Mediterranean Grilled Chicken

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Mediterranean Grilled Chicken recipe is bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors from the herbs and spices. The marinade not only infuses the chicken with flavor but also helps keep it moist and tender during grilling. With minimal ingredients and prep time, it’s a simple yet satisfying meal that’s both healthy and delicious. Serve it with your favorite side dishes like grilled vegetables, a Greek salad, or pita bread, and you’ll have a meal that feels like a getaway to the Mediterranean!

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (optional, for extra flavor)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Lemon wedges (for serving)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

1. Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, cumin (if using), salt, and pepper until well combined.
2. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure it’s well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to an hour (or up to 4 hours for more flavor).
3. Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F/200°C). If you’re using a grill pan, heat it over medium-high heat on the stovetop.
4. Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any leftover marinade. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is golden brown with nice grill marks.
5. Rest the Chicken: Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute and keeps the chicken tender.
6. Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side. Pair the grilled chicken with your favorite sides, such as Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or a side of couscous.

Servings and timing

• Servings: 4
• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Marinate time: 30 minutes to 4 hours
• Cook time: 10-14 minutes (depending on thickness)

Variations

• Add Spice: If you prefer a bit of heat, add some red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the marinade for a spicy kick.
• Greek Yogurt Marinade: For extra creaminess and richness, replace some of the olive oil with Greek yogurt in the marinade.
• Herb-Infused: Try adding fresh herbs like basil, mint, or dill to the marinade for an added burst of freshness.
• Lemon and Garlic Chicken Skewers: Cut the chicken into cubes and skewer them with bell peppers and onions. Grill the skewers for a fun, bite-sized variation.
• Add Feta: Top the grilled chicken with crumbled feta cheese and a drizzle of olive oil for an extra Mediterranean touch.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Leftover grilled chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze grilled chicken for up to 3 months. Make sure to wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil before freezing.
• Reheating: Reheat the chicken in the microwave or on the stovetop. If reheating on the stovetop, heat in a covered pan with a little bit of olive oil to keep it moist.

FAQs

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, chicken thighs work great in this recipe. They’re more flavorful and juicier, but they might take slightly longer to cook, so check the internal temperature to ensure they’re fully cooked.

2. Can I make this recipe in the oven instead of grilling?

Yes, you can bake the chicken in the oven. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C), place the marinated chicken on a baking sheet, and bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

3. Can I make the marinade ahead of time?

Yes, you can make the marinade ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just add the chicken when you’re ready to marinate.

4. Can I use bone-in chicken?

Yes, bone-in chicken can be used, but it will take longer to cook. Bone-in chicken usually requires about 30-35 minutes on the grill, depending on size, and you should check the internal temperature to ensure it reaches 165°F (74°C).

5. How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is fully cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). You can use a meat thermometer to check the temperature at the thickest part of the chicken.

6. Can I marinate the chicken overnight?

Yes, marinating the chicken overnight will result in more intense flavors. Just be sure not to marinate for too long (more than 24 hours), as the acidic marinade could break down the meat and make it too tender.

7. How can I make this recipe spicier?

If you prefer spicy chicken, add cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the marinade. You can also drizzle hot sauce over the chicken after grilling.

8. Can I add other vegetables to the grill?

Yes, grilled vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, and onions pair perfectly with Mediterranean grilled chicken. Simply season them with olive oil and herbs, and grill alongside the chicken.

9. Can I serve this chicken in a wrap or pita?

Absolutely! This Mediterranean Grilled Chicken is delicious when served in a wrap or pita with fresh veggies, hummus, or tzatziki sauce for a Mediterranean-inspired sandwich.

10. Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes, this recipe is keto-friendly as it uses no carbs, just lean protein and healthy fats. It pairs well with low-carb sides like grilled veggies or a green salad.

Conclusion

Mediterranean Grilled Chicken is a simple yet delicious recipe that brings together the fresh, vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean in a healthy and satisfying way. With its juicy, flavorful chicken marinated in olive oil, lemon, garlic, and herbs, it’s a dish that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or special occasion. Serve it with your favorite sides, or enjoy it as part of a Mediterranean-inspired meal. Whether you’re following a healthy diet or simply craving something flavorful, this grilled chicken will hit the spot every time!

Mediterranean Grilled Chicken

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Mediterranean Grilled Chicken is a flavorful, healthy, and easy-to-make dish that features tender grilled chicken marinated in olive oil, lemon, garlic, and Mediterranean herbs. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion, offering a burst of fresh, vibrant flavors.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10-14 minutes
• Total Time: 20-25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Grilling
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients

1. 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
2. 1/4 cup olive oil
3. 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
4. 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
5. 3 cloves garlic, minced
6. 1 teaspoon dried oregano
7. 1 teaspoon dried thyme
8. 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin (optional, for extra flavor)
9. Salt and black pepper, to taste
10. 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
11. Lemon wedges (for serving)

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Instructions

Prepare the Marinade: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, cumin (if using), salt, and pepper until well combined.

1. Marinate the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring it’s well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to 4 hours.
2. Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F/200°C). If using a grill pan, heat it over medium-high heat on the stovetop.
3. Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard any leftover marinade. Grill the chicken for 5-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) and the chicken is golden brown.
4. Rest the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This ensures the juices redistribute, keeping the chicken tender.
5. Serve: Garnish with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges. Pair with Greek salad, roasted vegetables, or couscous for a full meal.

Notes

• If you prefer darker meat, substitute chicken breasts with thighs for a juicier and more flavorful option.
• For added flavor, drizzle some tahini or tzatziki sauce over the chicken before serving.
• If you like your chicken spicier, add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the marinade.
• For a grilled vegetable side, try grilling bell peppers, zucchini, or onions alongside the chicken.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 250mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 17g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 70mg