Fresh, zesty Mediterranean vibes
These lemon garlic chicken skewers paired with a bright feta orzo salad are the kind of Mediterranean meal that feels both light and satisfying. Juicy, marinated chicken grilled to perfection meets a refreshing pasta salad packed with herbs, citrus, and salty feta cheese. It’s a perfect option for weeknight dinners, summer cookouts, or healthy meal prep when you want big flavor without a lot of effort. This recipe is simple, quick, and incredibly versatile—great for busy families or anyone craving a fresh Mediterranean chicken recipe that tastes like it came straight from a seaside café.
⏱️ Time Breakdown
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Marinate Time: 20 minutes (optional but recommended)
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Servings: 4
📝 Ingredients List
Lemon Garlic Chicken Skewers
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1½-inch cubes
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- ¾ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Feta Orzo Salad
- 1 cup dry orzo pasta
- ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup cucumber, finely diced
- 2 tbsp red onion, finely minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh dill (optional)
Orzo Dressing
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
✨ Kitchen Tools You’ll Need
This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.
- Mixing bowls
- Measuring cups & spoons
- Sharp knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden or metal skewers
- Grill pan, outdoor grill, or large skillet
- Medium pot (for orzo)
- Colander
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Beginner-Friendly Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a large bowl, mix olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Add chicken cubes and toss well. Marinate for 20 minutes for best flavor 🍋
- Cook the orzo: Bring salted water to a boil, cook orzo according to package instructions until tender. Drain and let cool slightly.
- Assemble skewers: Thread marinated chicken evenly onto skewers.
- Cook the chicken: Grill or pan-sear over medium-high heat for 10–12 minutes, turning every 2–3 minutes, until golden and cooked through 🔥
- Make the orzo salad: In a bowl, combine cooked orzo, feta, tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, parsley, and dill.
- Dress the salad: Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Pour over orzo and toss gently until glossy and well combined ✨
- Serve: Plate skewers alongside the feta orzo salad and finish with extra lemon wedges 😋
💡 Pro Tips
- Extra juicy chicken: Chicken thighs work beautifully if you prefer darker meat.
- Meal prep friendly: Store chicken and orzo separately for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- No grill? A cast-iron skillet or broiler works just as well.
- Flavor boost: Add a pinch of sumac or red pepper flakes to the orzo for extra zing.