IRRESISTIBLE MEDITERRANEAN HERB CRUSTED GRILLED CHICKEN

Imagine sinking your teeth into a juicy, perfectly grilled chicken breast bursting with the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean – fragrant herbs, zesty lemon, and a hint of garlic. This isn’t just any grilled chicken; this is Mediterranean Herb Crusted Grilled Chicken, and I promise you’ll be making it again and again!

Why This Mediterranean Herb Crusted Grilled Chicken Rocks

Okay, let’s be honest, we all get stuck in dinner ruts. Chicken, chicken, chicken – it can get boring fast! But this recipe? It’s a game-changer! What I love most about this Mediterranean Herb Crusted Grilled Chicken is how incredibly flavorful and healthy it is. It perfectly aligns with a Lemon Herb Chicken Magic recipe and gives you a lot of flexibility.

It’s a fantastic way to incorporate more Whole Food Mediterranean principles into your diet. We’re talking fresh herbs, lean protein, and healthy fats – all working together to create a truly delicious and satisfying meal. Plus, it’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner, but impressive enough to serve to guests. And the best part? It’s super easy to prep ahead of time, making it an ideal member of your Mediterranean Make Ahead Meals repertoire. So, say goodbye to boring chicken and hello to a taste of the Mediterranean!

The Secret to the BEST Flavor

The key to amazing Mediterranean Herb Crusted Grilled Chicken lies in the marinade. Don’t skimp on the herbs! Fresh herbs are always best, but dried herbs will work in a pinch (just use about half the amount). And don’t be afraid to experiment with different herb combinations. Oregano, thyme, rosemary, parsley – they all play beautifully together. Also, remember that a little bit of acid in the marinade helps to tenderize the chicken and allows the flavors to penetrate deeper. This recipe uses lemon juice, which adds a bright, zesty flavor that perfectly complements the herbs. Consider trying this marinade with Grilled Chicken Perfection Achieved.

Another tip for maximum flavor is to let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or even better, overnight. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful and tender it will become. I often prep the marinade in the morning and then add the chicken in the afternoon, so it’s ready to grill when I get home from work. That is what makes it one of my go-to Mediterranean Make Ahead Meals!

Ingredients

Step-by-Step Instructions

Tips for Grilling Chicken Perfection

Grilling chicken can be a little tricky sometimes. It’s easy to overcook it and end up with dry, tough chicken. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered! Here are a few tips to help you achieve grilling perfection:

• Pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness. This will ensure that they cook evenly. Place the chicken between two sheets of plastic wrap and use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound them to about 1/2-inch thickness.
• Don’t overcrowd the grill. If you overcrowd the grill, the chicken will steam instead of grill, and it won’t get those beautiful grill marks. Grill the chicken in batches if necessary.
• Use a meat thermometer. The best way to ensure that the chicken is cooked through is to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast, making sure not to touch any bone. The chicken is done when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
• Let the chicken rest before slicing. As mentioned earlier, resting the chicken allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful chicken breast.

Variations to Spice Things Up

Want to change things up a bit? Here are a few variations you can try:

• Add some lemon zest to the marinade. This will intensify the lemon flavor.
• Use different herbs. Experiment with different herb combinations to find your favorite flavor profile. Some other great options include basil, mint, and chives.
• Add a pinch of chili flakes to the marinade. This will add a touch of heat.
• Serve with a lemon-herb sauce. Whisk together some olive oil, lemon juice, chopped herbs, and a pinch of salt and pepper to create a delicious sauce to drizzle over the chicken.

You could also try incorporating similar flavor profiles into other dishes. For example, if you love the lemon and herb combination, you might enjoy Lemon Herb Chicken & Rice, or even Lemon Pepper Chicken.

Serving Suggestions for Your Flavourful Chicken Recipes

This Mediterranean Herb Crusted Grilled Chicken is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of sides. Here are a few of my favorite serving suggestions:

• Greek Salad: A classic combination! The fresh, crisp vegetables and tangy feta cheese complement the flavors of the chicken perfectly.
• Roasted Vegetables: Toss some vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and onions with olive oil, herbs, and garlic, and roast them in the oven until tender and slightly caramelized.
• Couscous: A light and fluffy grain that’s perfect for soaking up the delicious juices from the chicken.
• Quinoa: A healthy and protein-packed grain that’s a great alternative to couscous.
• Grilled Asparagus: Simply toss asparagus spears with olive oil, salt, and pepper, and grill them alongside the chicken.

Don’t forget, if you’re a fan of garlic, you should also check out these Garlic Parmesan Chicken Heaven and Garlic Butter Chicken Heaven recipes for more Flavourful Chicken Recipes.

Enjoy Your Delicious Mediterranean Meal!

So there you have it – my recipe for irresistible Mediterranean Herb Crusted Grilled Chicken! I hope you enjoy it as much as I do. It’s a simple, healthy, and delicious meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Happy grilling!

Irresistible Mediterranean Herb Crusted Grilled Chicken

Amelia Chen-Morrison

This Mediterranean Herb Crusted Grilled Chicken recipe delivers juicy, flavorful chicken infused with fresh herbs, lemon, and garlic. A simple and healthy meal perfect for a weeknight dinner or serving guests, it’s easy to prepare ahead of time for maximum flavor.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 16 minutes mins

Total Time 36 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Medium bowl
• Whisk
• Resealable plastic bag or shallow dish
• Grill
• Meat thermometer
• Tongs
• serving plate
• Meat mallet or rolling pin (optional)

Ingredients

  

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts about 6 ounces each
• ¼ cup olive oil
• ¼ cup lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh thyme, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional

Instructions

 

• In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, rosemary, parsley, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
• Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
• Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure to coat all sides.
• Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight.
• Preheat your grill to medium heat (about 350-400°F or 175-200°C).
• Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade.
• Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill.
• Grill for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer to be sure!
• Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute.
• Serve the Mediterranean Herb Crusted Grilled Chicken with your favorite sides.

Notes

For best flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. Fresh herbs are preferred, but dried herbs can be substituted (use half the amount). Pound chicken breasts to an even thickness for even cooking. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling to retain juices. Serve with Greek salad, roasted vegetables, couscous, or grilled asparagus. To add a zestier flavor, add lemon zest to the marinade. Experiment with different herb combinations like basil, mint, or chives. For a touch of heat, add a pinch of chili flakes.