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Greek Chicken Souvlaki Lemon

Category: Satisfying Main Dishes

This dish features tender chicken marinated in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and a blend of Greek herbs, letting it soak up flavor for 6-8 hours before grilling. The grilling process highlights a perfect char while keeping the meat juicy and succulent. Complementing the chicken is lemon rice cooked with broth and citrus zest, providing a fragrant and refreshing base. The combination creates a vibrant meal that delivers authentic Mediterranean tastes and textures with simple techniques, ideal for both everyday dinners and entertaining.

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Updated on Wed, 12 Nov 2025 18:14:24 GMT
A plate of rice and meat with lemon wedges on top. Pin
A plate of rice and meat with lemon wedges on top. | easydiyrecipes.com

Bringing Greek Chicken Souvlaki with Lemon Rice to your kitchen means you get big Mediterranean flavor with surprisingly minimal effort. The juicy marinated chicken skewers offer that irresistible grill-char, while the lemony rice rounds out the meal with brightness and comfort. This recipe quickly became a go-to for my family whenever we want something both impressive and simple, especially for hosting.

I first taught myself to make souvlaki after a trip to southern Greece, and now whenever I fire up the grill with this marinade, the aroma brings back the sunny markets and seaside cafés.

Essential Ingredients

  • Boneless chicken breasts: Pick plump, fresh pieces for maximum juiciness
  • Extra virgin olive oil: Choose a robust oil for true Mediterranean depth
  • Fresh lemon juice: Always go for real lemons not bottled for the best flavor and tenderizing quality
  • Red wine vinegar: Brings complex acidity and keeps chicken super moist
  • Garlic plus dried oregano and thyme: Use fresh, firm garlic and quality, aromatic dried herbs for that classic Greek punch

Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinade Creation:
Whisk together olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and red wine vinegar until fully blended. Stir in minced garlic cloves, a generous amount of dried oregano and thyme, then season with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Pour the mixture into a large zip-top bag or container.
Chicken Preparation:
Trim excess fat from boneless chicken breasts and cut into even one and a half inch cubes. Add the chicken to the marinade, making sure all pieces are coated and air is pressed out of the bag. Refrigerate for six to eight hours, turning the bag once or twice for even soaking. Let the chicken come fully to room temperature before grilling to ensure even cooking.
Grilling Process:
Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto metal skewers with just a bit of space between each piece. Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium high heat. Place the skewers on the grill and cook for twelve to fifteen minutes, turning occasionally to achieve a deep golden char on all sides. Use a meat thermometer to check that the thickest part reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
Rice Preparation:
Pour a splash of olive oil in a saucepan and warm over medium heat. Add rinsed rice and sauté until it takes on a slight golden color. Pour in hot chicken broth and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Cover with a tight fitting lid and simmer until the grains are tender and have absorbed all liquid. Let it rest covered for ten minutes before fluffing with a fork for perfect texture.
A plate of rice and meat. Pin
A plate of rice and meat. | easydiyrecipes.com

My personal favorite touch is a final sprinkle of chopped fresh oregano and a squeeze of lemon. It wakes up all the flavors. One of my fondest memories with this recipe is serving a DIY souvlaki bar for a backyard celebration—everyone loved customizing their skewers and piling their plates high with lemon rice.

Storage Tips

You can freeze the chicken in its marinade for up to three months. Thaw in the refrigerator and it tastes just as fresh as day one. Cooked chicken keeps well in the fridge for up to four days and reheats best when gently warmed. Leftover lemon rice softens up beautifully with a splash of water when reheated in the microwave or on the stove.

Ingredient Substitutions

If you are out of fresh lemon juice bottled lemon will work in a pinch but the flavor will be less lively. Chicken thighs can be used for extra juiciness just trim well. For the rice swap in jasmine or basmati if you cannot find long grain white rice. A splash of apple cider vinegar can stand in for red wine vinegar but aim for the original if possible.

Serving Suggestions

Build a true Greek feast by offering warm pita bread wedges, creamy tzatziki sauce, a crisp Greek salad, and bowls of crumbled feta and olives. If you like a spicy element sprinkle with a bit of crushed red pepper or sliced pickled chilies. Serve everything family style for an interactive and festive meal.

