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Meat, South and mountains

Provençal chicken skewers with rice

Provençal chicken skewers with rice feature chicken breast marinated in garlic, lemon, and herbes de Provence, threaded with bell peppers and zucchini, served over rice. The recipe serves 4, takes 40 minutes, and is very easy, at about €3.10 per person. The key is letting the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes so it stays moist.

Garlic and herbes de Provence chicken skewers, golden and juicy, with fragrant rice, smells like vacation.

Provençal chicken skewers with rice
Total time
40 min
Difficulty
Very easy
Cost per person
€3.10
Calories per person
620 kcalcalculated by Kiloach, your weight coach
Season
Summer, Spring
The kids
They generally like it

Chicken marinated in garlic, lemon, and herbes de Provence turns golden and smells like the south of France the moment it hits the heat. Bell peppers and zucchini grilled alongside add crunch and a touch of sweetness, while plain rice soaks up all the cooking juices. The kitchen starts smelling good during the marinade, long before anything hits the pan.

This is an easy weeknight dinner for when you want something low effort but full of flavor. Kids love pulling the pieces off the skewer, and you can easily cut smaller cubes for younger ones. In summer it works just as well on the barbecue as it does for a casual dinner with friends on the patio.

The ingredients

4 people

Butcher

  • Chicken breasts 700 g

Fruits and vegetables

  • Bell peppers 2
  • Zucchini 1
  • Garlic 3 cloves
  • Lemon 1

Pantry

  • Olive oiloften in the pantry 4 tbsp
  • Herbes de Provenceoften in the pantry 2 tsp
  • Riceoften in the pantry 300 g
  • Saltoften in the pantry 1 pinch
  • Pepperoften in the pantry 1 pinch

The step by step recipe

  1. Cut the chicken into cubes and mix it with crushed garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and herbes de Provence. 30 min

    A bit of lemon zest boosts the flavor.

  2. Cut the bell peppers and zucchini into large chunks.

    Keep them the same size as the chicken for even cooking.

  3. Thread the chicken and vegetables onto the skewers, alternating.

    Soak wooden skewers in water for 15 minutes so they don't burn.

  4. Cook the rice in a large pot of salted water, then drain. 11 min

    Taste a grain to check it's done.

  5. Cook the skewers in a skillet or on the grill, turning them. 12 min

    Don't pierce them to check, cut a piece instead, it shouldn't be pink inside.

Our tips to get it right

  • Cut the chicken cubes to an even size, about 1 inch, so they all cook at the same rate.
  • If you're using wooden skewers, soak them early, right when you start the marinade, to save time later.
  • Salt the rice water at the start of cooking rather than at the end, it absorbs the seasoning better.

The variations

  • Swap the chicken breast for boneless thighs, they stay juicier on the grill.
  • For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with firm tofu or halloumi cubes, marinated the same way.
  • To save time, skip the skewers and just cook the chicken and vegetables together in a skillet.

What to serve it with

  • A lemony green salad
  • Warm pita bread or flatbread
  • Sparkling water with lemon

Storage

The skewers keep for 2 days in the fridge in a sealed container. They don't freeze well once cooked because of the vegetables, it's better to freeze the raw marinated chicken instead. Reheat gently in a skillet so the chicken doesn't dry out.

Questions about this dish

Can you make the marinade ahead of time?

Yes, you can marinate the chicken up to a day ahead in the fridge in a sealed container. The garlic and lemon flavor will actually come through even stronger.

Can you use a different meat instead of chicken?

You can use pork or turkey cubes, the cooking time stays about the same. Just make sure the meat is no longer pink in the center before serving.

How do you know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Cut into the thickest cube, the inside should be white, not pink. Avoid poking the skewers too often while cooking, it lets the juices escape.

Can you cook the skewers in the oven?

Yes, bake at 200 degrees for about 15 to 18 minutes, turning halfway through. Finish under the broiler for a few minutes if you want more color.

How long does it take to make Provençal chicken skewers with rice?

Count 40 min in total, prep and cooking included. The recipe is rated “very easy”.

How many calories are in Provençal chicken skewers with rice?

About 620 kcal per serving, for a recipe meant for 4 people. Calories are calculated by Kiloach, your weight coach, the app that partners with Mon Chou.

How much does Provençal chicken skewers with rice cost?

About €3.10 per serving, or €12.40 for 4 people, based on average supermarket prices.

What allergens does this recipe contain?

This recipe contains none of the major allergens tracked by Mon Chou. Always check the labels of the products you buy.

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