The effect of various alloying elements on static recovery and recrystallization kinetics in Ni-Cr austenitic stainless steels was investigated by an intermittent two stage hot compression test. Types 304 and 316 stainless steels showed a marked retardation of recrystallization kinetics compared with that of austenite in 0.25%Si-1.25%Mn steel. This retardation was found to arise from solid solution effect of Cr, but not of Ni. The finish-rolling temperature to attain the completely recrystallized structure in as-rolled plate was examined by hot rolling experiment, and this recrystallization temperatures in 304 and 316 steels were 975 and 1650°C, respectively. The retarding rate of solute atoms was quantitatively evaluated, and it increased in the following ascending order: Ni<Cr< V<Ti<Mo<Nb. This retarding effect of solute atoms resulted in a consistent correlation to the lattice constant change measured by high temperature X-ray dif fractometry. This effect appeared to be caused by the interaction between dislocations and lattice distortion.