A plate of food with rice, meat, and lemon. Pin
A plate of food with rice, meat, and lemon. | easydiyrecipes.com

Cultural Context

Souvlaki is a staple of Greek street food known for its quick grilling and bold herb and citrus flavors. In Greece it is commonly sold from small stands and kiosks as a portable meal, often with fresh tomatoes and a squeeze of lemon. Every family and region has its variations, but the universal key is a well balanced marinade and very hot grill.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can this dish be cooked without a grill?

Yes, the chicken can be broiled for 12-15 minutes, turning once for even cooking, or prepared on a stovetop grill pan to achieve similar charring.

→ How long should the chicken marinate for optimal flavor?

Marinate the chicken for 6-8 hours to allow the lemon and herbs to deeply infuse, but avoid exceeding 24 hours to prevent the meat from becoming too tender.

→ Is it possible to prepare the lemon rice ahead of time?

Yes, making the rice a day before helps enhance the citrus flavor and improves the texture, which becomes fluffier after resting.

→ What vegetables are best for grilling alongside the chicken?

Onions, zucchini, mushrooms, and cherry tomatoes grill well and complement the flavors. Marinate them separately using the same seasonings before grilling.

→ Can the marinated chicken be frozen?

Absolutely. Freeze the chicken in its marinade for up to three months. Thaw thoroughly in the refrigerator before cooking to retain flavor and texture.

Greek Chicken Souvlaki Lemon

Juicy charred chicken skewers with bright lemon rice, infused with Mediterranean herbs and grilled for tender flavor.

Prep Time
15 min
Cook Time
30 min
Total Time
45 min
By: Evelyn

Category: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Medium

Cuisine: Greek

Yield: 4 Servings

Dietary Preferences: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free

Ingredients

→ Chicken Marinade

01 500 grams boneless chicken breasts, cut into 3.8 cm cubes
02 60 milliliters extra virgin olive oil
03 30 milliliters fresh lemon juice
04 15 milliliters red wine vinegar
05 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 1 teaspoon dried oregano
07 1 teaspoon dried thyme
08 Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Lemon Rice

09 185 grams long-grain white rice
10 30 milliliters extra virgin olive oil
11 480 milliliters hot chicken broth
12 30 milliliters fresh lemon juice
13 1 bay leaf
14 Zest of 1 lemon
15 Salt, to taste

Steps

Step 01

Combine olive oil, fresh lemon juice, and red wine vinegar in a bowl and whisk until fully emulsified. Add minced garlic, dried oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Transfer the marinade into a large sealable bag.

Step 02

Add cubed chicken to the marinade bag, remove excess air, and seal tightly. Refrigerate for 6 to 8 hours, turning occasionally to ensure even flavor distribution. Bring chicken to room temperature 30 minutes before cooking.

Step 03

Thread marinated chicken pieces onto metal skewers, leaving space between pieces to allow even cooking.

Step 04

Preheat grill to medium-high heat (approximately 200–230°C). Grill skewers for 12 to 15 minutes, turning regularly for uniform charring. Ensure internal temperature reaches 74°C for safe consumption.

Step 05

Heat olive oil in a saucepan over medium heat. Add rice and sauté until grains are lightly toasted. Add hot chicken broth, lemon juice, bay leaf, lemon zest, and salt. Bring to a boil, then cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 15 minutes without lifting the lid.

Step 06

Remove saucepan from heat and let the rice rest, covered, for 10 minutes. Discard bay leaf, then fluff rice gently with a fork before serving.

Notes

  1. Marinating chicken for 6 to 8 hours enhances flavor and tenderness. Avoid exceeding 24 hours to prevent meat breakdown.
  2. Allow chicken to reach room temperature prior to grilling to promote even cooking.
  3. Metal skewers conduct heat better than wooden ones, improving cooking performance.
  4. Resting rice off heat allows cooking to complete and improves texture.
  5. For variations, grill vegetables separately using the same marinade.

Tools Required

  • Grill or grill pan
  • Metal skewers
  • Large sealable plastic bag
  • Saucepan with lid
  • Mixing bowl
  • Whisk

Allergy Info

Double-check all ingredients to spot potential allergens. Consult a healthcare professional if uncertain.
  • Contains no common allergens but check for cross-contamination in ingredients.

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

These details are for informational purposes only and shouldn’t replace professional medical advice.
  • Calories: 420.5
  • Fats: 12.3 g
  • Carbohydrates: 45.2 g
  • Proteins: 35.7 g