Greek Chicken Skewers with Lemon Rice
Transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean with this vibrant and healthy dish! These Greek Chicken Skewers are marinated in a zesty blend of lemon, garlic, and herbs, then grilled to juicy perfection. Served alongside fragrant Lemon Rice, this meal is both refreshing and satisfying—perfect for summer dinners, meal prep, or entertaining guests.
Total Time
Prep: 20 minutes
Marinate: 30 minutes – 2 hours
Cook: 20 minutes
Total: ~1 hour 10 minutes (including minimum marinating)
Ingredients
For the Chicken Skewers:
1.5 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
2 tbsp olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp paprika (optional)
Wooden or metal skewers
Optional: red onion or bell pepper chunks for skewering
For the Lemon Rice:
1 cup long grain rice (e.g., basmati or jasmine)
2 cups chicken broth or water
Zest of 1 lemon
Juice of ½ lemon
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt to taste
2 tbsp chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken:
In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, and paprika.
Add chicken pieces and toss to coat.
Cover and marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours for best flavor).
Prepare the Skewers:
If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20–30 minutes to prevent burning.
Thread marinated chicken onto skewers, alternating with vegetables if using.
Cook the Chicken:
Grill method: Preheat grill to medium-high heat. Grill skewers for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until cooked through.
Stovetop: Use a grill pan over medium-high heat, same timing.
Oven: Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15–18 minutes or until chicken is fully cooked, broiling in the last 2 minutes for a charred effect.
Make the Lemon Rice:
In a saucepan, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat.
Add rice and toast for 1–2 minutes.
Stir in chicken broth, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil.
Cover, reduce heat, and simmer for 15 minutes or until liquid is absorbed.
Stir in lemon juice and chopped parsley before serving.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve skewers over a bed of lemon rice with a side of tzatziki, fresh salad, or warm pita bread.
Tips
Marinate Longer for More Flavor:
While 30 minutes works, marinating for 2–4 hours (or overnight) gives the chicken deeper flavor.
Uniform Cuts = Even Cooking:
Cut chicken into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking on the grill or in the oven.
Check Doneness:
Use a meat thermometer if possible—chicken is done at an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Let the Rice Rest:
After cooking, let the rice sit covered for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork—this helps improve texture.
Use Fresh Lemon:
Fresh lemon juice and zest make a big difference in both the marinade and the rice.
Variations
Add Vegetables to Skewers:
Include chunks of zucchini, red onion, bell pepper, or cherry tomatoes between the chicken for color and nutrition.
Switch the Protein:
Substitute chicken with shrimp, pork, or even tofu for a different take.
Use Brown Rice or Quinoa:
For a healthier twist, substitute lemon rice with brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice.
Herb Swap:
Use fresh oregano, thyme, or dill instead of dried oregano for a fresh flavor boost.
Make it a Bowl:
Turn it into a Mediterranean bowl by adding hummus, cucumbers, olives, feta, and a drizzle of olive oil or tzatziki.
Spice it Up:
Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne to the marinade for a bit of heat.
Q&A
Q: Can I cook the chicken skewers in the oven if I don’t have a grill?
A: Yes! Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 15–18 minutes or until fully cooked. Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end for a charred effect.
Q: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A: Absolutely. Marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, and cook the rice ahead—just reheat with a splash of broth or water.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth for the rice and ensure all seasonings are gluten-free.
Q: Can I freeze the chicken?
A: Yes. You can freeze the marinated raw chicken or cooked skewers for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge before using.
Nutrition Info (Approximate per serving, based on 4 servings)
Calories: 450
Protein: 38g
Carbohydrates: 32g
Fat: 19g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 1g
Sodium: 600mg
Note: Nutrition values vary based on exact ingredients and portions.
Conclusion
Greek Chicken Skewers with Lemon Rice is a fresh, flavorful, and balanced meal that’s easy enough for a weeknight yet impressive enough for entertaining. With its vibrant marinade, tender grilled chicken, and zesty rice, it delivers a taste of the Mediterranean in every bite. Whether you’re meal prepping or cooking for a crowd, this recipe is sure to become a favorite.