Are you ready to embark on a culinary journey that takes you straight to the heart of Greece? Look no further than this Greek chicken souvlaki marinade recipe. This flavorful and aromatic marinade will transform your chicken into a mouthwatering dish that will have your taste buds dancing with joy. Get ready to savor the rich flavors of Greece in every bite!
Greek chicken souvlaki is a classic Greek dish that has been enjoyed for centuries. It is made with tender, juicy chicken pieces that are marinated in a flavorful blend of herbs and spices. The marinade is the key to achieving that distinct Greek flavor, and this recipe will guide you through the process of creating a marinade that is both authentic and delicious.
Ingredients:
– 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds) of chicken thighs and drumsticks
– 1/2 cup of olive oil
– 1/2 cup of lemon juice
– 1/4 cup of red wine vinegar
– 1/4 cup of water
– 1/4 cup of honey
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon of dried thyme
– 1 teaspoon of salt
– 1 teaspoon of black pepper
– 1/2 teaspoon of ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon of paprika
– 1/2 teaspoon of ground cinnamon
– 1/4 teaspoon of ground allspice
– 1/4 teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional)
Instructions:
1. Begin by preparing the marinade. In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, and water. Whisk together until well blended.
2. Add the honey, minced garlic, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, black pepper, ground cumin, paprika, ground cinnamon, ground allspice, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the bowl. Stir until all the ingredients are well combined.
3. Place the chicken thighs and drumsticks in a large resealable plastic bag or a glass dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring that all the pieces are well coated.
4. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Once the chicken has marinated, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade (or save it for another use).
6. Grill the chicken for about 15-20 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Baste the chicken with the remaining marinade halfway through grilling for extra flavor.
7. Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve your Greek chicken souvlaki with a side of pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and a fresh Greek salad. Enjoy this delightful dish as you relish the authentic flavors of Greece in the comfort of your own home. Buon appetito!
