Description
Greek gyros deliver a symphony of Mediterranean flavors with tender marinated chicken nestled in warm pita bread. Crisp vegetables, tangy tzatziki, and aromatic herbs create a delightful street-style meal that will transport you to the sun-drenched shores of Greece.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein:
- 1.32 pounds (0.6 kg) boneless chicken thighs
Spices and Herbs:
- 2.5 tablespoons (37.5 ml) dried rosemary
- 2.5 tablespoons (37.5 ml) whole coriander seeds
- 2.5 tablespoons (37.5 ml) red chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon (5 ml) black peppercorns
- coarse sea salt to taste
Additional Ingredients:
- ¾ cup (180 ml) extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) finely chopped garlic
- 2 tablespoons (30 ml) lemon juice
- ½ large onion
- 1 bamboo skewer
Instructions
- Gently pound chicken thighs between plastic wrap until they reach a uniform 1/2 inch (1.3 centimeters) thickness, creating an even surface for optimal marinade absorption.
- Create a robust spice blend by grinding paprika, whole coriander seeds, black peppercorns, dried rosemary, red chili flakes, and sea salt into a coarse, aromatic powder using a mortar and pestle.
- Incorporate finely minced fresh garlic into the spice mixture, grinding until ingredients are thoroughly integrated and fragrant.
- Introduce extra virgin olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice to transform the spice blend into a vibrant, liquid marinade with robust flavor profile.
- Thoroughly massage marinade into each chicken thigh, ensuring complete and even coverage, then wrap individually in plastic film for deep flavor penetration.
- Refrigerate marinated chicken for minimum 2 hours, preferably overnight, allowing spices to deeply infuse the meat with complex Mediterranean flavors.
- Prepare a vertical roasting setup by securing a large onion half as a stable base, then carefully thread marinated chicken thighs onto a sturdy bamboo skewer in a compact, uniform arrangement.
- Position the chicken skewer in a preheated oven at 375°F (190°C), roasting for approximately 55-65 minutes until internal temperature reaches a safe 165°F (74°C).
- Remove from oven and allow meat to rest for 10-15 minutes, enabling juices to redistribute and ensuring maximum tenderness.
- Slice roasted chicken into thin, diagonal strips and serve immediately with cool, tangy tzatziki sauce for an authentic Greek dining experience.
Notes
- Let the chicken soak up Mediterranean magic through an overnight marinade, unlocking deep, vibrant flavors that transform ordinary meat into a delectable feast.
- Grinding whole spices releases intense aromatics, creating a custom seasoning blend that elevates the chicken’s taste profile beyond standard recipes.
- Tenderizing meat inside a ziplock bag ensures uniform thickness, promoting even cooking and preventing dry or tough chicken sections.
- Vertical rotisserie-style cooking mimics traditional Greek techniques, allowing fat to drip naturally and create crispy, caramelized exterior edges.
- Resting meat after baking allows internal juices to redistribute, guaranteeing maximum tenderness and preventing moisture loss during slicing.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 hour
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 648 kcal
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 55 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 40 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 45 g
- Cholesterol: 160 mg