If you are craving a dish that brings the bright, fresh flavors of the Mediterranean right to your table, then you absolutely have to try this Greek Chicken Skewers with Lemon Rice Recipe. Tender, juicy chicken pieces marinated in zesty lemon and oregano mingle perfectly with fragrant, fluffy lemon-infused rice that’s cooked to perfection. This recipe offers a vibrant balance of citrusy tang, savory herbs, and smoky grilled goodness that will have you coming back for seconds. It’s ideal for summer cookouts, casual dinners, or anytime you want an easy yet impressive meal that bursts with authentic Greek flair.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting these Greek Chicken Skewers with Lemon Rice Recipe right is a breeze thanks to a handful of fresh, straightforward ingredients that work harmoniously to create something truly special. Each component plays an essential role—from the lemon that brightens every bite, to the oregano that adds an earthy herbaceousness, and the olive oil that brings richness and helps everything meld together.
- Chicken breasts or thighs (1 ½ pounds): Opt for boneless, skinless for quick, even cooking with juicy results.
- Olive oil (¼ cup + 1 tablespoon): Adds richness and helps tenderize the chicken and flavor the rice.
- Fresh lemon juice (2 tablespoons for marinade + 2 tablespoons for rice): Provides that essential bright citrus zing that defines the dish.
- Red wine vinegar (1 tablespoon): Adds subtle acidic depth to the marinade.
- Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses the chicken with savory aroma and depth.
- Fresh oregano (1 tablespoon) or dried (1 teaspoon): Brings the unmistakable Greek herb flavor that’s utterly delicious.
- Salt (1 teaspoon for chicken + ½ teaspoon for rice): Enhances all natural flavors without overpowering.
- Black pepper (½ teaspoon): Adds just the right amount of gentle heat.
- Long-grain white rice (1 cup): The perfect base for absorbing lemony flavors while staying fluffy.
- Chicken broth (2 cups): Used to cook the rice with savory richness and moisture.
- Lemon zest (1 teaspoon): Amplifies the lemon flavor in the rice with fresh, bright notes.
- Fresh parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): Adds a pop of green color and fresh herbal finish to the rice.
- Wooden or metal skewers: Necessary for grilling the chicken to juicy perfection (remember to soak wooden skewers beforehand!).
How to Make Greek Chicken Skewers with Lemon Rice Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by whisking together olive oil, fresh lemon juice, red wine vinegar, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper in a large bowl or zip-top bag. Toss in the chicken pieces and make sure they’re well coated with the marinade. This step is where those bold Greek flavors sink into the meat, so don’t rush it. Pop the bowl or bag into the fridge and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes—you can go up to 4 hours if you want even more flavor and tenderness.
Step 2: Prepare the Skewers
If you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20–30 minutes before assembling the skewers to prevent burning during grilling. Then, thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece to allow even cooking and a perfect charred edge.
Step 3: Grill the Chicken
Heat your grill to medium-high and place the skewers on the grates. Grill for about 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally so each side gets those beautiful grill marks and the chicken cooks evenly through. You’ll know they’re done when the juices run clear and the meat is no longer pink inside. Don’t skip this step—grilling adds that wonderful smoky depth that’s key to this Greek Chicken Skewers with Lemon Rice Recipe.
Step 4: Cook the Lemon Rice
While the chicken is grilling, heat olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the rice and stir for 2–3 minutes until it’s lightly toasted, which adds a subtle nutty flavor and helps keep the grains separate. Pour in the chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt. Bring it to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15–18 minutes until the rice is tender and all the liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let it stand covered for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork and stirring in fresh parsley for a lively finish.
