Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Silk Road Recipes

published Apr 18, 2022, updated Apr 28, 2022 Anyone who knows me knows that I love to grill. Meat, vegetables, and even fruit – I spend most of my summer right in front of my BBQ! There are a few recipes that I consider to be my barbecue go-tos, and this Mediterranean grilled chicken recipe is one of them. Grilling can be tricky and always begs the question: how do you grill chicken without drying it out? Well, the answer lies in my Mediterranean Marinade! Not only does it keep the meat tender and juicy, but it hosts a mouthwatering mix of herbs and garlic for a zesty, vibrant flavor that sinks right into the meat as it marinates. Now if sparking up the grill isn’t an option, use a grill pan as pictured here, and this is on the dinner table in no time! Even though it’s raining or cold outside, and I was too lazy to change the gas can for the grill, I opted for my trusty grill pan. These are so helpful in these types of situations when you want that slight char, those wonderful grill marks, and outside isn’t an option. A simple salad would make a great side, but there’s nothing quite like a steaming bed of rice either. Or maybe go with both with a warm pita (khubz)! You really can’t go wrong with any of your favorite BBQ sides.

INGREDIENT NOTES AND SUBSTITUTIONS

Chicken – I opt for boneless thighs or breasts when grilling.Mediterranean Marinade – It takes just 15 minutes to whip up this zesty marinade. It’s a tangy combination of:Olive Oil – As the base of the marinade, it keeps the meat nice and moist and helps to evenly distribute all of the other seasonings.Lemon Juice – Working as both a tenderizing and flavoring agent, it’s no wonder why lemon and grilled meat go hand in hand.Garlic – Minced garlic will flavor the olive oil, and in turn flavor the meat. Mint – This sweetly cooling herb pairs with the lemon and actually enhances the savory qualities of the meat as well.Oregano – A bold herb with a pungent aroma, its unique and earthy flavor melds well with the mint, garlic, and lemon. Basil, thyme, or pre-mixed Italian seasoning could be used instead.Parsley – This herb is bright and aromatic, with bitter notes that pair well with the oregano and mint. Cilantro is a similarly fresh herb that makes a good alternative.Red Pepper Flakes – For a heat that isn’t too overpowering, and a natural complement to oregano and parsley.Dill – A grassy herb with a vibrant flavor.

HOW TO MAKE MEDITERRANEAN GRILLED CHICKEN

Make the Marinade. Prepare the marinade, whisking all of the ingredients together in a small bowl.
Marinate. Baste the meat with ¼ cup of the marinade. Pour the rest of the marinade into a ziploc bag along with the meat. Squeeze any air out of the bag and seal closed. Continue to squeeze the bag, thoroughly coating and massaging the marinade into the meat. Leave to marinate at room temperature for 30 minutes.
Prep the Grill. Meanwhile, prepare your grill by preheating to 350°F and coating generously with cooking spray.
Grill. Lay the meat on the grill. Cook time depends on the cut: breasts and thighs take about 4 minutes per side. Rotate breasts halfway through the time per side to create crosshatch grill marks on the surface, then baste with reserved marinade before flipping. If using thicker breasts, halve them horizontally for thinner slices and grill for just 2 minutes on each side.
Let Rest and Serve. Allow the Mediterranean grilled chicken to rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving.

What is Mediterranean chicken made of?

Grilled Mediterranean chicken is all about the marinade, which is a mix of garlic, herbs, lemon juice, and olive oil. These seasonings all seep into the meat while it marinates, filling it with flavor and moisture.

Is Mediterranean grilled chicken healthy?

Protein is all about moderation and the cooking method. That being said, grilling is one of the healthier ways to prepare meat, and southern European cuisine is infamously low in calories and high in nutrients. My grilled Mediterranean chicken recipe, specifically, comes in at 399 calories.

What can I serve with grilled Mediterranean chicken?

I like to enjoy this recipe with a simple salad or over a bed of warm, fluffy rice. However, it goes well with almost anything! Roasted vegetables make a delicious side, as do Greek green beans and crispy Greek potatoes.