Name: Chicken Souvlaki Rice Pilaf
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Greek
Ingredients: For the Chicken Souvlaki:; 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; Wooden or metal skewers (if grilling); For the Rice Pilaf:; 1 tablespoon olive oil or butter; 1 small onion, finely chopped; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1 cup long grain white rice or basmati rice; 2 cups chicken broth; 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper; 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (optional garnish); Fresh lemon wedges, for serving

Why You’ll Love Chicken Souvlaki Rice Pilaf Recipe

The marinade on the chicken gives bold, Mediterranean flavor with lemon, garlic, smoked paprika, oregano and thyme.
The rice pilaf includes orzo or pine nuts for texture and toasty nutty notes.
The grilled vegetables and creamy tzatziki create a well-balanced meal of protein, carbs and veggies.
It feels like a restaurant plate but is achievable at home.
Very customisable – you can change the veggies, serve without skewers, or use different side sauces.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken breasts, cut into chunks for skewers
Butter (for marinade and rice pilaf)
Lemon juice
Garlic, minced or chopped
Smoked paprika
Dried oregano, dried rosemary or thyme
Salt and black pepper
Bell peppers (quarters) and zucchini rounds (or other veggies you prefer)
Cherry tomatoes
Feta cheese, crumbled
Rice pilaf ingredients: basmati or jasmine rice, orzo (optional), pine nuts (optional), garlic, butter, chicken broth or water
Tzatziki sauce, fresh herbs (basil, thyme, dill, parsley or mint)

Directions

Marinate the chicken & prep veggies: Combine melted butter, lemon juice, garlic, smoked paprika, oregano, rosemary or thyme, salt and pepper. Toss the chicken chunks in this marinade. Coat bell peppers and zucchini rounds with the remaining marinade.
Make the rice pilaf: In a medium pot, melt butter. Add rice (and orzo, if using) and pine nuts; toast lightly. Stir in garlic, then add chicken broth or water. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer until the rice is tender. Fluff with a fork.
Grill chicken & vegetables: Preheat a grill or grill pan. Thread chicken onto skewers (or keep as chunks) and grill until lightly charred and cooked through, about 5–6 minutes per side. Grill vegetables until tender and charred.
Assemble: Divide the rice pilaf among bowls or plates. Add grilled chicken on top, along with grilled veggies and cherry tomatoes. Spoon tzatziki over or serve on the side. Crumble feta on top and garnish with fresh herbs.
Serve warm, optionally with warm pita or naan on the side.

Servings and timing

Servings: approximately 4–6
Prep time: 20–25 minutes
Cook time: 20–30 minutes
Total time: about 40–50 minutes

Variations

Use chicken thighs instead of breasts for juicier meat
Swap in pork, lamb, or tofu for a different protein
Use brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice for a lighter or gluten-free version
Try different vegetables like eggplant, mushrooms, or red onions
Add lemon zest, olives, or more herbs to the pilaf for extra flavor
Skip skewers and grill chicken pieces if you prefer a simpler prep

Storage/Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days
Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave; add a splash of broth or water to refresh the rice
Grilled vegetables may soften over time but remain flavorful
Tzatziki and grilled vegetables are not ideal for freezing; if freezing, store rice and chicken separately

FAQs

What cut of chicken is best for souvlaki?

Boneless chicken breasts or thighs both work. Thighs are juicier and more forgiving, while breasts are leaner. Cut into chunks for easy skewering.

Do I have to use skewers?

No. While skewers are traditional for souvlaki, you can skip them and simply grill or pan-sear the chicken pieces.

Can I cook this entirely indoors?

Yes. Use a grill pan or roast the chicken and vegetables in the oven at 425°F for about 20–30 minutes.

Can I use brown rice instead of basmati?

Yes, but brown rice will require more cooking time and liquid. Adjust accordingly for best results.

What is rice pilaf?

Rice pilaf is rice toasted in butter or oil, often with aromatics, then simmered in broth for fluffy, flavorful grains.

Is this dish suitable for a larger group?

Yes. Scale up the rice, chicken, and vegetables as needed. Grill ahead of time and keep warm until serving.

What should I serve with this dish?

Pita or naan, a fresh Greek salad, and extra tzatziki are excellent sides to complete the meal.

How can I make this dish lighter?

Use less butter, lean chicken breast, and more vegetables. You can also reduce the rice portion and skip the feta if desired.

My rice turned out mushy — what did I do wrong?

Too much liquid, overcooking, or removing the lid while simmering can lead to mushy rice. Toasting the rice and using proper rice-to-liquid ratios helps prevent this.

Can I prepare parts of this meal ahead?

Yes. Marinate the chicken ahead (even overnight), chop veggies, and prepare tzatziki in advance. Grill and cook rice just before serving for best texture.

Conclusion

If you’re craving a Mediterranean-style dinner that feels special yet simple to make, Chicken Souvlaki Rice Pilaf is the perfect choice. With its juicy grilled chicken, flavorful rice, and colorful vegetables topped with creamy tzatziki, it brings a vibrant and wholesome dish to your table. Whether you’re cooking for a group or just want to elevate your weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers both comfort and freshness in every bite.