspoon black peppercorns
- Coarse sea salt to taste
Liquid Marinade Ingredients:
- ¾ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped garlic
Instructions
- Tenderize chicken thighs to a uniform 1/2-inch (1.27 centimeters) thickness using a meat mallet, placing each piece inside a protective plastic bag to prevent splatter.
- Craft an aromatic marinade by grinding paprika, coriander seeds, whole peppercorns, dried rosemary, chili flakes, and kosher salt into a semi-coarse powder using a traditional mortar and pestle.
- Incorporate minced fresh garlic into the spice blend, then whisk in extra virgin olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice to create a vibrant marinade.
- Thoroughly massage the marinade into each chicken thigh, ensuring complete coverage, then securely wrap in plastic film and allow to marinate in the refrigerator for a minimum of 2 hours or ideally overnight.
- Prepare a vertical roasting method by inserting a sturdy bamboo skewer through a halved onion to create a stabilizing base.
- Carefully thread the marinated chicken thighs onto the skewer, arranging them vertically to ensure even cooking and authentic rotisserie-style presentation.
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and position the chicken skewer on a rimmed baking tray, allowing for proper heat circulation.
- Roast the chicken for approximately 55-65 minutes, monitoring the internal temperature until it reaches a safe 165°F (74°C) using a meat thermometer.
- Remove from the oven and allow the chicken to rest for 15-20 minutes, enabling the juices to redistribute and ensuring maximum tenderness.
- Slice the roasted chicken thinly and serve alongside cool, creamy tzatziki sauce for an authentic Greek dining experience.
Notes
- Tenderize chicken thighs evenly by pounding to ensure consistent cooking and maximum flavor absorption.
- Freshly ground spices create a more intense and aromatic marinade compared to pre-ground alternatives.
- Marinating overnight allows deep flavor penetration and helps soften the meat for a more succulent texture.
- Use a meat thermometer to accurately check internal temperature, preventing undercooked chicken.
- Create a stable vertical rotisserie using a bamboo stick and onion to help maintain chicken’s shape during roasting.
- Rest the cooked chicken for 15 minutes to redistribute juices, ensuring each slice remains moist and flavorful.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 420 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 280 mg
- Fat: 34 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg