GREEK CHICKEN SOUVLAKI with LEMON RICE

Greek Chicken Souvlaki recipe for tender, flavorful chicken kabobs served with lemon rice! Delightful Greek chicken marinated in lemon juice, red wine vinegar, olive oil, garlic and a blend of seasonings.

My husband loves Greek food so recently we went searching for the “perfect” souvlaki recipe. We found this one and it’s so delicious! The Greek Chicken Souvlaki turns out tender and so flavorful and the Lemon Rice complements the dish so well. It’s easy to make and a real crowd pleaser! I even made extra last time and put chicken and marinade in a bag together to freeze for an easy meal later on. We love it!

Greek chicken souvlaki with lemon rice

The key to making this dish is to marinate the chicken in a mixture of lemon juice, red wine vinegar, olive oil, garlic, thyme, and oregano. This not only adds flavor but also tenderizes the chicken, making it juicy and succulent. The chicken is then skewered and grilled to perfection, resulting in tender, flavorful chicken. The lemon rice, made with long-grain rice, lemon zest, and chicken broth, is the perfect accompaniment to the chicken souvlaki, adding a tangy and refreshing flavor to the meal.

Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Lemon Rice Ingredients

-Chicken: Using 4-6 boneless and skinless chicken breasts we can trim them down to size and make several kabobs.

-Vegetables: Adding vegetables like mushrooms, onion, tomatoes and zucchini is totally optional but well worth it if you want to stretch the meal further or use up fresh garden vegetables.

–Greek Marinade: Using olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dried oregano and dried thyme we are going to create our own flavorful Greek marinade that’s bursting with tangy flavors. Together they’ll help to flavor and tenderize the chicken.

-Lemon Rice: Using long grain rice, olive oil, salt, lemon juice and chicken broth we’re going to create a flavorful rice side dish. I like making it the night before so the flavors can really develop!

How to make Greek chicken souvlaki

Trim your chicken breasts and cut them into large chunks roughly 1.5” big.

In a large Ziploc bag or container, place your olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, garlic, oregano and thyme to combine. Add in the chicken chunks, seal the bag and remove as much air as you can. Gently shake it around to coat the chicken and then place the bag in the fridge for 6-8 hours before using.

When you’re ready to cook the chicken, remove the bag from the fridge. Pull out the chicken chunks and dump the remaining marinade. Thread the chicken onto the skewers and prepare your grill.

Grill the skewers over medium high heat for about 12-15 minutes, turning when you see grill lines. The chicken will be done when it’s nice and firm and slightly browned. Make sure it reaches 165F degrees before removing from the grill.

If you plan on grilling vegetables alongside the chicken, reserve 3-5 tablespoons of the marinade before adding the chicken and place it in a separate bag with the veggies. Let them marinade int the fridge for 6-8 hours alongside the chicken turning the bags over every so often to ensure the marinade has everything well coated. Them thread them onto skewers as well and grill.

How to make Greek lemon rice

In a saucepan over medium heat, add your olive oil and let it heat up for a minute.

Add in the rice and then saute for 2-3 minutes, stirring often so that it doesn’t brown too much.

Add your salt and lemon juice and saute for an additional minute.

Slowly add in your hot chicken broth and let the mixture come to a boil. Reduce the heat to the lowest setting and put a lid on the pot. Cook for 30 minutes.

If all of the liquid has been absorbed, remove the lid, turn off the heat, and let it rest for 10 minutes prior to serving. If there’s still some liquid in the pot, cook for an additional 5 minutes or so then turn off the heat and let it rest for 10 minutes.

Tips for perfecting the chicken souvlaki and lemon rice recipe

When it comes to making the perfect Greek chicken souvlaki with lemon rice, there are a few things to keep in mind. Here are some tips to help you get the best results:

For the chicken souvlaki

• Use boneless, skinless chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts. Thighs are more flavorful and tender, and they won’t dry out as easily on the grill.
• Marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat. A simple marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs is all you need.
• Don’t overcrowd the skewers. Leave some space between the pieces of chicken to ensure even cooking and browning.
• Grill the chicken over medium-high heat, turning occasionally, until cooked through and nicely charred on the outside. Don’t overcook the chicken, or it will become dry and tough.

For the lemon rice

• Use long-grain white rice for the best texture. Short-grain rice will be too sticky, and brown rice will take too long to cook.
• Rinse the rice thoroughly before cooking to remove excess starch and prevent clumping.
• Use chicken broth instead of water for added flavor. You can also add some lemon zest and a bay leaf to the broth for extra complexity.
• Cook the rice in a covered pot over low heat for about 18-20 minutes, or until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender. Don’t lift the lid or stir the rice during cooking, or it will become mushy.
• Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in some lemon juice and chopped parsley just before serving.

