Mediterranean Grilled Chicken
Grilling flavorful Mediterranean marinated chicken thighs is the perfect go-to dinner whether it’s a weeknight, Saturday cookout or cozy Sunday meal. This recipe combines flavorful spices, herbaceous dried oregano, and bold fresh lemon juice to create tender and delicious grilled chicken thighs.
What is Mediterranean grilled chicken? Mediterranean grilled chicken is meat that has been marinated in a flavorful dressing that features oregano, paprika, and garlic. On top of these ingredients, one imperative part of this marinade is fresh lemon juice to bring a bright flavor to complement the richness of the chicken thighs.
How long does it take to grill chicken thighs? How long grilled chicken thighs take to grill depends on how hot your grill is. I recommend cooking the chicken thighs over preheated, medium heat for about 5 minutes per side
What spices are in Mediterranean chicken? When I think of Mediterranean influence with spices, I immediately think of two components — oregano and paprika. In this recipe, I’ve added a bit of chili powder as well as a pinch of cinnamon to these spices to enhance the warm, flavorful seasoning of this marinade.
Can I substitute chicken breasts for thighs? Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts for chicken thighs in this Mediterranean grilled chicken recipe. If you make this substitution, my recommendation would be to marinate the chicken breasts for up to 5 hours instead of the 3 hours recommended in this recipe since breasts are larger pieces of meat than thighs. This gives them ample opportunity to take on the flavors of the marinade.
Can marinade be used as a sauce? Yes, this bright, tangy dressing recipe can be doubled and the extra half of it used as a sauce for fresh vegetables or a salad.
Can marinade be made ahead of time? Yes, you can create this Mediterranean marinade a few days in advance of preparing the chicken thighs and it will keep well in the fridge. The acidity of the lemon used in this recipe will help maintain the freshness and brightness of the dressing.
How long should I marinate chicken thighs? How long you should marinate chicken thighs depends on what type of dressing or sauce you use for marinade. If the marinade is subtle in flavor and not very acidic (such as barbeque sauce or teriyaki) you can let the flavors soak in for up to two days without impacting the texture of the meat. If the marinade has a bold flavor and acidic nature (such as a vinaigrette), you’ll want to limit the amount of time you let the meat steep in the sauce to a few hours. This is because very strong, acidic marinades can break down the proteins in the meat and impact the texture if left for too long.
What can I serve with Mediterranean chicken? Mediterranean chicken is perfectly complemented by any fresh, bright side dish. A few ideas are:
How to make mediterranean grilled chicken:
Mediterranean Grilled Chicken
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp fresh cracked black pepper
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp chili powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- Pinch of ground cinnamon
- Juice of 2 lemons, about 1/4 cup
- 3 smashed garlic cloves
Instructions
- Place raw chicken thighs in a large bowl or plastic zipper bag.
- Add all other ingredients to the chicken and mix thoroughly to coat the chicken evenly with the marinade.
- Let the chicken marinate in the fridge for up to 3 hours.
- Grill on medium heat until cooked all the way through, about 5 minutes per side. Use a meat thermometer to test and make sure the chicken’s internal temperature reads 165 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Let the chicken rest at room temperature for about 10 minutes after grilling and serve.
