Transport yourself to the sunny shores of Greece with this Chicken Souvlaki with Lemon Rice — a dish bursting with Mediterranean freshness and flavor. Tender cubes of marinated chicken are grilled to golden perfection, infused with the aromas of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs. Paired with fragrant, fluffy lemon rice, this meal captures the essence of Greek cuisine — simple, vibrant, and deeply satisfying.

This recipe brings that same spirit to your home kitchen — wholesome, colorful, and packed with Mediterranean sunshine.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s a perfect harmony of brightness and comfort. The marinated chicken is juicy and flavorful, the lemon rice is light yet satisfying, and the fresh herbs add a burst of freshness that makes every bite taste alive.

This dish always reminds me of a summer meal enjoyed outdoors — simple ingredients turned into something truly extraordinary.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This Chicken Souvlaki with Lemon Rice is a must-try because:

• It’s authentic yet easy, capturing true Greek flavors with everyday ingredients.
• It’s perfect for meal prep — the chicken and rice both reheat beautifully.
• The marinade infuses deep flavor while keeping the chicken moist and tender.
• It’s a complete meal in one — no need for complicated sides.
• It’s healthy, fresh, and naturally gluten-free.

If you love Mediterranean food, this recipe is pure sunshine on a plate.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes (plus 30–60 minutes marinating)
• Cooking Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes

Servings and Nutrition

• Servings: 4
• Calories per Serving: ~520 kcal

Course and Cuisine

• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: Greek / Mediterranean

Ingredients

For the Chicken Souvlaki:

• 1½ lbs (700 g) chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1½ tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• ½ tsp ground cumin (optional for depth)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Wooden or metal skewers (if using wooden, soak in water for 30 minutes)

For the Lemon Rice:

• 1 cup basmati or long-grain rice
• 2 cups chicken broth
• 1½ tbsp olive oil or butter
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tbsp fresh parsley or dill, chopped

Optional Garnishes:

• Tzatziki sauce
• Lemon wedges
• Fresh cucumber and tomato salad

Cooking Directions

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

1. In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, cumin, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken cubes and toss until evenly coated.
3. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (up to 4 hours for deeper flavor).

Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Rice

1. In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat.
2. Add the onion and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Stir in the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Add the rice and stir to coat with the oil and aromatics.
5. Pour in the chicken broth, lemon juice, zest, salt, and pepper.
6. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
7. Fluff with a fork and stir in fresh parsley or dill before serving.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken Souvlaki

1. Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
2. Thread marinated chicken pieces onto skewers.
3. Grill for 8–10 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).
4. Optional: Brush with extra lemon juice while grilling for extra brightness.

Step 4: Serve

1. Spoon lemon rice onto plates or into bowls.
2. Top with chicken souvlaki skewers.
3. Drizzle with a bit of olive oil, sprinkle with fresh herbs, and serve with tzatziki and lemon wedges.

How to Serve

Serve this dish fresh off the grill for the best flavor.
Pair it with:

• Tzatziki sauce for dipping
• Greek salad (tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, and feta)
• A slice of warm pita bread or flatbread
• A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Assyrtiko

This meal looks elegant and colorful on a platter — perfect for entertaining guests or enjoying a family dinner.

Recipe Tips

• Marinating is key! Let the chicken soak long enough to absorb all the flavor.
• For extra juicy souvlaki, use chicken thighs instead of breasts.
• Always soak wooden skewers before grilling to prevent burning.
• Add a splash of lemon juice over everything right before serving for extra brightness.
• For indoor cooking, use a cast-iron grill pan or bake at 425°F for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway.

Variations

1. Chicken Souvlaki Bowls:
   Serve grilled chicken and lemon rice in a bowl with hummus, tzatziki, and chopped veggies.
2. Shrimp or Lamb Souvlaki:
   Substitute chicken with shrimp or lamb cubes for a flavorful twist.
3. Vegetarian Souvlaki:
   Use tofu, paneer, or portobello mushrooms marinated in the same herbs and grilled.
4. Herbed Lemon Rice:
   Add chopped mint or basil for extra freshness in the rice.
5. Spicy Souvlaki:
   Add a pinch of chili flakes or smoked paprika to the marinade for heat.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration:
  Store cooked chicken and rice separately in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
• Freezing:
  Freeze chicken (cooked or raw marinated) for up to 2 months.
  Freeze lemon rice for up to 1 month.
  Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently in a skillet or microwave with a splash of broth or water.

Special Equipment Needed

• Grill or grill pan
• Mixing bowls
• Medium saucepan with lid
• Tongs or skewers
• Zester or microplane for lemon zest

FAQ

Q1: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?
Yes! Thighs stay juicier and more flavorful on the grill.

Q2: Can I bake the souvlaki instead of grilling?
Absolutely. Bake at 425°F (220°C) for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway through.

Q3: How do I make the rice more flavorful?
Use chicken broth instead of water and add a pat of butter while fluffing.

Q4: Can I prep it ahead of time?
Yes — marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance, and cook the rice just before serving.

Q5: Is this dish healthy?
Yes! It’s naturally high in protein, low in fat, and uses heart-healthy olive oil and fresh herbs.

Conclusion

Chicken Souvlaki with Lemon Rice is the kind of meal that captures the heart of Greek cooking — simple ingredients, bold flavors, and fresh, sunny energy. The juicy marinated chicken, zesty lemon rice, and fragrant herbs come together to create a dish that feels like a Mediterranean getaway in every bite.

Whether you’re planning a weeknight dinner or a weekend feast, this recipe is guaranteed to impress. It’s fresh, flavorful, and satisfying — proof that the best meals don’t have to be complicated, just made with love and a squeeze of lemon.