Greek Chicken Skewers with Lemon Rice Recipe

If you are craving a vibrant and mouthwatering meal that brings a burst of sunshine and Mediterranean flair to your table, you’ve got to try this Greek Chicken Skewers with Lemon Rice Recipe. Tender, herb-marinated chicken grilled to juicy perfection pairs beautifully with zesty, fluffy lemon-infused rice, creating a dish that is as satisfying as it is refreshingly light. It’s the kind of recipe that turns ordinary weeknights into delightful celebrations and guarantees happy taste buds every single time.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Simple, fresh, and bursting with flavor, the ingredients in this recipe are carefully selected to balance brightness, savoriness, and that unmistakable Greek charm. Each component plays a crucial role in building layers of texture and taste—from the tangy lemon juice to the aromatic oregano and fresh dill.

• 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts: Cut into 1-inch cubes for even grilling and quick cooking.
• 3 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps tenderize the chicken.
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: Provides a bright, zesty foundation for the marinade.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with that classic savory punch.
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano: The iconic herb that brings authentic Greek flavor.
• 1 teaspoon salt: Enhances every other ingredient’s natural taste.
• ½ teaspoon black pepper: Offers a subtle spicy kick.
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar: Adds gentle acidity to brighten the marinade.
• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (optional dipping sauce): Creamy and cooling for dipping those juicy skewers.
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley: Freshness and vibrant color as a final garnish.
• 1 cup long-grain white rice: The perfect base to soak up all those lemony flavors.
• 2 cups chicken broth: Gives depth and richness to the lemon rice.
• 1 tablespoon butter: Adds silkiness and toasts the rice to perfection.
• Zest of 1 lemon: Intensifies the citrus lover’s dream in the rice.
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice: Ensures the rice is bursting with bright flavor.
• ½ teaspoon salt: Brings out the best in the rice and seasonings.
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Just enough to balance the flavors.
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped: Adds delicate, aromatic herbaceous notes to the rice.

How to Make Greek Chicken Skewers with Lemon Rice Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by whisking together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red wine vinegar in a large bowl. Toss the chicken cubes in this vibrant marinade, ensuring every piece is coated with that lemony, herb-packed mixture. Cover it up and let it rest in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours. This step is key to infusing the chicken with deep flavor and keeping it tender and juicy.

Step 2: Grill the Chicken Skewers

Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat while soaking wooden skewers in water to avoid burning. Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers in a single layer. Place them on the hot grill and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally, until you achieve a beautiful golden crust and the chicken is cooked through. The grill marks and smoky aroma you develop here are what make this dish truly irresistible.

Step 3: Prepare the Lemon Rice

While the chicken grills, melt butter in a saucepan over medium heat and toast the rice for about 1 minute to bring out a nutty depth. Stir in chicken broth, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Bring this mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid has been fully absorbed. To finish, fluff the rice with a fork and gently fold in fresh dill. The result is a light, aromatic bed for your grilled skewers.

Step 4: Plate and Garnish

Arrange the charred chicken skewers over generous mounds of lemon rice. Sprinkle the whole dish with chopped parsley for a pop of color and freshness. If you like, serve it alongside a dollop of creamy Greek yogurt or tzatziki to add a cool, tangy contrast that complements the flavors beautifully.

How to Serve Greek Chicken Skewers with Lemon Rice Recipe

Garnishes

Fresh parsley is the easy go-to for a bright finish, adding both color and a hint of herbal brightness. For an extra zing, grilled lemon halves squeezed over the top before serving offer a burst of fresh citrus. Don’t skip a side of Greek yogurt or tzatziki sauce—the creamy coolness is a delicious foil to the grilled chicken’s savory notes.

Side Dishes

Keep it simple and Mediterranean by serving a crisp Greek salad of cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, and olives dressed with olive oil and oregano. Roasted vegetables or a light cucumber and feta salad also pair wonderfully to round out the meal without overpowering the main event.

