Chicken Souvlaki Marinade Recipe

This simple yet tasty Greek chicken marinade is easy to make and perfect anytime you want to make your chicken souvlaki or even chicken gyro meat! Just whip these up a few days ahead of time that way all the flavors melt together. These are perfect on the BBQ!! Check out our delicious pita bread recipe.

Chicken Souvlaki Marinade Recipe

Servings: 4-6

Ingredients:

• 2 cups of Fage Greek yogurt (plain)
• 2 lemons, reserve juice
• 1/4 cup of Greek olive oil
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 teaspoons of honey or maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder
• 2 tablespoons of fresh basil chopped
• 2 tablespoons of fresh dill chopped
• 2 tablespoons of fresh oregano chopped
• 1 teaspoon of paprika
• Salt & Pepper to season (I like to use pink Himalayan salt and black peppercorn.)
• 2 pounds of chicken breasts, remove any excess fat
• Optional: Pinch of cinnamon powder
• Optional: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest 
• Optional: 1 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (if you like heat) 

Method:

1. In a large bowl combine all the marinade ingredients except the chicken.
2. On a large cutting board place 2 chicken breasts on the board and cover them with plastic wrap. Pound the chicken using a mallet, or even a rolling pin. Pound to tenderize and repeat with all chicken.
3. Place the chicken in a large bowl or zip-lock bag and then add the marinade inside the bag. Coat the chicken well and chill overnight. 
4. To make chicken souvlaki follow these steps. Cut the chicken into 1-inch cubes.  Prepare the skewers, and line a large baking sheet lined with parchment or foil. Thread the chicken cubes onto the skewer. I like to put 5-6 cubes at a time normally. Repeat until all skewers are ready to go and place onto a baking sheet until ready to cook.  Skip to step 6 now. 
5. To make chicken gyro meat follow these steps: Once the chicken has marinated and chilled cut the chicken lengthwise into thin strips. 
6. BBQ: Place a grilling mat over the BBQ on medium-high heat. Then add the chicken skewers or chicken gyro meat in a thin layer with the sauce. Cook for about 15 to 20 minutes making sure to flip the chicken to get it crispy and golden brown. I like to squeeze lemon juice over the top while it’s grilling. 
7. BAKE: If you bake the chicken then add the chicken to a large baking sheet lined with foil and a drizzle of olive oil. Bake at 400 degrees for about 45 minutes to an hour. Remove from the oven and let it cool down.
8. Serve warm with a side of tzatziki sauce or serve inside pita bread.

Kali Orexi!! 

Notes:

• You can replace honey with maple syrup or any sweetener of your choice.
• Any fresh herbs work well in this Greek marinade. The more, the merrier plus rosemary works well in this recipe too!  
• You can cook the skewers or chicken gyro meat on the BBQ, in the oven, or in a stovepan. I prefer using my BBQ especially now that the weather is heating up.