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Close up of bite-sized grilled chicken cubes showing a glistening surface and heavy green herb flecks. (Greek Chicken Marinade)

Greek Chicken Marinade: The Secret to Juicy, Charred Mediterranean Souvlaki

This Greek Chicken Marinade uses a thick yogurt base to create juicy, glistening chicken cubes with deep char marks. Perfect for grilling, it features heavy flecks of dried oregano and fresh lemon for authentic Mediterranean flavor.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner, Lunch
Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean
Calories: 310
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Ingredients
  • 2 lbs Chicken Breasts Cut into 1-inch cubes (900g)
  • 1/2 cup Plain Greek Yogurt 120ml, full-fat preferred
  • 1/4 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil 60ml
  • 3 tbsp Lemon Juice 45ml, fresh squeezed
  • 4 cloves Garlic Mince finely
  • 1 tbsp Dried Oregano For traditional herb flecks
  • 1/4 cup Fresh Parsley 15g, finely chopped and divided

Equipment

  • 1 Large Glass Bowl For mixing marinade
  • 1 Outdoor Grill or Grill Pan High heat is essential for char marks

Method
 

Marinade Prep
  1. In a large bowl, whisk together yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and half the parsley.
  2. Add chicken cubes to the bowl and toss until a thick glistening glaze forms over every piece.
Cooking
  1. Place chicken on a high-heat grill. Cook for 4 minutes without moving to develop dark brown char marks.
  2. Flip and cook until internal temp is 165°F. Pile high and garnish with remaining parsley and lemon wedges.

Notes

Marinate for at least 30 minutes for best results.
Use high heat to ensure the yogurt sugars caramelize into dark char marks.