Creative Ways to Present

For casual gatherings, serve the skewers family-style on a large platter nestled over lemon rice, letting everyone help themselves. Alternatively, create individual plates and drizzle a little extra olive oil and chopped fresh dill over the top for an elegant touch. Wrapping the grilled chicken in warm pita breads alongside the rice and sauce transforms this dish into a festive hand-held experience perfect for summer parties.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Place leftover chicken skewers and lemon rice in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3 days. Separating the skewers from the rice helps maintain the best texture for both components.

Freezing

You can freeze cooked chicken skewers and rice separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to keep their flavors and textures intact.

Reheating

Reheat the rice gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to restore moisture. Warm the chicken skewers on the grill or under the broiler for a few minutes to bring back their charred exterior without drying out.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great option if you prefer juicier, more flavorful meat. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces to ensure even cooking.

What can I substitute for fresh dill in the lemon rice?

If you don’t have fresh dill, fresh parsley or a light sprinkle of dried dill works well, though fresh herbs generally offer a brighter, more fragrant finish.

Do I need to soak wooden skewers before grilling?

Yes, soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 20 minutes prevents them from burning or catching fire on the grill, helping keep your skewers safe and intact.

Is Greek yogurt necessary for the dipping sauce?

Greek yogurt isn’t required, but it’s a delicious, cooling accompaniment that complements the flavors perfectly. You can serve the skewers with or without it, based on your preference.

How long can I marinate the chicken?

You can marinate the chicken anywhere from 30 minutes up to 4 hours. The longer it marinates, the more tender and flavorful it becomes, but avoid going beyond 4 hours to keep the texture just right.

Final Thoughts

This Greek Chicken Skewers with Lemon Rice Recipe is one of those joyful dishes that feel special without being complicated. Whether you’re feeding family, impressing friends, or just treating yourself, its bright, bold flavors and satisfying textures make it a winner every time. Trust me, once you make it, it’ll become your new go-to dinner for bringing a little Mediterranean magic into your kitchen.

Greek Chicken Skewers with Lemon Rice Recipe

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• Author: admin
• Total Time: 45 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

Greek Chicken Skewers with Lemon Rice is a vibrant Mediterranean dish featuring marinated grilled chicken breast skewers served over zesty lemon-infused rice. The chicken is marinated in a flavorful blend of olive oil, fresh lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and red wine vinegar, then grilled to perfection. The accompanying lemon rice is toasted and simmered with chicken broth, lemon zest, and fresh dill for a bright, aromatic side. Optional Greek yogurt adds a creamy, refreshing contrast, making this a wholesome, gluten-free, and high-protein meal ideal for a healthy dinner.

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Ingredients

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Chicken Skewers

• 1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 20 minutes)

Lemon Rice

• 1 cup long-grain white rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon butter
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped

Optional Dipping Sauce

• 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley

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Instructions

1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red wine vinegar. Add the cubed chicken breasts and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours to allow the flavors to infuse.
2. Prepare the Grill: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, ensure they have been soaked in water for at least 20 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
3. Thread and Grill Chicken: Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the soaked skewers evenly. Place the skewers on the grill, cooking for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally to achieve an even golden char and ensure the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F or 74°C).
4. Make the Lemon Rice: While grilling the chicken, melt the butter in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the rice and stir continuously for about 1 minute to toast it lightly. Pour in the chicken broth, lemon zest, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and all liquid is absorbed.
5. Finish the Rice: Once cooked, remove the rice from heat and fluff it with a fork. Stir in the fresh chopped dill to add a fragrant finish to the lemon rice.
6. Serve: Plate the grilled chicken skewers served atop a bed of lemon rice. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and offer plain Greek yogurt or tzatziki sauce on the side for dipping, if desired.

Notes

• For extra flavor, grill lemon halves alongside the chicken skewers and squeeze the grilled lemon juice over the skewers before serving.
• Chicken thighs can be substituted for breasts to yield a juicier, more tender result.
• Soaking wooden skewers in water for at least 20 minutes before grilling prevents them from burning on the grill.
• This recipe is naturally gluten-free and high in protein, making it suitable for gluten-free diets.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Greek