Ultimate Guide to Irresistible Greek Rotisserie Chicken Recipes

Greek Rotisserie Chicken Recipes

Greek cuisine is celebrated for its simple yet powerful flavors, and rotisserie chicken is no exception. This dish, with its succulent and flavorful meat, is a staple in Greek households. Cooking a rotisserie chicken the Greek way involves a blend of aromatic herbs, zesty lemon, and high-quality olive oil, resulting in a meal that’s both healthy and delicious. In this guide, we’ll explore the secrets behind a perfect Greek rotisserie chicken recipe, providing you with tips, variations, and a step-by-step recipe.

The Magic of Greek Rotisserie Chicken Recipes

Rotisserie chicken, or “kotopoulo stin souvla,” is a traditional Greek dish that is often prepared during festive occasions and family gatherings. The key to its irresistible taste lies in the marinade and the slow, even cooking process that allows the flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat. The result is a tender, juicy chicken with a crispy, golden-brown skin.

Ingredients for Greek Rotisserie Chicken Recipes

To make an authentic Greek rotisserie chicken, you will need the following ingredients:

• 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs)
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Juice of 2 lemons
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tbsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional)

Preparation and Cooking Method

Marinating the Chicken

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a flavorful marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Rinse the chicken under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Place the chicken in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it is well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight.

Preparing the Rotisserie

3. Prepare the Grill: If you are using a charcoal grill, light the charcoal and allow it to burn until it is covered with white ash. For a gas grill, preheat to medium-high heat.
4. Skewer the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and let any excess drip off. Skewer the chicken securely on the rotisserie spit. If you have fresh rosemary sprigs, place them inside the cavity of the chicken for added flavor.

Cooking the Chicken

5. Set Up the Rotisserie: Place the rotisserie spit on the grill. Close the lid and cook the chicken for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the skin is crispy and golden brown.
6. Baste Occasionally: While the chicken is cooking, occasionally baste it with the remaining marinade to keep it moist and flavorful.
7. Rest and Serve: Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 10-15 minutes before carving. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a juicy and tender result.

Variations and Serving Suggestions

Lemon-Herb Rotisserie Chicken

For a fresh twist, add more herbs like dill and parsley to the marinade. Serve with a side of tzatziki and a Greek salad for a complete meal.

Spicy Greek Rotisserie Chicken

Add a kick to your chicken by incorporating red pepper flakes and a dash of cayenne pepper into the marinade. Serve with roasted vegetables and a cooling cucumber yogurt dip.

Serving Suggestions

Greek rotisserie chicken pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Consider serving it with roasted potatoes, a simple Greek salad, or warm pita bread. For a festive touch, pair the chicken with a selection of Greek meze, such as olives, feta cheese, and hummus.

FAQ Greek Rotisserie Chicken Recipes

What makes Greek rotisserie chicken unique?

The unique combination of lemon, garlic, olive oil, and herbs infuses the chicken with a distinctive and irresistible flavor. The slow rotisserie cooking method ensures that the chicken is evenly cooked and remains juicy.

Can I use other types of poultry for this recipe?

Yes, you can use the same marinade and cooking method for other poultry such as turkey or duck. Adjust the cooking time based on the size and type of poultry.

How long should I marinate the chicken?

For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 4 hours. However, marinating it overnight will allow the flavors to penetrate deeper into the meat.

What equipment do I need for rotisserie cooking?

You will need a rotisserie attachment for your grill, which typically includes a spit and a motor. This setup ensures that the chicken rotates evenly, resulting in a perfectly cooked meal.

Can I cook Greek rotisserie chicken in the oven?

Yes, you can roast the marinated chicken in the oven at 375°F (190°C) for about 1.5 to 2 hours, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste occasionally and ensure the skin is crispy and golden brown.

Recipe: Greek Rotisserie Chicken

Ingredients

• 1 whole chicken (about 3-4 lbs)
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• Juice of 2 lemons
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tbsp dried thyme
• 1 tsp paprika
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• Fresh rosemary sprigs (optional)

Instructions

Marinating the Chicken

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Rinse the chicken and pat dry. Place it in a resealable bag or dish, pour the marinade over, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.

Preparing the Rotisserie

3. Prepare the Grill: Preheat your charcoal or gas grill.
4. Skewer the Chicken: Remove excess marinade, skewer the chicken, and place rosemary sprigs inside the cavity if desired.

