Mediterranean Grilled Lemon Herb Chicken
Juicy, smoky grilled chicken marinated in olive oil, garlic, lemon, and Mediterranean herbs. This recipe works beautifully for weeknight dinners, meal prep, wraps, salads, or rice bowls.
Servings
4 servings
Prep & Cook Time
- Prep: 15 minutes
- Marinate: 30 minutes to overnight
- Cook: 10–14 minutes
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 lb (900 g) boneless skinless chicken thighs or breasts
Mediterranean Marinade
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- Juice of 2 lemons
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp thyme
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp cumin
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Optional Additions
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1/4 tsp chili flakes
- 1 tbsp plain Greek yogurt (helps tenderize)
Optional Serving Garnishes
- Fresh parsley
- Lemon wedges
- Crumbled feta
- Tzatziki sauce
Instructions
1. Make the Marinade
In a large bowl whisk together:
- Olive oil
- Lemon juice
- Lemon zest
- Garlic
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Paprika
- Salt
- Pepper
- Cumin
- Parsley
2. Marinate the Chicken
- Add chicken and coat thoroughly.
- Cover and refrigerate:
- Minimum: 30 minutes
- Best flavor: 4–8 hours
Avoid marinating over 24 hours because lemon juice can affect texture.
3. Grill the Chicken
Outdoor Grill
- Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F / 205°C).
- Oil grates lightly.
- Grill chicken:
- Thighs: 5–7 minutes per side
- Breasts: 4–6 minutes per side
Cook until internal temperature reaches:
- 165°F (74°C)
Grill Pan Option
Cook over medium-high heat with a little oil until nicely charred.
4. Rest Before Serving
- Let chicken rest 5 minutes before slicing.
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice on top before serving.
Serving Ideas
Serve with:
- Greek salad
- Rice pilaf
- Couscous
- Hummus
- Warm pita bread
- Roasted vegetables
- Tzatziki
- Garlic yogurt sauce
Mediterranean Bowl Idea
Build bowls with:
- Lemon herb chicken
- Rice or quinoa
- Cucumber tomato salad
- Hummus
- Pickled onions
- Feta
- Olives
Flavor Variations
Greek Style
Add:
- Extra oregano
- Feta
- Tzatziki
Spicy Mediterranean
Add:
- Harissa
- Cayenne
- Chili flakes
Garlic Lovers Version
Double the garlic and add roasted garlic cloves when serving.
Meal Prep Tips
- Keeps refrigerated up to 4 days.
- Excellent cold in salads and wraps.
- Freeze cooked chicken up to 2 months.
Pro Tips
For Juicier Chicken
Use thighs instead of breasts.
For Better Grill Marks
Do not move chicken too early after placing on grill.
For Maximum Flavor
Reserve 2 tablespoons marinade before adding raw chicken and drizzle it on after grilling.
Approximate Nutrition (per serving)
Using chicken thighs:
- Calories: 320–380
- Protein: 30–35g
- Carbs: 2–4g
- Fat: 20–24g