By following these tips, you’ll be able to make a delicious and authentic Greek chicken souvlaki with lemon rice that will transport you straight to the Mediterranean.

GREEK CHICKEN SOUVLAKI with LEMON RICE

Greek Chicken Souvlaki grilled to perfection and served with Greek lemon rice. Best recipe for Greek Chicken Kabobs ever! Perfect weeknight dinner for anyone who loves the fresh, bright flavors of Greek food.

5 from 16 votes

Print Pin Rate

Course: chicken, dinner, Main Course, Main Dish

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes minutes

Servings: 8

Calories: 312kcal

Author: Jessica & Nellie

Ingredients

Greek Chicken Ingredients

• 4-6 chicken breasts boneless, skinless
• ¼ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup lemon juice 3 lemons
• 1 ½ tsp red wine vinegar
• 2 tsp minced garlic
• 1 ½ tsp dried oregano
• ½ tsp dried thyme
• **vegetables: onions, zucchini, tomatoes if desired

Greek Lemon Rice Ingredients

• 1 cup long grain rice or 1 1/2 cups short grain rice
• 2 TBSP olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 2-3 TBSP lemon juice
• 2 cups chicken broth hot!

Instructions

How to Make Greek Chicken Kabobs

• Trim chicken and cut into large chunks- mine were about 1.5″ big and I got 4-6 chunks from each chicken breast.
• Combine olive oil, lemon juice, vinegar, garlic, oregano, and thyme into Ziploc bag or plastic container. Add in chicken. Seal and squeeze bag or turn container over and shake gently so all pieces of meat are well-coated with marinade. Put into refrigerator and marinate 6-8 hours or more.
• To get ready to grill, remove chicken from refrigerator, pull out chicken pieces and dump remaining marinade. Thread chicken onto skewers. Spray grill with non-stick spray or mist with olive oil, then preheat gas or charcoal barbecue grill to medium high.
• Grill skewers about 12-15 minutes, turning the first time as soon as you see nice grill marks. Souvlaki is done when the chicken is slightly browned and firm, but not hard to the touch. {If you use a meat thermometer, the temp should register 160 degrees. It will increase to 165 degrees even after you take it off the grill. I love using a thermometer as it really helps me not over-cook the chicken!}

Grilling Vegetables

• If you'd like to grill some vegetables along side your chicken, I highly recommend it! We did a skewer of mushrooms, plus we also sliced some white onion to thread along with the chicken. The mushrooms were amazing!! To marinate vegetables, if you just have a few, set aside 3-5 TBSP of the marinade prior to mixing with the chicken. Then just put vegetables & marinade in a separate ziplock bag in the fridge, turning the bag occasionally to mix it. If you're doing a good amount of vegetables, I'd double the marinade instead!

How to Make Greek Lemon Rice

• Heat a saucepan over medium heat. {Make sure pan has a lid!} Add in oil. After about a minute, add in rice and saute for 2-3 minutes, stirring often so it doesn't brown too much. Add salt and lemon juice to rice and saute 1 minute more.
• Slowly add in chicken broth. Let it come to a boil, then reduce heat to the lowest setting and put the lid on the pan. Cook for 30 minutes.
• If all the liquid has been absorbed after 30 minutes, remove lid, turn off heat and let it sit for about 10 minutes prior to serving. If there’s still a bit of liquid, let it cook without the lid on for another 5 minutes or so. Then turn heat off and let it sit for 10 minutes.

Video

Notes

***I highly recommend making the lemon rice the night before you’re planning on serving! The flavors are so much better plus the rice is able to absorb the liquid and turns fluffier when it’s had time to sit. I just heated it in the microwave just before serving and it was fantastic!

Nutrition

Calories: 312kcal | Carbohydrates: 20g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 13g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 72mg | Sodium: 639mg | Potassium: 505mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 35IU | Vitamin C: 10.2mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 0.9mg

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Storing Greek Chicken and Lemon Rice

Once the Greek chicken souvlaki with lemon rice is cooked, it can be stored in the refrigerator for up to four days. To store the chicken and rice, follow these steps:

1. Let the chicken and rice cool down to room temperature before storing it in the refrigerator.
2. Place the chicken and rice in separate airtight containers. This will prevent the flavors from mixing and the rice from drying out.
3. Label the containers with the date of preparation to keep track of the food’s freshness.

