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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- Preheat the grill: When ready to cook, heat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat, preparing for grilling the marinated chicken skewers.
- Thread chicken onto skewers: Carefully thread the marinated chicken cubes onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece to ensure even cooking.
- 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).
- 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
