Mediterranean Greek Style Chicken Recipe

Greek cuisine is known for its vibrant, bold flavors, and healthy, wholesome ingredients. The Mediterranean diet, with its emphasis on fresh vegetables, olive oil, fish, lean meats, and whole grains, is often considered one of the healthiest in the world. This Mediterranean Greek-style chicken combines tender chicken with a rich marinade of olive oil, lemon, garlic, herbs, and spices, cooked to perfection with roasted vegetables. It’s a versatile dish, perfect for grilling or baking, and it’s full of bright and fresh flavors that transport you right to the shores of Greece.

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken Marinade

1. Make the marinade: In a large bowl, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, rosemary, cumin (if using), salt, and pepper. Whisk everything together until well combined. The olive oil will form the base of the marinade, while the lemon juice and zest provide tang, and the garlic and herbs infuse the chicken with flavor.

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2. Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken breasts (or thighs) into the bowl with the marinade, ensuring that each piece of chicken is well coated. If you have a resealable plastic bag, you can use that to make the marinating process easier—just add the chicken and marinade to the bag, seal it, and massage the marinade into the meat.

3. Marinating time: For the best results, let the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, but for deeper flavor, marinate it in the fridge for 2 to 4 hours (or even overnight if you have time). The longer the chicken marinates, the more flavorful it will be. Make sure to turn the chicken occasionally to ensure an even distribution of flavors.

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Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables (Optional)

1. Preheat the oven: While the chicken is marinating, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) if you’re roasting the vegetables. You can also use a grill to cook the vegetables, but roasting in the oven brings out a caramelized sweetness in the veggies that pairs beautifully with the chicken.

2. Prepare the vegetables: Wash and slice the zucchinis, bell peppers, onions, and tomatoes. Place them in a large bowl.

3. Season the vegetables: Drizzle the vegetables with olive oil, sprinkle with oregano, salt, and pepper, and toss to coat evenly.

4. Roast the vegetables: Spread the vegetables in a single layer on a baking sheet. Place them in the preheated oven and roast for about 20-25 minutes, or until they are tender and slightly caramelized. Halfway through cooking, give them a toss to ensure they cook evenly.

Step 3: Cook the Chicken

There are two primary methods to cook the chicken: grilling or baking. Choose the method that works best for you, or use both methods for a more authentic feel.

Method 1: Grilling

1. Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F or 200°C). Brush the grill grates with oil to prevent sticking.

2. Grill the chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on the grill. Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side (depending on thickness), until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). The chicken should be golden brown on the outside and juicy on the inside.

3. Rest the chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the chicken, keeping it tender and juicy.

Method 2: Baking

1. Preheat the oven: If you’re baking the chicken, preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Bake the chicken: Place the marinated chicken breasts on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Bake for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If you prefer the top to be a bit more crispy, you can broil the chicken for the last 3-4 minutes of cooking time.

3. Rest the chicken: As with grilling, let the chicken rest for a few minutes after removing it from the oven.

Step 4: Assemble and Serve

1. Serve the chicken: Slice the chicken against the grain and arrange it on a platter. If you’re using the roasted vegetables, arrange them on the same platter or serve them on the side.

2. Garnish: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the chicken and vegetables for a burst of color and freshness. If desired, crumble some feta cheese over the top for a tangy, creamy contrast. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of citrus flavor.

3. Optional sides: This dish is perfect when served with warm pita bread, a side of tzatziki sauce (a creamy yogurt-based sauce with cucumber, garlic, and dill), or a Greek salad (made with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, Kalamata olives, and feta).

Cooking Tips & Variations

• Chicken Thighs vs. Chicken Breasts: If you prefer a juicier, more flavorful cut, consider using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs. These will have more fat, making them even more tender when cooked.

• Vegetable Options: Feel free to get creative with the roasted vegetables. Common Mediterranean vegetables like eggplant, mushrooms, and olives can all be added to the mix.

• Marinate Longer for Flavor: If you want to take the flavor to the next level, marinate the chicken overnight. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be.

• Grilled Flavor: If you’re grilling the chicken, adding some lemon slices to the grill while cooking can give you an extra zing of citrus flavor.

• Tzatziki Sauce: A classic Mediterranean side, tzatziki pairs wonderfully with this dish. To make tzatziki, simply mix together Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, lemon juice, and fresh dill, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

• Side Dishes: This chicken pairs beautifully with rice pilaf, couscous, or a Mediterranean quinoa salad with olives, tomatoes, and feta.

Conclusion

This Mediterranean Greek-style chicken is a flavorful and healthy meal that’s both easy to make and delicious. Whether you choose to grill or bake the chicken, you’ll be rewarded with juicy, tender meat that’s infused with the fresh and vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean. Paired with roasted vegetables, this dish is sure to be a crowd-pleaser and a great way to enjoy a taste of Greece in your own kitchen. So, next time you’re looking for a meal that’s both wholesome and packed with flavor, give this Mediterranean Greek-style chicken recipe a try!

Yield: 4

Mediterranean Greek Style Chicken Recipe

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Greek cuisine is known for its vibrant, bold flavors, and healthy, wholesome ingredients. The Mediterranean diet, with its emphasis on fresh vegetables, olive oil, fish, lean meats, and whole grains, is often considered one of the healthiest in the world. This Mediterranean Greek-style chicken combines tender chicken with a rich marinade of olive oil, lemon, garlic, herbs, and spices, cooked to perfection with roasted vegetables. It's a versatile dish, perfect for grilling or baking, and it's full of bright and fresh flavors that transport you right to the shores of Greece.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 45 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 lemon, juiced and zested
• 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Marinade:
   In a small bowl, mix olive oil, garlic, oregano, thyme, rosemary, paprika, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and red wine vinegar.
   
2. Marinate the Chicken:
   Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over. Seal and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes (or up to 2 hours for better flavor).
   
3. Cook the Chicken:
   Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little olive oil to the pan.
   Cook the chicken breasts for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C). Remove from heat and set aside.
   
4. Serve:
   Arrange the cooked chicken on plates. Top with crumbled feta cheese, Kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, and a sprinkle of parsley.
   Serve with roasted vegetables, a side of quinoa, or a fresh Greek salad for a complete meal.

Notes

For added flavor, you can grill the chicken instead of cooking it in the skillet.

Adjust the seasonings to taste, especially the lemon and herbs, to match your preference.