When reheating the chicken and rice, it is best to reheat them separately. Here are a few ways to reheat the chicken and rice:

• Microwave: Place the chicken and rice in separate microwave-safe containers and reheat them for 1-2 minutes. Stir the rice occasionally to ensure even heating.
• Oven: Preheat the oven to 350°F. Place the chicken and rice in separate oven-safe dishes and cover them with foil. Reheat for 10-15 minutes or until heated through.
• Stovetop: Heat a non-stick pan over medium heat. Add a tablespoon of olive oil and let it heat up. Add the chicken and rice separately and stir occasionally until heated through.

It is important to note that reheated chicken may not be as juicy as freshly cooked chicken. Therefore, it is recommended to add a tablespoon of chicken broth or water to the chicken before reheating it to help retain its moisture. Additionally, leftover rice may become dry and hard. To prevent this, add a tablespoon of water or chicken broth to the rice before reheating it.

How do I know when my chicken is done?

You can tell that your chicken is finished cooking by using a meat thermometer. This is the perfect way to check for food safety without overcooking or undercooking your chicken. My all-time favorite meat thermometer is the Thermapen. It’s super fast and incredibly durable. Another great meat thermometer is the ThermoPop which is a more basic version that works just as well! 

What kind of skewer stick should I use?

Metal skewers work great for cooking because they help to heat the inside of the meat and there’s no prep work involved, meaning that they’re easy to use and a great tool. Wooden skewers are cheap, but you should soak them in warm water for at least 30 minutes before using to make sure that they don’t burn or splinter in the food.

How long is lemon rice good for?

If you keep lemon rice in an airtight container in the fridge you can expect it to last up to 5 days and still taste great. I think it tastes even better the older it gets because the flavors really get to develop!

Freezing Chicken Souvlaki

To freeze chicken souvlaki, you first need to cook it. Once the chicken has been grilled, let it cool to room temperature. Then, wrap each skewer tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil. Place the wrapped skewers in a resealable freezer bag and label the bag with the date.

Thawing Chicken Souvlaki

When you’re ready to eat the frozen chicken souvlaki, you need to thaw it properly. The best way to do this is to transfer the frozen skewers from the freezer to the refrigerator and let them thaw overnight. This will ensure that the chicken stays moist and tender.

Reheating Chicken Souvlaki

When it’s time to reheat the chicken souvlaki, you have a few options. You can either grill the skewers again until they are heated through, or you can microwave them for a quick and easy meal. If you choose to microwave the chicken, be sure to remove it from the skewers first and place it in a microwave-safe dish. Cover the dish with a lid or plastic wrap and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, or until the chicken is heated through.

Can You Freeze Greek Lemon Rice?

Greek lemon rice is a popular side dish that is often served with chicken souvlaki. It is a delicious and flavorful dish that is easy to make. However, if you have leftover lemon rice or want to make a big batch ahead of time, you may be wondering if it can be frozen.

The good news is that Greek lemon rice can be frozen. However, it is important to keep in mind that the texture and flavor may change slightly after freezing and reheating. Here are some tips to help you freeze and reheat Greek lemon rice:

Freezing Greek Lemon Rice

1. Allow the rice to cool completely before freezing. This will help prevent the rice from becoming mushy when reheated.
2. Divide the rice into portions that are suitable for your needs. For example, you may want to freeze individual portions for easy reheating later.
3. Place the rice in an airtight container or freezer bag. Be sure to label the container with the date and contents.
4. Place the container in the freezer.

Reheating Frozen Greek Lemon Rice

1. Remove the rice from the freezer and allow it to thaw in the refrigerator overnight.
2. Once the rice is thawed, transfer it to a microwave-safe dish.
3. Add a splash of water or chicken broth to the rice to help prevent it from drying out during reheating.
4. Microwave the rice on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Check out some of our other chicken and greek recipes:

• Honey Mustard Grilled Chicken
• BBQ Chicken Bacon Pineapple Kabobs
• Greek Pot Roast
• Ranch Chicken Bacon Kabobs
• Grilled Chicken Salad with Pesto Ranch 
• BLT Salad Recipe

Find even more BBQ recipes here:

• BBQ Chicken Pineapple Kabobs with Bacon
• Ranch Chicken Bacon Kabobs
• Best Grilled Steak Recipe Ever
• Grilled Honey Mustard Chicken
• Easy Grilled Italian Chicken with Vegetables
• Grilled BBQ Chicken with Pineapple Salsa
• BBQ Sticky Chicken recipe
• Jack Cheese Pineapple Chicken
• Grilled Honey Chicken with Glazed Pineapple

Greek cuisine is known for its fresh and flavorful ingredients that come together to create delicious and healthy dishes. One such dish is the Greek chicken souvlaki with lemon rice. This recipe is a perfect example of how simple ingredients can be transformed into a mouthwatering meal that is both satisfying and nutritious.