Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Lemon Rice

The moment you take a bite of this Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Lemon Rice, you’ll understand exactly why it’s a go-to comfort dish for so many. The tender, marinated chicken skewers are packed with those bold Mediterranean flavors that make your taste buds dance—a delightful mix of garlic, oregano, and lemon that’s not only refreshing but also comforting. The smoky char from the grill adds a depth of flavor, making every bite just a little bit more irresistible.

The lemon rice is the perfect sidekick to this dish, providing a zesty balance to the savory chicken. It’s light, aromatic, and just a little tangy, thanks to that citrusy kick. Every grain of rice seems to soak up the tangy, buttery goodness, creating a fluffy texture that feels both indulgent and fresh. It’s the kind of side dish that can elevate the whole meal, turning something simple into something special.

This meal is ideal for those busy weeknights when you crave something delicious yet not too complicated. The chicken can be prepped the day before, allowing you to marinate it and let those flavors soak in. Then, when you’re ready, it’s just a matter of grilling the skewers and serving them up with the rice for a complete, satisfying dinner. And the best part? It’s the kind of meal that leaves you wanting just one more bite—and maybe another skewer or two.

Key Ingredients for Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Lemon Rice

When it comes to making Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Lemon Rice, the ingredients come together to create a harmonious blend of bright, bold flavors that transport you straight to the Mediterranean. Let’s take a closer look at the key players in this dish:

• Chicken Breast
  Tender and juicy, chicken breast is the perfect canvas to absorb the flavors of the marinade. Grilled to perfection, it becomes the star of the show, delivering both tenderness and a satisfying char.
• Olive Oil
  A staple of Mediterranean cuisine, olive oil is rich and flavorful, helping to tenderize the chicken while also adding a subtle fruitiness that enhances the overall taste.
• Garlic
  Garlic adds a fragrant, savory punch to the marinade. It infuses the chicken with its warm, aromatic flavor, rounding out the richness of the olive oil.
• Oregano
  This herb brings an earthy, slightly peppery flavor that’s synonymous with Greek cuisine. Oregano adds that unmistakable Mediterranean vibe to the chicken, making every bite burst with authenticity.
• Lemon Juice
  The tangy, refreshing kick of lemon juice cuts through the richness of the chicken, balancing out the other flavors. It’s essential for the zesty freshness in both the chicken marinade and the rice.
• Lemon Zest
  Packed with even more citrusy aroma than the juice, lemon zest brightens the dish with an extra layer of zesty fragrance. It gives the rice that extra burst of lemony goodness.
• Rice
  The base for the perfect side dish, rice absorbs the buttery, tangy flavors of the lemon, creating a fluffy, aromatic accompaniment to the grilled chicken.
• Butter
  Rich and smooth, butter adds a creamy, indulgent texture to the lemon rice. It helps to create a silky, flavorful finish that complements the zesty lemon.
• Salt and Pepper
  These simple seasonings are key to bringing out the natural flavors of all the ingredients. A pinch of salt and a dash of pepper help to balance everything and enhance the savory notes of the dish.

Each of these ingredients plays a crucial role in creating the mouthwatering, balanced flavors that make Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Lemon Rice so irresistible. Whether it’s the tangy lemon or the earthy oregano, every bite is a celebration of fresh, vibrant tastes.

How to Make Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Lemon Rice

Serving Suggestions for Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Lemon Rice

• Tzatziki Sauce on the Side
  You can never go wrong with a cool, creamy tzatziki to balance the heat of the grill and the brightness of the lemon. A dollop of this tangy yogurt-cucumber sauce is the perfect partner for the chicken, adding a refreshing, herby contrast that enhances every bite.
• A Greek Salad to Complete the Meal
  Why not bring a little more of the Mediterranean vibe to your dinner table? Serve a simple Greek salad alongside—crisp cucumbers, ripe tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and a sprinkle of feta. The acidity of the salad complements the richness of the chicken and the lemon rice, making each bite feel light and fresh.
• Warm Pita Bread
  For those moments when you want to savor every single flavor, grab a piece of warm pita bread. It’s perfect for scooping up the chicken, rice, and tzatziki, creating a bite-sized Mediterranean feast. Plus, who can resist that soft, pillowy texture with the smokiness from the grill?

