Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Marinade in 5 Minutes Recipe

Introduction

This Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Marinade is bright, tangy, and packed with traditional Mediterranean flavors. Ready in just 5 minutes, it transforms simple chicken into a juicy, flavorful meal perfect for grilling or roasting. It’s an easy way to bring the taste of Greece to your table.

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

1. Step 1: Zest and juice the lemons, then mince the garlic cloves finely.
2. Step 2: In a bowl, combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, dried oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper.
3. Step 3: If using, add the plain Greek yogurt and crushed red pepper flakes. Whisk everything together until well combined and slightly emulsified.
4. Step 4: Pour the marinade over 1.5 to 2 pounds of chicken pieces placed in a resealable bag or container. Seal it tightly and refrigerate.
5. Step 5: Let the chicken marinate for at least 2 hours, ideally 4 to 6 hours, to absorb the flavors fully.
6. Step 6: Use the marinated chicken for grilling on skewers as classic souvlaki or incorporate into other Mediterranean dishes as desired.

Tips & Variations

• For a creamier texture and subtle tang, include the optional Greek yogurt in the marinade.
• Add crushed red pepper flakes to introduce a mild heat to the flavor profile.
• If you don’t have fresh lemons, substitute with 4 tablespoons bottled lemon juice and 1 teaspoon lemon zest for similar brightness.
• Marinate overnight for even deeper flavor, but avoid exceeding 24 hours to prevent the acid from breaking down the chicken too much.

Storage

Store any leftover marinade in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. After marinating, cooked chicken souvlaki can be refrigerated in a sealed container for 3 to 4 days. Reheat gently on the grill or in a skillet to retain juiciness.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use this marinade for other meats?

Yes, this marinade works wonderfully with pork, lamb, or even firm fish like swordfish. Adjust marinating times accordingly—less for delicate fish, and up to 8 hours for lamb or pork.

Do I need to add the yogurt?

No, the yogurt is optional and adds creaminess and tang. The marinade is flavorful and effective even without it, relying mainly on lemon, garlic, and oregano to infuse the chicken.

Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Marinade in 5 Minutes Recipe

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★★★★★

4.5 from 73 reviews

This Authentic Greek Chicken Souvlaki Marinade combines bright lemon juice and zest, robust garlic, fragrant oregano, and a splash of red wine vinegar to create a vibrant and flavorful marinade. Perfect for infusing 1.5 to 2 pounds of chicken before grilling, this marinade tenderizes and enhances the chicken with classic Mediterranean flavors, delivering juicy and aromatic souvlaki every time.

• Author: Isla
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-15 minutes
• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes (including minimum marination time)
• Yield: Marinade for 1.5 to 2 pounds of chicken 1x
• Category: Marinade
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Greek

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

1. Prepare Ingredients: Zest one lemon and juice two lemons to yield about 6 tablespoons of juice. Mince the garlic cloves finely for even flavor distribution.
2. Combine Marinade: In a mixing bowl, add the lemon juice, lemon zest, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano, kosher salt, and black pepper. If using, add the plain Greek yogurt and crushed red pepper flakes for creaminess and heat.
3. Mix Marinade: Whisk all ingredients thoroughly until the marinade is well combined and slightly emulsified, ensuring flavors meld together.
4. Marinate Chicken: Place 1.5 to 2 pounds of chicken pieces or skewers into a sealable bag or container. Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal tightly, and refrigerate.
5. Marination Time: Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 2 hours, ideally between 4 to 6 hours, to maximize flavor absorption and tenderization.
6. Cook as Desired: Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill over medium-high heat until fully cooked, approximately 10-15 minutes depending on piece size, or use in other Mediterranean-style recipes as preferred.

Notes

• For best results, marinate the chicken for 4 to 6 hours but do not exceed 24 hours as the lemon juice may start to ‘cook’ the meat.
• Adding Greek yogurt is optional but enhances tenderness and adds a creamy texture to the marinade.
• Crushed red pepper flakes add a subtle heat; adjust quantity or omit according to taste.
• This marinade is also excellent for pork or lamb souvlaki.
• Grill chicken over medium-high heat to get a nice char while keeping the inside juicy.

Keywords: Greek chicken souvlaki marinade, lemon garlic marinade, Mediterranean chicken marinade, grilled chicken marinade, souvlaki marinade