Description
Chicken Souvlaki Rice Pilaf is a Greek-inspired dish featuring tender, marinated grilled chicken served over fragrant rice pilaf. It’s a flavorful and satisfying meal that combines herbs, lemon, and garlic for a Mediterranean taste experience.
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
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add chicken pieces and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes (up to 2 hours).
- While the chicken marinates, prepare the rice pilaf. In a medium saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add onion and garlic; sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent.
- Add rice to the pan and stir for 1-2 minutes to toast slightly. Pour in chicken broth, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15-18 minutes or until rice is tender and liquid is absorbed. Remove from heat and let sit for 5 minutes before fluffing with a fork.
- If using skewers, thread marinated chicken pieces onto them. Grill chicken on a preheated grill or cook in a skillet over medium-high heat for 10–12 minutes, turning occasionally, until fully cooked and golden brown.
- Serve grilled chicken over rice pilaf. Garnish with parsley and lemon wedges.
Notes
- You can bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes if not grilling.
- For extra flavor, add a cinnamon stick or bay leaf while cooking the rice.
- Serve with tzatziki sauce or a Greek salad on the side for a full meal.
- Marinating the chicken longer (up to 24 hours) enhances flavor even more.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grill/Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 95mg