Description
This Mediterranean chicken marinade transforms ordinary chicken into a juicy, flavorful masterpiece. With a combination of fresh lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, oregano, and subtle spices, it’s easy to make yet impressively tasty. Perfect for grilling, baking, or pan-searing, this recipe brings the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean straight to your table. Whether for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s both simple and elegant. The marinade tenderizes the chicken, infuses it with flavor, and keeps it juicy from start to finish. Pair it with roasted vegetables, couscous, or a Greek salad for a complete Mediterranean feast.
Ingredients
Scale
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1 large lemon
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon ground cumin (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: drizzle of honey, splash of balsamic vinegar
Instructions
- Whisk olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper in a medium bowl.
- Coat chicken thoroughly with the marinade and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 1–2 hours.
- Grill chicken over medium-high heat for 6–8 minutes per side, or bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, or pan-sear 5–6 minutes per side until fully cooked.
- Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing or serving.
- Optional: garnish with fresh parsley, oregano, or lemon wedges.
Notes
- Marinate longer for deeper flavor.
- Resting the chicken keeps it juicy.
- Customize spices according to preference—smoked paprika, rosemary, or thyme work beautifully.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Baking, Pan-Searing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 95mg