This Mediterranean Grilled Chicken is packed with flavor! Marinated with herbs, garlic, and lemon, it’s juicy and fragrant, perfect for any day of the week.
Grilling brings out the best in this chicken, and it pairs wonderfully with a fresh salad or some warm pita bread. I can’t resist adding extra lemon juice—yum!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this recipe because they cook evenly and absorb marinades well. If you’re looking for a swap, thighs can be juicier and give a different flavor.
Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds a nice richness. If you’re out, feel free to use canola oil or avocado oil, which also have great flavor profiles.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the dish. If you don’t have fresh lemons, bottled lemon juice works too, but fresh really does make a difference!
Garlic: Fresh garlic is key here for that strong flavor. If you don’t have it, garlic powder can be used as a substitute—just use about 1/8 teaspoon per clove.
Herbs (Oregano and Parsley): Fresh herbs provide amazing flavor. If you can’t find fresh, dried herbs work well—remember that dried herbs are more potent, so use less (1 teaspoon dried is equal to 1 tablespoon fresh).
How Do You Get the Best Flavor from the Marinade?
Marinating chicken is a great way to infuse flavor and keep it moist. The key to a successful marinade is letting the chicken soak in it for enough time. Here’s how to do it right:
- Combine all marinade ingredients in a bowl and whisk well to mix.
- Place chicken in a resealable plastic bag or dish, pour marinade over it, and seal or cover it. Make sure to coat the chicken evenly.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour, but for the best flavor, let it marinate for 4 hours or even overnight.
Don’t forget to discard the marinade after use; it’s a safety step since it has raw chicken juices!
How to Make Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Breasts
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 chicken breasts (boneless, skinless)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried oregano)
- 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried parsley)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Fresh cilantro or parsley (for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, plus at least 1 hour for marinating. If you have more time, letting the chicken marinate for 4 hours or overnight will give you even more flavor. Grilling will take about 15 minutes, so you’re looking at a total of around 30 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes, depending on your marinating time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Make the Marinade:
In a medium bowl, mix together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, parsley, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Use a whisk to blend everything well so that it’s all combined into a tasty marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken:
Take your chicken breasts and place them in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are well-coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and pop it in the fridge. Let it marinate for at least 1 hour; if you can, let it sit in the fridge for 4 hours or even overnight to really soak up the flavors.
3. Grill the Chicken:
When you’re ready to cook, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Take the chicken out of the marinade and discard any leftover marinade. Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook for about 6–7 minutes on each side. You’re aiming for an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), and the chicken should have lovely grill marks.
4. Let it Rest and Serve:
Once the chicken is grilled to perfection, remove it from the grill and allow it to rest for about 5 minutes. This helps keep it juicy. Before serving, garnish with fresh cilantro or parsley. Enjoy your delicious Mediterranean grilled chicken with your favorite sides, like grilled veggies or a refreshing salad!
Can I Use Thawed Frozen Chicken Breasts for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure the chicken is completely thawed before marinating. You can thaw frozen chicken in the fridge overnight or by placing it in a sealed plastic bag and submerging it in cold water for about an hour. Pat dry before adding the marinade to help it adhere better.
What Can I Substitute for Olive Oil?
If you don’t have olive oil on hand, you can use avocado oil or even vegetable oil as a substitute. Both will still give a delicious flavor to the chicken. Just remember to stick with oils that have a high smoke point for grilling!
How Long Should I Marinate the Chicken?
For the best flavor, marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but 4 hours or even overnight is preferable. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be. Just ensure you refrigerate it during marination!
How to Store Leftover Grilled Chicken?
Store any leftover grilled chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, simply warm in the microwave or on a stovetop skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth or water to keep it from drying out. Enjoy it cold in salads or sandwiches too!
