Mediterranean chicken is a flavorful dish made by marinating chicken in a blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and Mediterranean herbs and spices. It typically contains simple but bold ingredients that are easy to find in most kitchens.
Main Ingredients
The main ingredients that give Mediterranean chicken its signature flavor include:
- Olive oil: Extra virgin olive oil is a staple of Mediterranean cuisine and provides a rich, fruity flavor to the chicken.
- Lemon juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice gives the chicken a bright, acidic pop of flavor.
- Garlic: Minced garlic infuses the chicken with aromatic flavor.
- Herbs and spices: Common Mediterranean herbs like oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary add woodsy notes, while spices like paprika, cumin, and coriander add warmth.
Marinade
The marinade is what really sets Mediterranean chicken apart and gives it that incredible flavor. Here are the basic ingredients that go into a Mediterranean chicken marinade:
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
You simply whisk all the ingredients together in a small bowl, add the chicken, toss to coat evenly, and let marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight). The olive oil and lemon tenderize the meat, while the garlic and herbs infuse it with flavor.
Chicken
Mediterranean chicken works great with a variety of different chicken cuts, including:
- Boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Chicken drumsticks
- Whole chicken, cut into pieces
Bone-in cuts like drumsticks will have the most flavor as the bone marrow enriches the dish. The marinade works its way into every nook and cranny. Skinless cuts are lower in fat.
Vegetables
Mediterranean chicken is usually served with a medley of fresh vegetables like:
- Tomatoes
- Cucumbers
- Bell peppers
- Onions
- Zucchini
- Eggplant
- Artichokes
- Olives
These vegetables can be grilled, roasted, or sautéed as a side dish. Their bright colors and flavors perfectly complement the chicken.
Herbs
In addition to using dried herbs in the marinade, it’s nice to garnish Mediterranean chicken with some fresh herbs before serving. Options include:
- Parsley
- Basil
- Oregano
- Thyme
- Mint
A sprinkling of chopped fresh herbs adds a burst of aroma and flavor. Parsley is the most traditional choice.
How to Cook Mediterranean Chicken
There are several easy ways to cook Mediterranean chicken so the flavors really shine:
- Grilling – This gives you those nice grill marks and smoky flavor. Grill over medium heat for about 6 minutes per side.
- Baking – Bake in a 375°F oven for about 30 minutes until cooked through.
- Pan-searing – Cook in an oiled skillet over medium-high heat for 2-3 minutes per side until browned.
- Broiling – Broil 4-6 inches from heat for about 15 minutes, flipping halfway.
The key is to let the chicken cook just until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. Overcooking will dry it out.
Serving Suggestions
Mediterranean chicken is very versatile. You can serve it:
- On a salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, feta, and olives
- In a pita with tzatziki sauce
- Over pasta or vegetable couscous
- With roasted vegetables
- On skewers as an appetizer
- In a Greek chicken bowl with rice or quinoa
It also stores well in the fridge for easy leftovers all week long. The flavors develop even more over time.
Conclusion
In summary, Mediterranean chicken gets its signature bright, herby flavor from a marinade of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and Mediterranean herbs and spices. It works with many chicken cuts and is served with grilled veggies. Simple ingredients plus big flavor makes it a classic!