Cooking the Chicken

5. Set Up the Rotisserie: Cook the chicken on the rotisserie spit for 1.5 to 2 hours until the internal temperature is 165°F (74°C).
6. Baste Occasionally: Baste the chicken with the marinade while cooking.
7. Rest and Serve: Let the chicken rest for 10-15 minutes before carving.

Internal Links with Descriptions

Greek Chicken Recipes

Honey Garlic Chicken
Discover a delightful blend of sweet and savory in this easy-to-make Honey Garlic Chicken recipe. Perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, this dish features tender chicken glazed with a rich honey garlic sauce. Serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or rice for a complete meal.

Honey Chicken Glazed
This recipe offers a perfect balance of sweet honey glaze and savory chicken. The dish is simple yet flavorful, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a casual dinner with friends. Pair it with a fresh Greek salad or roasted potatoes to enhance your meal.

Chicken Gyro Marinade
Learn how to make a flavorful marinade for traditional Greek chicken gyros. This marinade, featuring Greek yogurt, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs, ensures that the chicken is tender and full of authentic Greek flavors. Perfect for grilling or baking, these gyros are sure to be a hit at any gathering.

Greek Chicken and Potatoes
A classic Greek dish combining roasted chicken and potatoes with lemon and herbs. This hearty meal is easy to prepare and packed with flavor, making it a favorite for family dinners. Serve it with a side of tzatziki and warm pita bread for a complete Greek experience.

Greek Chicken Marinade
A versatile marinade perfect for grilling, baking, or frying chicken. Made with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and a mix of herbs, this marinade infuses the chicken with vibrant Greek flavors. Ideal for a variety of dishes, from salads to main courses.

Delicious Greek Chicken Souvlaki Recipe
Make authentic Greek chicken souvlaki at home with this easy recipe. Marinated in a blend of lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs, the chicken is then grilled to perfection. Serve it with pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and fresh vegetables for an authentic Greek meal.

1. Tzatziki Recipe – Perfect your Greek dishes with this classic tzatziki sauce recipe.
2. Greek Salad Ideas – Explore various Greek salad recipes to pair with your meals.
3. Greek Potatoes Recipe – A delicious side dish of Greek-style roasted potatoes.
4. Greek Meze Delicacies – Discover a variety of Greek appetizers to complement your meals.
5. Greek Moussaka Recipe – Learn how to make this hearty Greek main course.
6. Greek Easter Lamb on a Spit – Traditional Greek lamb that’s perfect for special occasions.
7. Greek Honey Cake – A sweet Greek dessert to round off your meal.
8. Cretan Cuisine: Vibrant Flavors – Learn more about the vibrant flavors of Cretan cuisine.
9. Greek Seasoning Recipe – Create your own Greek seasoning blend to enhance your dishes.

Greek cuisine is known for its robust flavors and healthy ingredients, and one of the best examples is Greek rotisserie chicken. This dish combines the simplicity of traditional Greek cooking with the deliciousness of slow-roasted, juicy chicken. Perfect for both family dinners and festive occasions, Greek rotisserie chicken is a must-try. In this blog post, we will explore the secrets behind making the perfect Greek rotisserie chicken, including the marinade, cooking techniques, and serving suggestions.

The Charm of Greek Rotisserie Chicken

Greek rotisserie chicken, or “kotopoulo stin souvla,” is celebrated for its crispy skin and tender, flavorful meat. The secret lies in the marinade—a blend of olive oil, lemon, garlic, and herbs—and the slow, even cooking process that allows the flavors to penetrate deeply into the chicken.

Celebrity Chefs on Cooking with Greek People YouTube

Greek TV Chef Anna-Maria Barouh

• Facebook: Anna-Maria Barouh
• Instagram: annamariabarouh
• Celebrity Chef, Food Stylist, Recipe Developer Anna Maria Barouh is our guest on Cooking with Greek People. Anna-Maria is a regular on Greek Television and has a very popular food blog and is a magazine contributor.
• YouTube Episode: Cooking with Greek People YouTube Episode

Cyprus’ Culinary Ambassador – Marilena Joannides

• Cyprus’ Culinary Ambassador – Marilena Joannides shows us how to make Easter Bread typical of Karpasia Cyprus. Marilena Joannides is a Culinary Expert known for her extensive research and knowledge in Mediterranean Cuisine. She is also the author of Cyprus Food Treasures. YouTube Episode: Cooking with Greek People Episode

Grill Philosophy Greek Recipes and Grilling

• YouTube Channel: Grill Philosophy  Explore traditional Greek recipes and grilling techniques with Grill Philosophy on Cooking with Greek People.