Description
Succulent Greek chicken souvlaki dances with zesty Mediterranean flavors, promising a culinary journey through traditional Greek cuisine. Tender marinated chicken skewers paired with fragrant lemon rice create a perfect harmony that transports you to sunny Aegean coastlines.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 2 lbs (907 grams) boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into chunks
Herbs and Spices:
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Liquid and Aromatics:
- 1/3 cup (80 milliliters) olive oil
- 3 tablespoons (45 milliliters) fresh lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a spacious mixing container to create a vibrant marinade.
- Immerse chicken chunks thoroughly in the marinade, ensuring each piece is completely coated. Seal the container and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours, allowing flavors to deeply penetrate the meat.
- Meticulously rinse basmati rice under cold water until the liquid becomes transparent, removing excess starch for fluffy results.
- Combine chicken broth and butter in a saucepan, bringing the mixture to a rolling boil. Introduce rice, reduce heat to minimal, and cover. Simmer for approximately 15 minutes until liquid is completely absorbed.
- Enhance rice with fresh lemon juice, delicate lemon zest, and chopped parsley. Gently fluff with a fork and maintain warmth.
- Prepare wooden skewers by soaking them in water for 20 minutes to prevent charring during cooking.
- Thread marinated chicken pieces carefully onto prepared skewers, ensuring even distribution.
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high temperature for optimal searing and caramelization.
- Grill chicken skewers for 4-5 minutes per side, achieving a perfectly cooked interior with slightly charred exterior. Verify doneness by confirming internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C.
- Artfully plate lemon-infused rice and arrange grilled chicken skewers on top. Garnish with additional fresh parsley for a vibrant, aromatic presentation.
Notes
- Marinate chicken longer for deeper flavor infusion, up to 8 hours in the refrigerator for maximum taste development.
- Soak wooden skewers thoroughly to prevent burning and potential fire hazards during grilling.
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure chicken reaches precise internal temperature for safe consumption.
- Swap chicken with tofu or firm vegetables for vegetarian version, maintaining identical marinade and cooking technique.
- Prep Time: 1 hour
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 500
- Sugar: 0 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 25.5 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 50 g
- Cholesterol: 180 mg