Ah, Chicken Souvlaki! This dish holds a special place in my heart. I remember the first time I tried it during a summer vacation in Greece—sitting by the sea, the sun shining in my face, and the irresistible aroma of grilled chicken wafting through the air. My friends and I devoured those delicious skewers, each bite bursting with flavor. From that moment on, I knew I had to recreate this magic in my own kitchen!
Adding Greek lemon rice makes this meal even more special. The bright, zesty flavors complement the savory, marinated chicken beautifully. Whenever I make this dish, it transports me back to those sunny days by the Mediterranean. So, let’s dive into this easy Chicken Souvlaki recipe with Greek Lemon Rice!
What’s in Easy Chicken Souvlaki with Greek Lemon Rice?
Chicken Breast: I love using boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe because they soak up the marinade beautifully and turn out juicy when grilled.
Greek Yogurt: This ingredient not only adds creaminess but also helps to tenderize the chicken thanks to its acidity. Make sure to get plain Greek yogurt for the best taste.
Olive Oil: A staple in Mediterranean cooking, olive oil adds richness to the marinade and keeps the chicken moist while grilling.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives that bright flavor kick that is essential in Greek cooking. Trust me, don’t skip on the fresh lemons!
Garlic: Who doesn’t love garlic? It infuses the chicken with aromatic flavor. Freshly minced garlic is my go-to for this recipe.
Fresh Herbs: Oregano and thyme are classic Greek herbs that enhance the souvlaki with their fragrant aroma. Feel free to use dried if that’s what you have on hand!
Rice: Long-grain or basmati rice works perfectly for this dish. The grains are light and fluffy, making them ideal for soaking up the lemony flavor.
Vegetables: I like to serve my souvlaki with bell peppers and onions on the skewers. They add color and sweetness when grilled!
Is Easy Chicken Souvlaki Good for You?
Absolutely! This dish is not only scrumptious but also packed with health benefits:
Chicken Breast: A fantastic source of lean protein, helps in muscle building and keeps you full longer—great for maintaining a healthy diet.
Greek Yogurt: Rich in probiotics, it supports gut health and is also loaded with protein, making it a nutritious choice.
Olive Oil: Heart-healthy fats found in olive oil can aid in heart health and may reduce inflammation.
The downside? If you’re watching your sodium intake, be careful with pre-made marinades or sauces that may contain salt. You can easily keep it healthier by preparing everything from scratch, just like you’ll do here!
Ingredients List
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts (serves 4)
– 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Juice of 2 lemons
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp dried thyme
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup long-grain or basmati rice
– 2 cups water or chicken broth
– Optional: bell peppers and onions for skewers
How to Make Easy Chicken Souvlaki?
1. **Marinate the Chicken:** In a bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper. Cut the chicken into cubes and toss them into the marinade, coating thoroughly. Let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for more flavor.
2. **Prepare the Rice:** In a saucepan, bring the water or chicken broth to a boil. Add the rice, reduce to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 15-20 minutes until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is fluffy. Stir in a bit of lemon juice and zest for that extra zing!
3. **Skewer and Grill:** Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 10 minutes to prevent burning. Thread the marinated chicken (and veggies if using) onto the skewers. Grill the skewers for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
4. **Serve:** Remove the chicken from the skewers and serve it over a bed of Greek lemon rice. Drizzle with some extra olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs if desired.
Delicious Tips and Variations
– **Zesty Additions:** For a fun twist, add some feta cheese crumbles on top of the rice before serving.
– **Make it a Feast:** Pair your Chicken Souvlaki with tzatziki sauce or a fresh Greek salad on the side for a complete Mediterranean meal.
– **Vegetarian Option:** Swap chicken for firm tofu or halloumi cheese for a delightful vegetarian alternative.
I hope you give this Easy Chicken Souvlaki with Greek Lemon Rice a try! It’s one of those recipes that brings joy not only in the cooking but also at the table. Please share your thoughts or any variations you try—I’d love to hear about your culinary adventures! Enjoy!
