Chicken Souvlaki Marinade
Elevate your grilling game with this irresistible Chicken Souvlaki Marinade, a savory blend of Mediterranean flavors that will transform simple chicken into tender, juicy perfection. This quick and easy marinade features olive oil, zesty lemon juice and zest, aromatic garlic, and a fragrant mix of dried oregano, thyme, cumin, and smoked paprika, creating a bold and tangy flavor profile. A touch of fresh parsley adds a burst of brightness, while the marinade tenderizes the chicken for optimal juiciness. Perfect for grilling, these marinated chicken skewers are a crowd-pleasing option for weeknight dinners or backyard barbecues. Serve them with warm pita bread, creamy tzatziki, and a fresh side salad for a classic Greek-inspired feast!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 3 tablespoons Olive oil
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Lemon zest
- 3 cloves Garlic cloves, minced
- 2 teaspoons Dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon Ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 0.5 teaspoons Black pepper
- 1 tablespoon Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
- 1.5 pounds Chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
Instructions
In a medium-sized mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, ground cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper until fully combined.
Optional: Stir in freshly chopped parsley for added freshness.
Place the cubed chicken pieces in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated. Massage the marinade into the chicken to help the flavors penetrate.
Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or ideally overnight, for maximum flavor.
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving a small gap between each piece for even cooking.
Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
Grill the skewers for 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has a nice char on the outside (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 75°C).
Serve the chicken souvlaki hot with pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and a side of fresh salad or rice.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1548 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 67.6 g | 87% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.4 g | 67% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 578 mg | 193% | |
| Sodium | 2873 mg | 125% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 10.5 g | 4% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.0 g | 11% | |
| Total Sugars | 1.1 g | ||
| Protein | 212.8 g | 426% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.9 mcg | 4% | |
| Calcium | 160 mg | 12% | |
| Iron | 10.0 mg | 56% | |
| Potassium | 1962 mg | 42% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
