These Greek Chicken Skewers are juicy, flavorful, and perfect for grilling! With a tangy marinade of lemon, garlic, and herbs, they bring a sunny taste to your plate.
Pair them with zesty lemon rice, and you have a meal that brightens up any day! I love how easy it is to make these skewers—a fun dinner that feels special without all the fuss!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are great for skewers. If you’re looking for a different flavor, chicken thighs work well and remain juicier when cooked. They also marinate well, making them a tasty choice.
Vegetables: I used bell peppers, zucchini, and cherry tomatoes in my skewers. If you want to switch it up, try mushrooms, onions, or even pineapple for a sweet twist. Just ensure they cook evenly with the chicken!
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is ideal for flavor. If you’re out, you can use avocado oil or even a mix of melted butter with oil for a unique taste.
Rice: For the lemon rice, basmati or jasmine rice gives a lovely texture. Short-grain rice or quinoa can be used if you want something heartier or gluten-free.
Broth: Instead of chicken broth, veggie broth works nicely too, particularly for vegetarian options. You could even use plain water if you’re in a pinch.
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Grilled Chicken Skewers?
Grilling chicken skewers might seem tricky, but with these steps, you’ll have juicy and flavorful results. First, marinating is key. It helps flavor and tenderize the chicken. Don’t rush this process; aim for at least 30 minutes.
- Soak Skewers: If using wooden skewers, soak them for about 30 minutes before grilling. This prevents them from burning.
- Preheat Your Grill: Make sure your grill is hot! Preheat to medium-high heat – this helps achieve nice grill marks.
- Turning the Skewers: Grill the skewers for 10-15 minutes. Turn them every few minutes for even cooking. Aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C) to ensure they’re fully cooked.
When you take them off the grill, let them rest for a few minutes. This helps keep the juices inside. Enjoy the tasty results!
How to Make Greek Chicken Skewers with Lemon Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 bell pepper (red, green, or yellow), cut into 1-inch pieces
- 1 zucchini, sliced into half-moons
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Skewers (wooden or metal)
For the Lemon Rice:
- 1 cup long-grain rice (such as basmati or jasmine)
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons butter
- Salt to taste
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious meal takes about 30 minutes of prep time and another 30 minutes for cooking. Plan for a total of about 1 hour to enjoy your fresh Greek chicken skewers over lemon rice!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
Start by grabbing a large bowl. In it, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix it well, then add the cubed chicken. Toss everything together until the chicken is evenly coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes (you can let it go for up to 2 hours if you have time!).
2. Prepare the Skewers:
Now, if you’re using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 15 minutes to prevent burning on the grill. Meanwhile, preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. When the chicken is ready, thread the marinated chicken, bell pepper pieces, zucchini slices, and cherry tomatoes onto the skewers, alternating them for a colorful and tasty mix!
3. Cook the Skewers:
Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes. Remember to turn them occasionally so they cook evenly. You’ll know they’re done when the chicken is fully cooked through (165°F or 75°C) and has those lovely grill marks.
4. Cook the Lemon Rice:
While the skewers are grilling, let’s make the lemon rice! In a medium saucepan, pour in the chicken or vegetable broth and bring it to a boil. Once bubbling, add the rice, along with the lemon juice, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Stir it up, cover the pot, and reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the rice is tender and the liquid has absorbed.
5. Finish the Rice:
Once the rice is ready, take it off the heat. Stir in the butter until it melts, making the rice extra creamy. Fluff the rice with a fork, taste it, and add more salt if needed.
6. Serve:
Now, it’s time to enjoy your meal! On a plate, start by adding a scoop of lemon rice, then place the grilled chicken skewers right on top. Don’t forget to garnish with some chopped parsley and a few lemon wedges. Serve warm and dig in!
Can I Use Different Vegetables for the Skewers?
Absolutely! Feel free to use any vegetables you like. Bell peppers, zucchinis, and cherry tomatoes are great, but you could also try mushrooms, onions, or even eggplant. Just make sure to cut them into similar-sized pieces for even cooking!
What If I Don’t Have Marinade Ingredients?
If you’re missing some of the marinade ingredients, don’t worry! You can substitute dried herbs with fresh ones (use about three times more fresh) and replace the lemon juice with vinegar (white or apple cider) for a different tart flavor. Even a store-bought dressing can work in a pinch!
How to Store Leftover Skewers and Rice?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, grill skewers on medium heat for a few minutes or microwave them. For the rice, reheat in the microwave or on the stove with a splash of broth to prevent it from drying out.
Can I Prepare the Skewers in Advance?
Yes, you can! Assemble the skewers ahead of time and keep them covered in the fridge for up to 24 hours. Marinating them overnight will enhance the flavors even more. Just grill them right before serving for the best taste!
