Chicken Souvlaki Marinade Recipe – Authentic Greek Dinner Idea
This chicken souvlaki marinade recipe is a flavorful and authentic Greek dish made with olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs. Perfect for grilling, family dinners, or Mediterranean-inspired meals that are fresh and delicious.
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon
- Zip-top bag or shallow dish
- Grill or oven
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
Ingredients
- 2 lbs boneless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into cubes
- ½ cup olive oil
- Juice of 2 lemons
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp rosemary (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
- Coat Chicken: Place chicken cubes in a zip-top bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over chicken and mix until evenly coated.
- Marinate: Refrigerate for at least 2 hours. For best flavor, marinate overnight.
- Skewer Chicken: Thread marinated chicken onto skewers.
- Cook: Grill over medium-high heat for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until chicken is cooked through. Alternatively, bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with pita, tzatziki, and salad.
Notes
- Chicken Choice: Thighs are juicier and more flavorful; breasts are leaner but can dry out.
- Marinating Time: Minimum 2 hours, maximum 24 hours to avoid mushy texture.
- Herb Tip: Use a mix of fresh and dried herbs for depth and brightness.
- Cooking Tip: Reserve some marinade (without raw chicken) for basting during grilling.
- Serving Idea: Pair with warm pita, tzatziki, and a crisp Greek salad for a complete meal.