How to Serve Greek Chicken Skewers with Lemon Rice Recipe
Garnishes
To take this dish from delicious to absolutely divine, add a dollop of creamy tzatziki or sprinkle on some crumbled feta cheese. Fresh lemon wedges on the side offer a bright finishing touch so everyone can squeeze extra citrus over their plate. A sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like parsley or oregano always elevates the flavors and adds wonderful color.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs beautifully with traditional Greek sides like a crisp Greek salad loaded with tomatoes, cucumbers, olives, and red onion. Grilled vegetables such as zucchini, eggplant, or bell peppers echo the smoky flavors of the chicken perfectly. For a heartier meal, some warm pita bread or a simple cucumber and yogurt salad round things out nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching presentation, serve the skewers over a vibrant bed of the lemon rice arranged on a large serving platter. Scatter fresh herbs and lemon slices around for color. You could also slide the chicken off the skewers and toss it with the rice for an easy one-bowl meal. Individual plates garnished with a sprig of oregano or parsley instantly make your meal look restaurant-worthy!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chicken skewers and lemon rice can be stored separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Keeping them separate helps the rice stay fluffy and the chicken juicy when reheated. This makes it a fantastic meal prep option for busy weekdays.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked chicken skewers by removing the chicken from the skewers and placing the pieces in a freezer-safe container or bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Lemon rice freezes best if packed tightly and thawed gently in the refrigerator before reheating. Freeze portions separately for best texture.
Reheating
Reheat the chicken skewers on a grill pan or in the oven to maintain their smoky flavor and crisp edges. The lemon rice is best reheated gently on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist and fluffy. Avoid microwaving if you can; you’ll get much better texture reheating on the stove or oven.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this recipe?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully in this Greek Chicken Skewers with Lemon Rice Recipe, offering a bit more juiciness and flavor. Just make sure to cut them into even pieces for even cooking.
What if I don’t have a grill? Can I cook the skewers indoors?
You can definitely cook the skewers on a grill pan or broil them in the oven. Just keep an eye on them so they get nicely browned and cook through without drying out.
Is it necessary to soak wooden skewers before grilling?
Yes, soaking wooden skewers in water for 20–30 minutes helps prevent them from burning on the grill, which also makes them safer and easier to handle.
Can I make the lemon rice ahead of time?
You can prepare the lemon rice a day ahead and store it in the fridge. Reheat gently on the stove with a splash of chicken broth or water to revive its fluffy texture before serving.
How long can I marinate the chicken?
The chicken should marinate for a minimum of 30 minutes and up to 4 hours. Longer marinating helps deepen flavors and tenderize the meat further, but avoid going beyond 4 hours to keep the texture perfect.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the vibrant simplicity of this Greek Chicken Skewers with Lemon Rice Recipe that makes it a favorite in my kitchen. It’s a wonderful combination of fresh, tangy, and savory flavors that feels like a mini vacation in every bite. Whether you’re grilling up a quick dinner or entertaining friends, this dish is sure to bring a smile to everyone’s face. Give it a try—you’ll be hooked before the first skewer is even finished!
Print
Greek Chicken Skewers with Lemon Rice Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 30 minutes to 4 hours marinating)
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Greek Chicken Skewers with Lemon Rice is a flavorful and healthy Mediterranean dish featuring tender marinated chicken grilled to perfection and served alongside fragrant lemon-infused rice. This recipe is perfect for a summer cookout or a satisfying weeknight meal that brings fresh, zesty flavors to your table.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1 ½-inch pieces
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- wooden or metal skewers
For the Lemon Rice:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl or zip-top bag, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken pieces and toss well to coat. Refrigerate the chicken and let it marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours to enhance flavor and tenderness.
- Prepare the Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 20–30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling. Thread the marinated chicken pieces evenly onto the skewers.
- Grill the Chicken: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Place the chicken skewers on the grill and cook for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked through and has beautiful grill marks. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safe consumption.
- Cook the Lemon Rice: While the chicken is grilling, heat the olive oil in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Add the rice and stir frequently for 2–3 minutes to lightly toast the grains, bringing out a nutty flavor.
- Simmer the Rice: Add the chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, and salt to the toasted rice. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for 15–18 minutes until the rice is tender and all liquid is absorbed.
- Finish the Rice: Remove the rice from heat and keep it covered for 5 minutes to steam. Then fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the chopped fresh parsley to add brightness and color.
- Serve: Plate the grilled chicken skewers alongside the lemon rice. Optionally, serve with tzatziki sauce, grilled vegetables, or a Greek salad for a complete meal experience.
Notes
- This dish pairs wonderfully with tzatziki, grilled vegetables, or a crisp Greek salad to round out the meal.
- Marinating the chicken for longer (up to 4 hours) enhances the flavor and tenderness.
- Soak wooden skewers before grilling to prevent charring.
- Great for meal prep — store chicken skewers and rice separately in airtight containers for up to 3 days.
- Ideal for summer barbecues or quick healthy dinners anytime.
