Description
Easy Greek Chicken Skewers with Lemon Rice bring bright Mediterranean flavors to your table. Juicy chicken marinated with olive oil, lemon, garlic, and herbs is grilled until lightly charred and served alongside fluffy lemon rice. This wholesome meal delivers balanced flavor, lean protein, and fresh ingredients perfect for a healthy and satisfying dinner.
Ingredients
- 1½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breast or chicken thighs, cut into 1½-inch cubes
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- Wooden or metal skewers
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Optional: crumbled feta cheese
- Optional: cucumber slices
- Optional: cherry tomatoes
- Optional: tzatziki sauce
- Optional: warm pita bread
- Optional: lemon wedges
Instructions
1. In a medium bowl whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, onion powder, thyme, salt, pepper, and red wine vinegar to create the marinade.
2. Add the chicken cubes and toss until evenly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes.
3. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 20 minutes.
4. Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto skewers, leaving small gaps between pieces.
5. Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds.
6. Add rice and stir for 1 minute until lightly toasted.
7. Pour in chicken broth, add salt and pepper, and bring to a gentle boil.
8. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for about 15 minutes until rice is tender.
9. Remove rice from heat, fluff with a fork, then stir in lemon juice, lemon zest, and parsley.
10. Preheat a grill pan, outdoor grill, or skillet over medium-high heat.
11. Cook chicken skewers for about 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally, until lightly charred and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
12. Serve the grilled chicken skewers with lemon rice and garnish with parsley, feta, cucumber, tomatoes, tzatziki, and lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
- Cut chicken pieces evenly to ensure consistent cooking.
- Allowing the chicken to marinate longer enhances the flavor.
- A grill pan or skillet works well if you do not have an outdoor grill.
- Brown rice can be used instead of white rice for more fiber.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 plate
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 38g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg