Chicken gyro meat refers to the seasoned, cooked meat used to make chicken gyros, which are a popular Greek sandwich. Gyros are made by stacking slices of gyro meat into pita bread along with vegetables like lettuce, tomato, onion, and tzatziki sauce.
What cut of chicken is used for chicken gyro meat?
Chicken gyro meat is most often made from chicken breast or thigh meat. Breast meat tends to be leaner and have a milder flavor, while thigh meat has a bit more fat and flavor. Either can be used to make delicious chicken gyro meat.
How is the chicken cooked for gyro meat?
There are a few common methods for cooking chicken for gyro meat:
- Roasted – Chicken pieces are roasted in the oven until fully cooked through and juices run clear.
- Grilled – Chicken slices are grilled on a barbecue or grill pan until charred and cooked through.
- Poached – Chicken breasts are gently simmered in liquid like broth or water until cooked through.
Any of these cooking methods result in moist, tender chicken perfect for slicing and using for gyro meat. Grilling imparts a smoky charred flavor while poaching keeps the chicken very moist.
How is chicken gyro meat seasoned?
Chicken gyro meat gets its signature flavor from a blend of Mediterranean seasonings. Common seasonings used include:
- Oregano
- Rosemary
- Thyme
- Garlic powder
- Onion powder
- Salt
- Pepper
- Paprika
- Cumin
- Dried lemon peel
These herbs and spices give the chicken a distinct savory flavor profile. The chicken is often marinated for hours in the seasoning blend before cooking to really infuse it with flavor.
Is chicken gyro meat processed?
Authentic chicken gyro meat is simply slices of whole seasoned chicken breast or thigh. However, some mass-produced gyro meat is made from processed formed meat. This involves blending ground chicken with seasoning, then pressing it into a loaf and slicing it for gyros.
While processed formed gyro meat is convenient, it often lacks the texture and flavor of whole muscle chicken gyro meat. For best results, look for chicken gyro meat made from whole cuts of chicken.
What’s the best way to slice chicken for gyro meat?
For even cooking and the perfect slices, it’s best to slice chicken for gyro meat across the grain. If using chicken breasts, first slice the breast lengthwise into thinner cutlets, then slice the cutlets crosswise into thin strips. Thigh meat can simply be sliced across the grain into thin strips.
How thin should chicken gyro meat be sliced?
Chicken gyro meat slices are cut very thin, usually around 1/8 inch thick. Thin slices make the meat easy to stack onto pitas and bite through when eating a gyro. Thin slices also allow the meat to cook quickly and absorb flavor when grilled or roasted.
Should you use chicken breast or thigh for gyro meat?
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Both chicken breast and thigh can make excellent gyro meat. Breast meat is lower in fat and calories while thigh has a richer flavor. Thigh meat’s extra fat and connective tissue keeps it tender when cooked. It comes down to personal preference!
Can you use pork or beef for gyro meat?
While chicken is most common, gyro meat can also be made from lean cuts of pork or beef. Pork tenderloin and flank steak are cuts that work well. The seasonings would be the same as for chicken gyro meat. Pork or beef gyro meat is sliced and cooked the same way as chicken.
Can you make gyro meat in advance?
It’s absolutely possible to prepare gyro meat ahead of time. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Fresh – Slice cooked chicken and refrigerate raw for up to 4 days before assembling gyros.
- Frozen – Freeze sliced gyro meat for up to 3 months, thawing portions in the fridge overnight before using.
- Pre-cooked – Fully cook gyro slices then reheat in a hot pan or oven to serve.
With a bit of advance preparation, you can have ready-to-go chicken gyro meat for quick sandwiches anytime.
What’s the best way to reheat gyro meat?
For maximum flavor and texture, it’s best to reheat pre-cooked gyro meat by sautéing it quickly in a hot pan with a little oil. This allows the slices to warm through while also getting a bit of char and caramelization on the meat. The meat can also be reheated in the oven but may dry out.
How long does cooked chicken gyro meat last in the fridge?
In the fridge, sliced cooked chicken gyro meat will last 3 to 4 days. Make sure to store it in an airtight container to maintain quality. The acidic ingredients in tzatziki sauce can break down the chicken faster once mixed together into a gyro, so eat chicken gyros within a couple days.
Can you freeze chicken gyro meat?
Chicken gyro meat freezes very well for longer term storage. To freeze, slice the cooked chicken, lay flat in a single layer on a sheet pan, and freeze until solid. Then transfer the slices to a freezer bag or airtight container, removing as much air as possible. Frozen gyro meat keeps for 2 to 3 months.
How do you thaw frozen chicken gyro meat?
There are a few ways to safely thaw frozen chicken gyro meat slices:
- In the refrigerator – Thaw overnight in the fridge.
- Cold water – Seal meat in a bag and submerge in cold water, changing water every 30 mins until thawed.
- Microwave – Microwave frozen slices on defrost setting until able to separate and finish thawing in fridge.
Once thawed, use the gyro meat within a couple days. Do not refreeze thawed raw chicken. Cooked gyro meat that was frozen can be refrozen again after reheating.
Conclusion
Authentic chicken gyro meat starts with whole cuts of chicken like breast or thigh that are seasoned with a blend of Mediterranean herbs and spices. The chicken is cooked either by roasting, grilling, or poaching, then sliced thin across the grain. For best flavor and texture, chicken gyro meat is made from whole muscle chicken rather than processed formed meat. Both breast and thigh can be used, with thigh having a bit more fat for added moisture and flavor. Chicken gyro meat can be made ahead and reheated, and also freezes well for longer term storage. With its savory seasoning and slim slices, chicken gyro meat is perfectly delicious wrapped up into a warm grilled pita with all the Greek fixings.
