Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Marinade in 5 Minutes Recipe
Introduction
Discover the vibrant flavors of Greece with this authentic chicken souvlaki marinade. Ready in just five minutes, it infuses chicken with zesty lemon, garlic, and aromatic oregano for a deliciously fresh taste. Perfect for grilling or any Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of 2 lemons (about 6 tbsp)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- Optional: 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
- Optional: ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Zest and juice the lemons, then mince the garlic cloves.
- Step 2: In a bowl, combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper.
- Step 3: If using, add the plain Greek yogurt and crushed red pepper flakes to the mixture.
- Step 4: Whisk all ingredients together until well combined and slightly emulsified.
- Step 5: Pour the marinade over 1.5 to 2 pounds of chicken placed in a resealable bag or container, seal it, and refrigerate.
- Step 6: Marinate the chicken for at least 2 hours, ideally 4 to 6 hours, to develop the best flavor.
- Step 7: Use the marinated chicken for grilled souvlaki skewers or other Mediterranean dishes.
Tips & Variations
- For extra tenderness, use plain Greek yogurt in the marinade to help break down the chicken fibers.
- Add crushed red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
- Marinate chicken overnight for even deeper flavor but avoid exceeding 24 hours to prevent the acid from breaking down the meat too much.
- Try swapping dried oregano with fresh oregano for a brighter, herbaceous note.
Storage
Store any leftover marinade separately in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Marinated chicken should be cooked within 24 hours of marinating for best quality. Reheat cooked chicken gently to avoid dryness, ideally in a low oven or covered skillet.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use this marinade for other meats?
Yes, this marinade works well with pork, lamb, or even firm fish like swordfish. Adjust marinating times accordingly—fish only needs about 30 minutes to an hour.
Do I need to add yogurt?
No, yogurt is optional. It adds creaminess and tenderness, but the marinade is flavorful and effective without it.
PrintAuthentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Marinade in 5 Minutes Recipe
This Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Marinade is a vibrant blend of lemon, garlic, oregano, and olive oil, perfectly balanced to infuse chicken with bright Mediterranean flavors. Ready in just 5 minutes, this simple marinade tenderizes the meat and imparts a zesty, herbaceous taste, making it ideal for grilling or skillet cooking to create delicious chicken souvlaki skewers.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 17 minutes plus marinating time
- Yield: Serves 4
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients
Marinade Ingredients
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of 2 lemons (about 6 tbsp)
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
- Optional: 2 tbsp plain Greek yogurt
- Optional: ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Zest and juice the lemons, and mince the garlic cloves finely to release their flavor.
- Combine Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together lemon juice, lemon zest, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper until the mixture is well combined and slightly emulsified.
- Add Optional Ingredients: For extra creaminess and a touch of heat, add plain Greek yogurt and crushed red pepper flakes, then whisk again until smooth.
- Marinate Chicken: Place 1.5 to 2 pounds of chicken (traditionally chicken breasts or thighs, cut into cubes or strips) in a sealable bag or container. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal tightly, and ensure all pieces are coated evenly.
- Refrigerate: Allow the chicken to marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours, preferably 4 to 6 hours, to let the flavors deeply infuse and tenderize the meat.
- Cook: Remove chicken from the marinade and grill on skewers or cook on a hot skillet until fully cooked and nicely charred, about 10-12 minutes, turning regularly.
Notes
- Marinating longer than 6 hours is possible but avoid over 24 hours to prevent the lemon juice from “cooking” the chicken.
- Use chicken thighs for juicier souvlaki; breasts are leaner.
- Can be used with other proteins such as pork or lamb.
- Grilling gives the best authentic flavor but pan-searing or broiling are good alternatives.
- Discard leftover marinade that has been in contact with raw chicken to avoid cross-contamination.
Keywords: Greek chicken marinade, souvlaki marinade, Mediterranean chicken, grilled chicken marinade, lemon garlic chicken marinade, easy Greek marinade
