Easy Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Lemon Rice

Greek cuisine is renowned for its vibrant flavors, wholesome ingredients, and rich cultural heritage. With its emphasis on fresh produce, herbs, and healthy fats, Greek food has gained immense popularity worldwide, appealing to both health-conscious eaters and lovers of bold flavors. One of the standout dishes that embodies the essence of Greek cooking is Grilled Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Zesty Lemon Rice. This delightful dish combines tender marinated chicken skewers with a refreshing lemon-infused rice, making it a perfect meal for any occasion.

Easy Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Lemon Rice

Discover the vibrant flavors of Greece with this delicious recipe for Grilled Greek Chicken Souvlaki paired with Zesty Lemon Rice. Perfectly marinated chicken skewers offer juicy tenderness, while the lemon-infused rice adds a refreshing twist. Simple to prepare, it’s a healthy meal ideal for family dinners or gatherings. Delight your taste buds and transport yourself to the Mediterranean with this mouthwatering dish! #GreekFood #ChickenSouvlaki #HealthyRecipes #MediterraneanCuisine #LemonRice

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Ingredients

For the Chicken Souvlaki:

1 pound (450g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces

3 tablespoons olive oil

Juice of 1 lemon

Zest of 1 lemon

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon ground cumin

Salt and pepper to taste

Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes)

For the Lemon Rice:

1 cup long-grain white rice

2 cups chicken broth (or water)

Juice of 1 lemon

Zest of 1 lemon

1 tablespoon butter

Salt to taste

Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:

- In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, salt, and pepper.

- Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and mix well to ensure they are all coated.

- Cover the bowl and let marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours for more flavor).

Prepare the Lemon Rice:

- Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch.

- In a medium saucepan, add the rinsed rice, chicken broth (or water), lemon juice, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt.

- Bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Once boiling, lower the heat, cover the saucepan, and let it simmer for about 15 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed the liquid.

Cook the Souvlaki:

- Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. If using a grill, lightly oil the grates.

- Thread the marinated chicken pieces onto the skewers, leaving a little space between each piece.

- Place the skewers on the grill and cook for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and charred in spots. An internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) is ideal.

Finish the Rice:

- Once the rice is done, remove it from heat. Fluff the rice with a fork and stir in the butter. Adjust the seasoning with salt if needed.

Serve:

- To serve, place a generous scoop of lemon rice on each plate and top with the grilled chicken souvlaki. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 30 minutes | 1 hour | 4 servings