How to Store Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Lemon Rice

If you’re lucky enough to have leftovers (which is often the case with this dish!), storing it properly ensures you can enjoy that delicious Mediterranean flavor again later. Start by letting the chicken skewers and lemon rice cool down to room temperature before storing them. This prevents condensation from building up in your containers, which could make things soggy.

To store the chicken and rice, simply place them in airtight containers. For the best taste, keep them separate until you’re ready to reheat. The chicken can stay fresh in the fridge for about 3-4 days, and the rice will hold up just as well, retaining its fluffy texture with a little reheating magic.

When you’re ready to enjoy your leftovers, you can easily reheat the chicken on the grill or in a skillet for that wonderful smoky finish. If you’re pressed for time, popping it in the microwave works too, but just be mindful not to overcook it. For the rice, a quick heat in the microwave or on the stove with a little extra butter or broth will bring it back to life, keeping it as deliciously zesty as when you first made it.

Conclusion

And there you have it—a dish that’s as vibrant and comforting as it is flavorful! Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Lemon Rice brings together the perfect balance of smoky, zesty, and savory, making it a meal you’ll want to enjoy time and time again. Whether you’re cooking it up for a weeknight dinner or serving it to friends and family, it’s sure to impress with its bright Mediterranean flavors.

I hope this recipe brings as much joy to your kitchen as it does to mine! And if you try it, I’d absolutely love to hear how it turns out. Have any questions or need a little help along the way? Feel free to drop a comment—I’m always here to chat. If you make this dish, let me know how it goes. Did you add your own twist? Or maybe you just want to tell me how much you loved it? I’m all ears. Happy cooking!

Print Recipe

Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Lemon Rice

Author: Maria Bennet Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 20 mins Cook Time 30 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 55 mins

Calories: 550

Description

Tender, char-grilled chicken skewers infused with zesty lemon and aromatic herbs, served alongside fluffy lemon rice. The perfect balance of smoky, fresh, and tangy flavors makes this dish a refreshing and satisfying bite every time!

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 2 chicken breasts, boneless and skinless

• 3 tablespoons olive oil

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon ground paprika

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon salt

• ¹⁄₄ teaspoon black pepper

• ¹⁄₄ cup plain Greek yogurt

• 2 cups basmati rice

• 4 cups chicken broth

• 1 tablespoon butter

• 1 lemon, zested

• ¹⁄₄ cup chopped fresh parsley

Instructions

1. Start by preparing the chicken breasts. Using a sharp knife, cut the chicken into bite-sized cubes, about 1 to 1.5 inches in size.
2. In a medium bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, ground cumin, ground paprika, salt, and black pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until well combined.
3. Add the cubed chicken to the bowl with the marinade and toss the chicken pieces to ensure they are evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, allowing the flavors to marinate.
4. While the chicken is marinating, begin preparing the rice. In a large saucepan, bring the chicken broth to a boil over medium-high heat.
5. Once the chicken broth is boiling, add the basmati rice to the pan, stirring to evenly distribute the rice.
6. Lower the heat to a simmer and cover the saucepan with a lid. Let the rice cook for about 15 minutes, or until the liquid has been absorbed and the rice is tender.
7. Once the rice is cooked, remove the saucepan from the heat and let it sit, covered, for an additional 5 minutes. This will help the rice firm up and steam to perfection.
8. While the rice is resting, heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken to the pan, cooking in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Cook the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is browned and fully cooked through, with an internal temperature of 165°F.
9. Once the chicken is cooked, transfer it to a plate and set it aside.
10. Return to the rice. Add the butter to the cooked rice and stir it in until it is melted and evenly distributed throughout the rice.
11. Add the lemon zest to the rice, followed by the chopped parsley. Stir everything together until the lemon zest and parsley are evenly mixed into the rice.
12. Serve the chicken souvlaki alongside the lemon rice. Optionally, garnish with more fresh parsley or a wedge of lemon on the side for extra flavor.
13. Enjoy your Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Lemon Rice!

Note

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken for a few hours or overnight if possible.
• Ensure the chicken is cooked to 165°F to avoid undercooking.
• Swap the chicken broth for vegetable broth for a lighter option.
• Use jasmine rice as a substitute for basmati for a different texture.
• Garnish with crumbled feta or olives for an authentic Greek touch.

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