Greek Chicken Skewers with Lemon Rice

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Why Make This Recipe

Greek Chicken Skewers with Lemon Rice is a delicious and refreshing dish that brings the vibrant flavors of Mediterranean cuisine right to your kitchen. This recipe is perfect for both casual family dinners and festive gatherings. The grilled chicken skewers are marinated in a delightful mixture of lemon, garlic, and herbs, making every bite burst with flavor. Meanwhile, the lemon rice adds a zesty touch that complements the chicken beautifully. Not only is this meal easy to prepare, but it also provides a nutritious and satisfying option for everyone at the table. Whether you’re looking to impress guests or enjoy a weeknight meal, this dish checks all the boxes.

How to Make Greek Chicken Skewers with Lemon Rice

Making Greek Chicken Skewers with Lemon Rice is a straightforward process that involves marinating the chicken, preparing the rice, and then grilling the skewers. Below, we will break down the ingredients you will need and the step-by-step directions to create this delightful dish.

Ingredients

For the chicken skewers:
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1.5-inch pieces
- Juice from 1/2 large lemon
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
For the rice:
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for rice)
- 2 garlic cloves, thinly sliced (for rice)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 3/4 cup low-sodium chicken stock or water
- 1 tbsp lemon zest
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- Juice from 1/2 large lemon (for rice)
For serving:
- Plain yogurt
- Fresh dill, chopped (for garnish)
- Marinated olives (optional, for serving)

Directions

Soak the Skewers: Start by soaking your wooden skewers in water for about 30 minutes. This helps prevent them from burning on the grill. If you’re using metal skewers, you can skip this step.
Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the chicken pieces with lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, sweet paprika, honey (or maple syrup), and kosher salt. Mix well to ensure the chicken is fully coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl and let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes. If you have more time, you can let it marinate for several hours in the refrigerator for even more flavor.
Prepare the Lemon Rice: In a saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the thinly sliced garlic and sauté until fragrant and golden, about 1-2 minutes. Be careful not to burn the garlic, as this can make it bitter.

Add 1 cup of long-grain white rice to the pan and stir well, allowing the rice to absorb the flavors from the garlic for a minute or two. Next, pour in 1 3/4 cups of low-sodium chicken stock or water. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the saucepan. Allow the rice to simmer for about 15-20 minutes, or until the rice is tender and has absorbed all the liquid.

Once the rice is cooked, stir in the lemon zest, juice from 1/2 large lemon, and season with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Fluff the rice with a fork and set it aside.
Grill the Chicken Skewers: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Once heated, thread the marinated chicken onto the soaked skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.

Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks. The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (75°C) when done.
Serve: To serve, place a generous portion of lemon rice on each plate, top with grilled chicken skewers, and garnish with dollops of plain yogurt, fresh dill, and optional marinated olives. Enjoy this vibrant dish!

How to Serve Greek Chicken Skewers with Lemon Rice

Greek Chicken Skewers with Lemon Rice can be served in a variety of ways to suit any occasion. For a casual family meal, plate the chicken and rice separately and allow everyone to serve themselves. Provide side dishes like grilled veggies or a fresh Greek salad for a well-rounded meal.

For a more festive gathering, you can serve the skewers on a large platter with a bed of lemon rice in the center, surrounded by small bowls of yogurt, fresh dill, and marinated olives. This communal style of serving encourages guests to help themselves and share the experience.

Pair this dish with a refreshing beverage like Greek lemonade, a light white wine, or even iced tea to enhance the dining experience.

How to Store Greek Chicken Skewers with Lemon Rice

If you have leftovers, storing them properly ensures you can enjoy this delicious meal again. To store the chicken skewers and lemon rice:

Cool Down: Allow the leftover food to cool to room temperature before storing.
Use Airtight Containers: Transfer the chicken skewers and rice into airtight containers. This helps keep them fresh and prevents odors from mingling with other foods in your refrigerator.
Refrigeration: Store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best to reheat the chicken skewers in an oven or on the stovetop to maintain their texture.
Freezing: If you want to keep them longer, you can freeze the cooked chicken skewers and rice in separate airtight containers. They should maintain their quality for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Tips to Make Greek Chicken Skewers with Lemon Rice

Choose Quality Chicken: Opt for high-quality, fresh chicken thighs for the best flavor. The thighs are more tender and juicy than chicken breasts, making them ideal for grilling.
Marinating Time: If possible, marinate the chicken for a longer time, preferably overnight. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeper into the meat.
Rice Alternatives: If you want to make this dish gluten-free, you can substitute the long-grain rice with quinoa or cauliflower rice for a healthier alternative.
Vegetarian Option: For a vegetarian version, you can replace the chicken with firm tofu or veggie skewers made from bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms marinated in the same lemon-garlic mixture.
Serving Suggestions: Experiment with serving suggestions! Try adding feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, or a drizzle of olive oil over the rice to elevate flavors and presentation.

Variation

For those who like to experiment, there are plenty of ways to switch up the Greek Chicken Skewers with Lemon Rice. You can add different spices or change the marinade ingredients:

Spicy Variation: If you enjoy some heat, consider adding crushed red pepper flakes to the marinade or using a spicy paprika instead of sweet paprika.
Herb Variations: You can also experiment with fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme instead of, or in addition to, dried oregano for a different flavor profile.
Change the Grain: For a different texture and flavor, try serving the chicken with farro, bulgur, or even couscous instead of rice.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts instead of thighs. Keep in mind that breasts may be less flavorful and can dry out more easily, so monitor cooking time closely.

2. Can I make the chicken skewers in the oven instead of grilling?
Absolutely! You can bake the skewers in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, turning them halfway through, until they are fully cooked.

3. What can I serve with Greek Chicken Skewers and Lemon Rice?
Aside from plain yogurt and fresh dill, you can also pair this dish with pita bread, tzatziki sauce, a Greek salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

4. How can I adjust the saltiness of the rice?
Always start with low-sodium chicken stock or water, and adjust salt based on your taste preferences after cooking. You can always add more salt, but it’s difficult to fix overly salty rice.

5. Can I prepare the skewers in advance?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken skewers a day ahead of time. Just make sure to keep them in the refrigerator, covered, and grill them just before you’re ready to serve.

Enjoy this delightful Greek Chicken Skewers with Lemon Rice and relish the fresh flavors of the Mediterranean right from your own kitchen!