🥙 Easy Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Lemon Rice 🍋
Description
This Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Lemon Rice is a fresh, flavorful Mediterranean dish that’s easy to make at home! The chicken is marinated in a blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and Greek spices, then grilled to juicy perfection. Paired with fluffy, citrus-infused lemon rice, this meal is healthy, protein-packed, and perfect for meal prep or a family dinner.
Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the Chicken Souvlaki:
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast (cut into 1-inch cubes)
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 30 minutes, if grilling)
For the Lemon Rice:
- 1 cup basmati or jasmine rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp olive oil or butter
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Instructions
1. Marinate the Chicken
- In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, paprika, and red pepper flakes.
- Add chicken cubes to the marinade and toss to coat.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).
2. Cook the Chicken Souvlaki
Grill Method:
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat.
- Thread marinated chicken onto skewers.
- Grill for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until fully cooked and slightly charred.
Stovetop Method:
- Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat.
- Cook chicken pieces for 4-5 minutes per side until golden and cooked through.
3. Make the Lemon Rice
- In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat.
- Add rice and stir for 1-2 minutes until slightly toasted.
- Pour in chicken broth, lemon zest, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat, stir in lemon juice and parsley, then fluff with a fork.
4. Serve & Enjoy!
- Plate the lemon rice, then top with grilled chicken souvlaki.
- Serve with tzatziki sauce, pita bread, or a Greek salad for a complete meal.
Notes & Tips
- Marination Time: The longer you marinate, the more flavorful the chicken will be!
- No Grill? No Problem! Cook in a skillet or bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20 minutes.
- Extra Flavor: Add a drizzle of garlic butter or a sprinkle of feta cheese.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Make It Low-Carb: Swap the rice for cauliflower rice or a fresh Greek salad.
Servings & Nutritional Info (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~450
- Protein: ~40g
- Carbohydrates: ~45g
- Fat: ~12g
- Fiber: ~2g
- Sodium: ~500mg
(Values may vary based on ingredients used.)
Health Benefits of Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Lemon Rice
✔ High in Protein – Helps with muscle growth and keeps you full.
✔ Rich in Antioxidants – Lemon, oregano, and olive oil boost immunity.
✔ Heart-Healthy Fats – Olive oil supports heart health.
✔ Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free pita or serve with a salad.
✔ Gut-Friendly – Pair with tzatziki for probiotic benefits!
Q&A (Frequently Asked Questions)
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes! Chicken thighs will be juicier and more flavorful. Just adjust cooking time slightly.
Q: Can I make this in advance?
Absolutely! Marinate the chicken overnight for maximum flavor and cook it fresh. Lemon rice can be made ahead and reheated.
Q: What can I serve this with?
Try roasted vegetables, hummus, a Greek cucumber salad, or warm pita bread.
Q: How can I make this dairy-free?
Skip the tzatziki sauce or use a dairy-free yogurt alternative.
Q: Can I freeze the marinated chicken?
Yes! Freeze raw, marinated chicken in a sealed bag for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before cooking.
This Easy Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Lemon Rice is a simple, healthy, and delicious meal that brings the flavors of Greece to your kitchen. Give it a try and let me know how it turns out! 🎉🍋🥙