Easy Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Recipe
User Reviews
4.9
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
12 mins
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Servings
6 people
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Calories
2394 kcal
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Course
Dinner
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Cuisine
Mediterranean
Easy Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Recipe
Description
The Easy Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Recipe combines a spice mix of oregano, coriander, cumin, and nutmeg with a marinade of lemon juice, olive oil, and minced garlic. The chicken thighs are seasoned and marinated with onions to absorb the flavors before being grilled or cooked on a griddle. Grilling the lemon halves adds a smoky brightness to the dish when served alongside the tender, well-seasoned chicken.
The cooking method enables a charred aroma and sear on the chicken, enhancing its depth. The layering of fresh lemon, Mediterranean spices, and garlic lends the dish a balance between acidity and warmth, complemented by the charred grilled lemons.
This lemon chicken pairs well with Mediterranean sides such as Greek green beans, roasted potatoes, rice, or salads like Balela. Including dips like roasted garlic hummus or tzatziki complements the flavors, making it a versatile entree for a variety of meals.
For convenience, leftover chicken stores well refrigerated for 3 to 4 days. The recipe can be made in advance or marinated longer to deepen flavor, and chicken breasts can be substituted by slicing and tenderizing as noted.
Ingredients
For Spice Mixture
- 2 tsp oregano dried
- 1 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- 1 1/2 tsp cumin ground
- 3/4 tsp nutmeg ground
For Marinade
- 1/3 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil I used Private Reserve Greek EVOO
- 2 to 3 tsp garlic minced
For Chicken
- 1 1/2 lb chicken thighs you can use chicken breast (see notes, boneless, skinless, 6 to 7 pieces
- salt kosher salt
- black pepper kosher salt
- 1 onion diced, large
- 2 lemon halved, plural
- extra virgin olive oil
- parsley fresh, for garnish
Instructions
- In a small bowl, add the spices and mix to make the spice mixture.
- In another bowl or large measuring cup, combine the lemon juice, olive oil and garlic to make the marinade.
- Pat the chicken dry and season with kosher salt and pepper and sprinkle the spice mixture on both sides.
- Place the chicken in a bowl and add the onions. Pour in the marinade and work the chicken a bit to make sure all the pieces are well covered with the marinade.
- Leave the chicken to marinate at room temperature while you heat up the grill or griddle. OR, if you have the time, cover and refrigerate for 2 to 4 hours (or up to 8 hours).
- When ready, heat a grill pan over medium-high heat (or an outdoor grill over medium-high heat). Do not add oil yet to the pan. Add the lemon halves, flesh side down, and grill briefly. Remove the grilled lemons and set aside for now.
- Now, brush the pan with a little extra virgin olive oil. Using a pair of tongs, add the chicken pieces in one layer (discard any remaining marinade). Cook for 6 minutes or so on each side or until chicken is well cooked through (you can adjust heat to medium, if needed. If using an outdoor grill, carefully oil the grates and cook the chicken over medium-high heat for the same amount of time. (Chicken's internal temperature should register 165 degrees F).
- Transfer the grilled lemon chicken to a serving platter. Add the grilled lemons (which you can squeeze for a little more juice), and garnish with parsley. See notes for serving ideas.
Notes
- Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts sliced and tenderized if preferred instead of thighs.
- Marinate chicken for 2 to 8 hours in the refrigerator to enhance flavor depth.
- Pair the dish with Mediterranean sides like Greek green beans, potatoes, rice, or fresh salads for a complete meal.
- Store leftover chicken in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 2394 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 239.4kcal | 12% |
| Carbohydrates | 5.1g | 2% |
| Protein | 22.5g | 45% |
| Saturated Fat | 2.6g | 13% |
| Cholesterol | 107.7mg | 36% |
| Sodium | 103.1mg | 4% |
| Potassium | 350.4mg | 7% |
| Fiber | 1.4g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 27.2IU | 1% |
| Vitamin C | 24.3mg | 27% |
| Calcium | 32.7mg | 3% |
| Iron | 1.7mg | 9% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
4.9
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