– **Title**: Greek Chicken Skewers with Lemon Rice
– **Ingredients**:
– **For the Greek Chicken Skewers**:
– 1.5 lbs chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– Juice of 2 lemons
– 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
– 1 tbsp dried oregano
– 1 tsp salt
– 1/2 tsp black pepper
– 1/2 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
– Skewers (wooden or metal)
– **For the Lemon Rice**:
– 1 cup long-grain rice (such as basmati or jasmine)
– 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
– Zest of 1 lemon
– Juice of 1 lemon
– 1 tbsp olive oil
– 1/2 tsp salt
– Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
– **Instructions**:
1. **Prepare Marinade for Chicken**: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using). Whisk together until well blended.
2. **Marinate Chicken**: Add the chicken cubes to the marinade and toss to coat. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for better flavor).
3. **Soak Skewers**: If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for about 30 minutes to prevent burning during grilling.
4. **Prepare Lemon Rice**: In a medium saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the rice and toast for about 2 minutes, stirring frequently.
5. **Add Broth and Cook Rice**: Pour in the chicken or vegetable broth, lemon zest, lemon juice, and salt. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until the rice is tender and liquid is absorbed.
6. **Skewer Chicken**: Preheat the grill or a grill pan over medium-high heat. Thread marinated chicken onto the skewers.
7. **Grill Chicken Skewers**: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has nice grill marks.
8. **Serve**: Fluff the lemon rice with a fork and transfer to serving plates. Top with grilled chicken skewers and garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Enjoy your fresh and flavorful Greek Chicken Skewers with Lemon Rice!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken thighs are my favorite for their juiciness. However, chicken breasts work too if you prefer a leaner option. If you’re vegetarian, you can substitute with tofu or halloumi cheese for a different twist.
Bell Pepper: I love using red or yellow bell peppers for their sweetness. If they’re not available, green peppers or even cherry tomatoes can add a nice pop of color and flavor.
Zucchini: Zucchini adds a nice texture to the skewers. If you’re not a fan, you could swap it for mushrooms or even chunks of eggplant for a juicy alternative.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is best for marinating and cooking. If you need a substitute, avocado oil or canola oil will also work fine.
Lemon: Fresh lemons are key for flavor. In a pinch, bottled lemon juice can be used, but fresh really makes a difference in taste!
How Do I Properly Marinate Chicken for Maximum Flavor?
Marinating chicken is essential to infuse flavor. Here’s how to do it right:
- Combine olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
- Add the chicken and mix well, ensuring all pieces are coated.
- Cover and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. For the best taste, aim for 2 hours!
This not only helps in flavor but also keeps the chicken moist while cooking. Patience pays off here!
What’s the Best Way to Cook Skewers Without Burning Them?
Cooking skewers can be tricky, but here are some tips to avoid burning:
- If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes before grilling. This helps prevent burning.
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat for even cooking.
- Rotate the skewers frequently while cooking. This helps to achieve those nice grill marks and even cooking without burning.
Perfecting the grill technique makes all the difference in presentation and taste!
How to Make Greek Chicken Skewers with Lemon Rice
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chicken Skewers:
- 1 lb (450g) boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), cut into squares
- 1 small zucchini, sliced into rounds
- 1 small red onion, cut into squares
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 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 broth or water
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt to taste
For Garnish (optional):
- Lemon wedges
- More fresh parsley, chopped
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 30 minutes of preparation time and 30-40 minutes for cooking, including marinating the chicken. You’ll spend time grilling the skewers and cooking the lemon rice. Overall, you can have a lovely meal ready in under an hour!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Start with the Marinade:
In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, dried oregano, dried thyme, salt, and pepper. Mix it well so everything is combined. Then, add the chicken pieces and stir to coat them evenly. Cover the bowl and let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours if you want even better flavor.
2. Prepare the Skewers:
If you’re using wooden skewers, it’s a good idea to soak them in water for about 30 minutes beforehand to prevent them from burning on the grill. While the skewers soak, preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
3. Assemble the Skewers:
Once the chicken has marinated, it’s time to put everything on the skewers! Thread the marinated chicken onto the skewers, alternating with the bell pepper, zucchini, and red onion pieces. Make sure to not pack them too tightly so they cook evenly.
4. Grill the Skewers:
Now, place the assembled skewers on the grill. Cook for about 10-12 minutes, turning them occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through and has beautiful grill marks. You want the chicken to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
5. Prepare the Lemon Rice:
While the skewers are grilling, let’s make the lemon rice! In a saucepan, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the rice and sauté for about 1-2 minutes until it’s slightly golden. Then, pour in the chicken broth (or water), lemon juice, lemon zest, and add salt. Bring everything to a boil, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for about 15-20 minutes until the rice is cooked and all the liquid is absorbed.
6. Fluff the Rice:
Once the rice is done cooking, take it off the heat and fluff the rice gently with a fork. Then, stir in the chopped parsley for a fresh touch.
7. Serve and Enjoy:
To serve, plate the lemon rice and top it with the grilled chicken skewers. Feel free to garnish with lemon wedges and more parsley if you like. Enjoy your delightful Greek chicken skewers with lemon rice!
Can I Use Different Vegetables in the Skewers?
Absolutely! You can substitute or add any vegetables you like. Some great options include cherry tomatoes, mushrooms, or eggplant. Just keep in mind that cooking times may vary slightly depending on the vegetables you choose, so be sure to adjust accordingly to ensure everything is tender and cooked through.
Can I Prep the Chicken Skewers in Advance?
Yes, you can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance! Keep it covered in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble and cook the skewers. This will enhance the flavor even more!
How to Store Leftover Lemon Rice?
Store any leftover lemon rice in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, add a splash of water and microwave for about 1-2 minutes, stirring halfway through to ensure even heating. Fluff it with a fork before serving!
What Can I Serve with the Greek Chicken Skewers?
In addition to the lemon rice, consider serving the skewers with a side salad, tzatziki sauce, or warm pita bread for a delightful Mediterranean meal. These options complement the flavors well and add variety to your plate!
