Looking for a dish that bursts with flavor and transports you straight to the Mediterranean? This Greek Lemon Chicken recipe is the answer. It’s marinated in a delightful blend of lemon, garlic, and herbs, ensuring that every bite is juicy and tangy. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or simply craving something fresh, these skewers will satisfy your taste buds.
Imagine skewered pieces of tender chicken, infused with zesty lemon juice and fragrant oregano, grilled to perfection. This Greek Lemon Chicken Recipe isn’t just about the chicken; it’s perfect for pairing with a refreshing salad or some warm pita bread, making it a versatile choice for any meal.
Flavorful Marinade for Greek Lemon Chicken
The key to the deliciousness of Greek Lemon Chicken skewers lies in the marinade. A harmonious blend of olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, and a sprinkle of dried oregano creates a zesty concoction that infuses the chicken with vibrant flavors.
Allowing the chicken to soak in this mixture not only enhances its taste but also ensures that each bite remains juicy and tender. Marinating for at least thirty minutes, or up to two hours, lets the flavors penetrate deeply, making every skewer a delightful experience.
Grilling Technique for Perfect Skewers
Grilling is an art, especially when it comes to chicken skewers. For this dish, preheating the grill to medium-high heat is essential. This temperature helps achieve that coveted golden brown color while keeping the interior moist and succulent.
As you thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, it’s important to leave slight gaps between each piece. This spacing allows the heat to circulate evenly, ensuring thorough cooking and those beautiful grill marks that add to the dish’s presentation.
Serving Suggestions for a Complete Meal
Once your skewers are grilled to perfection, it’s time to think about how to serve them. Pairing grilled Greek Lemon Chicken with a refreshing Greek salad adds a delightful crunch and a burst of freshness to the meal. The combination of cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and feta provides a colorful contrast to the golden skewers.
For a creamy touch, tzatziki sauce is an excellent accompaniment. The coolness of yogurt blended with cucumber and garlic complements the tangy chicken, creating a balanced flavor profile that pleases the palate.
The Mediterranean Vibe
To elevate the dining experience, consider the atmosphere in which you serve this dish. A rustic wooden table beautifully enhances the Mediterranean vibe, making the meal feel more authentic and inviting. The warm, earthy tones of the wood provide a perfect backdrop for the vibrant colors of the skewers and salad.
Adding fresh herbs and lemon wedges as garnish not only enhances the visual appeal but also serves as a hint to the flavors within the dish. Creating an inviting dining setting can transform a simple meal into a delightful culinary excursion.
Nutrition and Serving Size
Each serving of Greek Lemon Chicken skewers is not only delicious but also nutritious. With approximately 300 calories per serving, this dish is a lighter option that doesn’t compromise on taste.
Rich in protein, thanks to the chicken, and balanced with healthy fats from olive oil, this meal can be a part of a wholesome diet. Serving four people, it’s a great choice for family dinners or gatherings with friends where everyone can enjoy the vibrant Mediterranean flavors.
Experimenting with Variations
While the classic Greek Lemon Chicken recipe is delightful on its own, feel free to explore variations. Adding bell peppers, red onions, or cherry tomatoes to the skewers not only adds color but also enhances the overall flavor profile.
For those looking to incorporate different proteins, shrimp or even firm tofu can be marinated and grilled in a similar manner, allowing for a diverse range of options that cater to different tastes and dietary preferences.
Delicious Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers
These Greek Lemon Chicken Skewers are marinated to create a deliciously tangy flavor. The combination of lemon, olive oil, and herbs results in a dish that is light yet satisfying, perfect for summer days.
The chicken is grilled until golden brown, providing a delightful contrast in texture, and a hint of smokiness that enhances the lemony marinade.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Juice and zest of 2 lemons
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Skewers (soaked in water if wooden)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken cubes to the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for more flavor.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Skewer the Chicken: Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers, leaving a little space between each piece for even cooking.
- Grill the Skewers: Place the skewers on the grill and cook for about 10-15 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is fully cooked and has nice grill marks.
- Serve: Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving. Enjoy with a side of tzatziki sauce or a fresh Greek salad.
Cook and Prep Times
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Marinate Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour
Nutrition Information
- Servings: 4 servings
- Calories: 300kcal
- Fat: 15g
- Protein: 30g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
