Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Marinade Recipe

Introduction

Discover the vibrant flavors of Greece with this authentic chicken souvlaki marinade. Packed with herbs, spices, and tangy lemon, it transforms simple chicken into a tender, aromatic delight perfect for grilling.

Ingredients

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, olive oil, and red wine vinegar. Whisk together until smooth.
2. Step 2: Add the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and lemon zest to the bowl. Mix well until all ingredients are fully incorporated.
3. Step 3: Place the cubed chicken into the marinade, ensuring each piece is evenly coated. Use your hands or a spatula to mix well if needed.
4. Step 4: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the marinated chicken into a zip-lock bag. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, preferably overnight for maximum flavor.
5. Step 5: When ready to cook, preheat the grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
6. Step 6: Grill the skewers for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F or 74°C).
7. Step 7: Remove the skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving.

Tips & Variations

• For added flavor, marinate the chicken overnight to let the spices fully penetrate the meat.
• Try using chicken thighs for juicier and more tender souvlaki.
• If you don’t have a grill, cook the skewers in a hot grill pan or broil them in the oven.
• Serve with warm pita, tzatziki sauce, and fresh vegetables for a complete meal.

Storage

Store any leftover marinated chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days before cooking. Cooked souvlaki can be refrigerated for 3-4 days and reheated gently on the stove or in the oven to keep it moist.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat in this marinade?

Yes, this marinade works well with pork, lamb, or even firm fish like swordfish. Adjust cooking times accordingly based on the protein.

Do I have to use the yogurt in the marinade?

The yogurt tenderizes the chicken and adds creaminess, but if you prefer, you can omit it or substitute with a small amount of olive oil and lemon juice, though the texture and flavor will vary slightly.

Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Marinade Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 107 reviews

• Author: Rafael
• Total Time: 2 hours 27 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Halal

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Description

This Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Marinade recipe combines Greek yogurt, olive oil, aromatic herbs, and spices to create a flavorful marinade that tenderizes and infuses chicken with classic Mediterranean flavors. Perfect for grilling, this dish offers juicy, golden-brown chicken skewers that are ideal for a summer cookout or a flavorful weeknight dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Marinade

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Zest of 1 lemon

Chicken

• 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes

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Instructions

1. Prepare the marinade: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the plain Greek yogurt, olive oil, and red wine vinegar until smooth to form the base of the marinade.
2. Add seasonings: Stir in the minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, black pepper, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Mix thoroughly to evenly combine all the flavors.
3. Marinate the chicken: Add the cubed chicken pieces to the marinade, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Use your hands or a spatula to mix well, making sure the marinade covers every piece.
4. Refrigerate: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken and marinade into a zip-lock bag. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, ideally overnight, to allow the flavors to deeply penetrate the chicken.
5. Preheat the grill: When ready to cook, heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat, preparing for grilling the marinated chicken skewers.
6. Thread chicken onto skewers: Carefully thread the marinated chicken cubes onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece to ensure even cooking.
7. Grill the chicken: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally. Grill until the chicken is golden brown and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
8. Rest and serve: Remove the cooked skewers from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.

Notes

• For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight, but at least 2 hours is sufficient.
• Use chicken thighs for juicier results, or chicken breast for leaner skewers.
• If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning.
• Serve with warm pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and a fresh Greek salad for an authentic meal.
• Adjust salt and spices to taste depending on dietary preferences.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Greek

Keywords: Greek chicken souvlaki, chicken marinade, grilled chicken skewers, Mediterranean chicken recipe, yogurt marinade