Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Lemon Rice: A Mediterranean Favorite

Get ready to take your taste buds on a vacation to the sunny shores of Greece with this classic dish—Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Lemon Rice. Juicy, marinated chicken skewers grilled to perfection, paired with fluffy lemon-infused rice, this meal is vibrant, fresh, and full of Mediterranean flavor.

Whether you’re planning a family dinner, a backyard BBQ, or just craving something light yet satisfying, this well-loved recipe is always a hit. It’s easy to prepare, packed with zesty herbs, garlic, olive oil, and citrus, and everyone has tried and loved it for good reason.

Why Everyone Loves Greek Chicken Souvlaki

✔️ Simple Ingredients, Big Flavor – Herbs, garlic, lemon, and olive oil work magic.
✔️ Juicy, Tender Chicken – Thanks to a flavorful marinade and quick grilling.
✔️ Perfect with Lemon Rice – Light, tangy, and the ideal side for souvlaki.
✔️ Meal Prep Friendly – Marinate ahead and grill in minutes.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Chicken Souvlaki

2 lbs chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
3 tablespoons olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tbsp)
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon salt
¼ teaspoon black pepper
Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)

For the Lemon Rice

1 cup long-grain rice (like Basmati)
2 cups chicken broth or water
Juice and zest of 1 lemon
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
Salt to taste
Chopped parsley (for garnish)

How to Make Greek Chicken Souvlaki

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Add chicken and toss to coat. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight for best flavor).

Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Rice

In a pot, bring broth, rice, lemon juice, zest, olive oil, and salt to a boil.
Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes, until liquid is absorbed.
Fluff with a fork and garnish with fresh parsley.

Step 3: Grill the Souvlaki

Thread marinated chicken onto skewers.
Grill over medium-high heat for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally until charred and cooked through.
Rest for a few minutes before serving.

Step 4: Plate and Enjoy

Serve skewers over a bed of lemon rice.
Garnish with lemon wedges and parsley.
Optional: Add tzatziki, Greek salad, or warm pita bread on the side.

Make It Your Own

🌿 Herb Boost – Add fresh dill or thyme to the marinade.
🍢 Veggie Skewers – Add bell peppers, onions, or zucchini to the skewers.
🔥 Oven Option – Bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes if you don’t have a grill.
🧄 Extra Garlic? Yes Please! – Up the garlic for bold Mediterranean flavor.

Why Lemon Rice Works So Well

The light, tangy brightness of lemon perfectly balances the herbaceous, savory chicken. The rice is soft, fluffy, and subtly seasoned, making it the perfect backdrop to soak up those delicious chicken juices.

Tips for Success

Soak Wooden Skewers – If using wooden skewers, soak in water for 30 minutes to prevent burning.
Don’t Overcook the Chicken – Grill until just cooked through for juicy, tender meat.
Use Fresh Lemon Juice – The flavor is brighter and more aromatic than bottled.

Storing & Reheating Leftovers

🥡 Storage – Store cooked chicken and rice in separate containers in the fridge for up to 4 days.
🔥 Reheat – Microwave with a splash of water or reheat chicken on the grill for best texture.

Final Thoughts: Your Go-To Mediterranean Meal

Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Lemon Rice is the ultimate combination of simple ingredients and bold flavor. It’s a dish that everyone has tried, everyone loves, and now you can easily make it at home.

Serve it fresh off the grill, and prepare for the “Wow, this is amazing!” comments to roll in.

Have you made souvlaki at home before? What’s your favorite side with it?

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