Description
Mediterranean sunshine dances through Greek Chicken Skewers with Lemon Rice, bringing zesty herbs and tender marinated chicken to your plate. Herb-infused meat paired with citrus-kissed rice creates a perfect summer meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 1.5 pounds (680 grams) boneless skinless chicken thighs
Marinade and Seasoning:
- 1/2 large lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 1 1/2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon sweet paprika
- 1 teaspoon honey or maple syrup
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
Rice:
- 2 garlic cloves (thinly sliced)
- 1 cup long-grain white rice
- 1 3/4 cups low-sodium chicken stock or water
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Accompaniments:
- 1/2 large lemon juice
- Plain yogurt
- Pinch of salt
- Fresh dill
- Marinated olives (optional)
Instructions
- Submerge wooden skewers in water for a minimum of 15 minutes to prevent burning during cooking.
- Blend chicken with lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, paprika, honey, and salt in a spacious mixing container, ensuring thorough coating.
- Allow chicken to marinate at ambient temperature for 15-20 minutes or refrigerate for up to 12 hours for enhanced flavor absorption.
- Warm olive oil in a medium pot with a secure lid over medium-low heat.
- Introduce thinly sliced garlic and rice, toasting for 3-4 minutes until aromatic and slightly golden.
- Pour chicken stock, incorporate lemon zest and salt. Increase heat to boiling, then reduce to lowest setting, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes.
- Remove from heat, maintain lid for additional 10 minutes. Gently separate rice grains with a fork and mix in lemon juice. Season with freshly ground black pepper.
- Position oven rack approximately 5 inches from broiler element and line baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
- Carefully thread marinated chicken pieces onto prepared skewers, ensuring even distribution.
- Broil at high temperature for 12-15 minutes, rotating once midway, until chicken reaches internal temperature of 165°F and develops light charred edges.
- Alternative cooking methods include grilling over direct flame or using a ridged grill pan for similar caramelization.
- Plate skewers atop fragrant lemon rice.
- Complement with a dollop of seasoned yogurt, sprinkle of fresh dill, and optional marinated olives for authentic Greek presentation.
Notes
- Prevent wooden skewers from burning by soaking them thoroughly in water before threading chicken.
- Maximize flavor by marinating chicken longer, ideally overnight, allowing herbs and citrus to penetrate deeply.
- Adjust heat carefully when broiling to achieve perfectly charred edges without drying out chicken.
- Create gluten-free version by using tamari instead of traditional soy-based marinades and confirming stock ingredients.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
- Method: Broiling
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 220 mg
- Fat: 12 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 1.5 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg