Description
This Mediterranean Herb Crusted Grilled Chicken features juicy, grilled chicken coated in a vibrant blend of fresh herbs, garlic, lemon, and olive oil. It’s a quick, healthy, and flavor-packed dinner that brings the sunny flavors of the Mediterranean to your table in just 30 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs (about 900g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
- 3 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin preferred)
- Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
- 3 cloves fresh garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh rosemary, finely chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh oregano, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 tbsp fresh thyme leaves, finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
- 2 tbsp parsley, chopped
- 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp cracked black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Optional: Crumbled feta cheese for serving
- Optional: 1/2 tsp chili flakes for heat
- Optional: 1/2 tsp sumac for citrusy note
Instructions
- Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. If using breasts, pound gently to an even thickness (about 1/2 inch) for even cooking.
- In a mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lemon zest and juice, minced garlic, rosemary, oregano, thyme, parsley, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Stir until thick and fragrant. Add sumac or chili flakes if using.
- Add the chicken to the bowl and rub the herb mixture all over each piece. Marinate for at least 15 minutes at room temperature, or up to 8 hours in the refrigerator.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Oil the grates lightly to prevent sticking.
- Place the chicken on the hot grill. For breasts, grill 5-6 minutes per side; for thighs, grill 6-7 minutes per side. Flip only when the chicken releases easily from the grill.
- Check for doneness: internal temperature should reach 165°F. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part; juices should run clear.
- Transfer chicken to a plate, cover loosely with foil, and let rest for 5 minutes.
- Slice and serve hot, garnished with extra parsley, a squeeze of lemon, and crumbled feta if desired.
Notes
For best results, use fresh herbs and let the chicken marinate as long as possible. If grilling isn’t an option, bake at 425°F for 18-22 minutes or broil 6 minutes per side. Resting the chicken after grilling keeps it juicy. Skip feta for dairy-free. Recipe is naturally gluten-free.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (about 8 oz cooked chicken)
- Calories: 285
- Sodium: 600
- Fat: 14
- Saturated Fat: 3
- Carbohydrates: 3
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 35
Keywords: grilled chicken, Mediterranean, herb crusted, healthy dinner, gluten-free, summer grilling, easy chicken recipe, high protein, lemon garlic chicken