Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Recipe
This Grilled Mediterranean Chicken recipe features tender boneless, skinless chicken breasts marinated in a flavorful mix of Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, paprika, and herbs. After marinating for three hours, the chicken is grilled to perfection, producing a juicy and aromatic meal perfect for a healthy Mediterranean-inspired dinner.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 33 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Marinade
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- ½ cup lemon juice
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves (peeled, grated or finely minced)
- 3 tablespoons paprika
- 1 ½ tablespoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 cup Italian parsley (roughly chopped)
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
Main Ingredient
- 2 pounds boneless and skinless chicken breast
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, paprika, kosher salt, black pepper, Italian parsley, and dried oregano until well combined. Reserve ¼ to ½ cup of the marinade for later use.
- Marinate Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the marinade, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for 3 hours to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Preheat Grill: Preheat your grill to medium heat, approximately 375°F, allowing it to heat for about 10 minutes to ensure even cooking.
- Grill Chicken: Remove chicken from marinade, shaking off excess sauce, and place on the preheated grill. Close the lid and cook for 6 to 9 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, indicating the chicken is fully cooked.
- Heat Reserved Marinade: While the chicken grills, pour the reserved marinade into a small saucepan. Heat it over medium-low heat until warmed through and the color darkens, enhancing its flavor and making it safe for brushing.
- Rest and Finish: Remove the grilled chicken from the grill and transfer to a clean bowl. Cover with a plate and let rest for 10 minutes to lock in juices.
- Serve: Brush the rested chicken breasts with the warmed marinade. Slice and serve alongside fluffy pita bread, fresh Israeli salad, and creamy hummus for a complete Mediterranean meal.
Notes
- Marinating for at least 3 hours is essential to tenderize the chicken and infuse it with flavor.
- Make sure the grill is properly preheated to avoid sticking and ensure even cooking.
- Use a meat thermometer to confirm the chicken has reached an internal temperature of 165°F to guarantee food safety.
- Heating the reserved marinade helps avoid any risk of contamination and enhances the glazing effect when brushed onto the cooked chicken.
- Resting the chicken after grilling allows juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicier texture.
