Description
Succulent Greek chicken souvlaki with lemon rice delivers Mediterranean flavors straight from Greece’s culinary heartland. Marinated chicken skewers and fragrant rice promise a delightful meal you’ll savor with Mediterranean zest.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 4–6 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 cup long grain rice (or 1.5 cups short grain rice)
- 2 cups hot chicken broth
Liquid and Oil Ingredients:
- 0.25 cup olive oil
- 0.25 cup lemon juice (about 3 lemons)
- 2–3 tablespoons lemon juice
- 0.25 cup lemon juice
- 1.5 teaspoons red wine vinegar
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Herbs and Seasonings:
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1.5 teaspoons dried oregano
- 0.5 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon salt
Optional Ingredients:
- Optional vegetables: onions, zucchini, tomatoes
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken marinade by combining olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, garlic, oregano, and thyme in a sealed container. Cut chicken into uniform 1.5-inch chunks and immerse in the marinade. Refrigerate for 6-8 hours to infuse flavors deeply.
- Remove chicken from marinade and carefully thread pieces onto skewers, ensuring even distribution. Preheat grill to medium-high heat (around 400°F) and lightly coat grates with non-stick spray.
- Position marinated chicken skewers on preheated grill. Cook for 6-7 minutes per side, rotating to create beautiful crosshatch grill marks. Ensure internal chicken temperature reaches 160°F for safe consumption.
- For lemon rice, warm oil in a medium saucepan over moderate heat. Toast rice grains for 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously to prevent burning. Add salt and lemon juice, stirring to coat rice evenly.
- Pour broth into rice mixture, bringing to a rapid boil. Reduce heat to low, cover tightly, and simmer for 18-20 minutes until liquid is absorbed and rice is tender.
- Remove rice from heat, let stand covered for 5-10 minutes to allow residual steam to complete cooking. Fluff with a fork before serving alongside grilled souvlaki skewers.
Notes
- Double-check meat temperature using a reliable instant-read thermometer to ensure chicken is safely cooked without becoming dry.
- Experiment with wood skewers by soaking them in water for 30 minutes before grilling to prevent burning and potential charring.
- Consider replacing chicken with firm tofu or tempeh for a vegetarian version, adjusting marinade and cooking time accordingly.
- Allow marinated chicken to reach room temperature before grilling to promote more even cooking and better caramelization.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 220
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 1.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 26 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 10 g
- Cholesterol: 60 mg