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Flavorful Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Recipe with Easy Herb Marinade

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A simple and vibrant grilled chicken recipe featuring a fresh herb marinade with lemon, garlic, and Mediterranean herbs. Perfect for quick weeknight dinners or weekend cookouts.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs / 680g)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Juice of 1 large lemon (about 3 tablespoons)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried if fresh unavailable)
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Herb Marinade (5-10 minutes): In a mixing bowl, combine the extra virgin olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped parsley, oregano, thyme, Dijon mustard, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Whisk everything together until well blended.
  2. Marinate the Chicken (at least 30 minutes, up to 4 hours): Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure each piece is coated evenly. Seal and refrigerate.
  3. Preheat the Grill (10 minutes): Heat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375°F to 400°F). Clean and oil the grill grates lightly to prevent sticking.
  4. Grill the Chicken (6-7 minutes per side): Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting excess drip off. Place the chicken on the grill and cook for 6 to 7 minutes per side until grill marks appear and juices run clear.
  5. Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). If unavailable, cut into one piece to check that juices run clear and there’s no pink inside.
  6. Rest the Chicken (5 minutes): Let the chicken rest on a plate, loosely covered with foil to allow juices to redistribute.
  7. Serve and Enjoy: Slice or serve whole with your favorite sides such as Greek salad or warm pita bread.

Notes

Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes for best flavor, up to 4 hours. Pat chicken dry before grilling to avoid flare-ups. Use direct heat initially, then indirect heat if grill is too hot. Rest chicken after grilling to keep it juicy. If no grill available, use grill pan or broiler and finish in oven at 400°F for 5-8 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: grilled chicken, Mediterranean chicken, herb marinade, easy chicken recipe, healthy chicken, backyard barbecue, lemon garlic chicken