Greek Chicken Skewers with Lemon Rice and Olives
Tender chicken skewers marinated in lemon, garlic, and oregano — grilled or pan-seared to perfection — served over fragrant lemon rice with Kalamata olives and fresh herbs. This dish captures the essence of Greek flavors in a wholesome, satisfying way.
⏱️ Time
Prep: 25 minutes
Marinate: 30 minutes (optional but recommended)
Cook: 30 minutes
Total: ~1 hour 15 minutes
Ingredients
For the Chicken Skewers:
500g boneless, skinless chicken breast or thighs, cut into 1-inch cubes
3 tbsp olive oil
2 tbsp lemon juice
1 tsp lemon zest
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
Wooden or metal skewers (if wooden, soak in water for 20 minutes before use)
For the Lemon Rice:
1 cup basmati or long-grain rice
2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
1 tbsp olive oil
1 garlic clove, minced
Zest of 1 lemon
2 tbsp lemon juice
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley or dill
For Serving:
¼ cup Kalamata olives, halved
¼ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Lemon wedges
Extra virgin olive oil, for drizzling
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
1. In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, zest, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Add chicken pieces and mix to coat evenly.
3. Cover and marinate for 30 minutes to 4 hours in the fridge.
Step 2: Prepare the Lemon Rice
1. Rinse rice until the water runs clear.
2. In a saucepan, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat.
3. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds.
4. Add rice and toast lightly for 1–2 minutes.
5. Pour in broth, lemon zest, and salt. Bring to a boil.
6. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes or until rice is tender.
7. Remove from heat, fluff with a fork, and stir in lemon juice and parsley.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken Skewers
1. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers.
2. Grill or cook on a grill pan/skillet over medium-high heat for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown and cooked through (165°F / 75°C internal temp).
Step 4: Assemble the Dish
1. Spoon lemon rice into bowls or plates.
2. Top with chicken skewers.
3. Add olives, feta, and fresh herbs.
4. Drizzle lightly with olive oil and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes & Tips
Vegetable addition: Add roasted bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or zucchini to your skewers.
For extra flavor: Mix a spoonful of tzatziki or Greek yogurt sauce on the side.
Meal prep tip: Store chicken and rice separately for freshness.
Make it vegetarian: Replace chicken with grilled halloumi or marinated tofu cubes.
❓ Frequently asked questions FAQ
Q: Can I bake the skewers instead of grilling?
A: Yes — bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20 minutes, flipping halfway.
Q: What kind of olives work best?
A: Kalamata olives are traditional, but green or mixed olives also work beautifully.
Q: Can I use brown rice?
A: Definitely — just adjust cooking time (about 40–45 minutes).
Nutrition information
Calories: ~500 kcal
Protein: 38g
Carbs: 42g
Fat: 17g
Fiber: 3g