Grilled Mediterranean Chicken
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
5 mins
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Cook Time
12 mins
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Marinating Time (Inactive Time)
3 hrs
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Total Time
3 hrs 17 mins
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Servings
4 people
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Calories
579 kcal
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Course
Dinner
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Cuisine
Mediterranean
Grilled Mediterranean Chicken
Description
The recipe begins by whisking Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, paprika, kosher salt, black pepper, chopped parsley, and dried oregano into a marinade. Chicken breasts are coated thoroughly and marinated refrigerated for three hours to tenderize and flavor the meat. The grill is preheated to medium heat to provide a steady temperature for cooking.
Chicken breasts are grilled with the lid closed for 6 to 9 minutes per side, cooking to an internal temperature of 165°F. During grilling, excess marinade is shaken off to prevent flare-ups. The reserved marinade is gently warmed on the stovetop to thicken slightly and deepen in color, then brushed on the chicken after resting to enrich the flavor.
After grilling, the chicken rests covered to allow juices to redistribute. The finished chicken breasts feature a fragrant, herby crust with a tender, moist interior characteristic of yogurt marination and controlled grilling. This method creates a balanced texture and flavor well suited to pairing with fluffy, light side dishes like pilaf or steamed vegetables.
For variation, the recipe notes that you can bake or skewer the chicken instead of grilling, adapting to different kitchen setups while maintaining the core marinade profile.
Ingredients
- 1 cup Greek yogurt
- ½ cup lemon juice
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 4 garlic peeled, grated or finely minced, cloves
- 3 tablespoons paprika
- 1 ½ tablespoon kosher salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 1 cup Italian parsley roughly chopped
- 1 tablespoon oregano dried
- 2 pounds chicken breast boneless and skinless
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together the greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, paprika, salt, pepper, parsley, and dried oregano. Reserve ¼ to ½ cup of the marinade for brushing on later. Nestle the chicken breasts into the sauce, turning to coat all over. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let marinate for 3 hours in the fridge.
- Preheat your grill to medium (around 375 degrees F) for around 10 minutes. Place the chicken breasts on the pan, shaking off excess sauce into the bowl before placing, and grill with the lid on for 6 to 9 minutes per side or until internal temperature reaches 165 degrees F.
- While the chicken is cooking, heat the reserved marinade in a small saucepan over medium-low heat until it’s warmed through and the color darkens.
- Remove the breasts from the grill and place them in a clean bowl and place a plate over the top. Let it rest for 10 minutes then brush on the reserved marinade before slicing and serving. I like to serve my chicken with fluffy pita, a fresh Israeli salad, and creamy hummus.
Notes
- If a grill is not available, bake the chicken breasts at 375°F, though the characteristic grill marks will be absent.
- You may also thread the marinated chicken into skewers for grilling or broiling.
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 4people
Amount Per Serving
Calories 579 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 579kcal | 29% |
| Carbohydrates | 10g | 3% |
| Protein | 50g | 100% |
| Fat | 38g | 58% |
| Saturated Fat | 12g | 60% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 3g | 18% |
| Monounsaturated Fat | 20g | 100% |
| Trans Fat | 0.003g | 0% |
| Cholesterol | 136mg | 45% |
| Sodium | 2795mg | 116% |
| Potassium | 1156mg | 25% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 3g | 6% |
| Vitamin A | 3880IU | 78% |
| Vitamin C | 33mg | 37% |
| Calcium | 140mg | 14% |
| Iron | 8mg | 44% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.