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Flavorful Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Breast Platter

Mediterranean grilled chicken breast - featured image

A quick and easy Mediterranean-inspired grilled chicken breast recipe marinated in herbs and spices, served with fresh tzatziki sauce and a vibrant Mediterranean salad. Perfect for summer meals and casual entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 67 oz / 170200 g each)
  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1 medium lemon)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano (or 1 tablespoon fresh, finely chopped)
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup Greek yogurt
  • ½ cucumber, grated and squeezed to remove excess water
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, finely chopped
  • 1 garlic clove, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • ½ red onion, thinly sliced
  • ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • 1 small cucumber, diced
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • Fresh parsley or mint leaves for garnish

Instructions

  1. Prepare the marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper until well combined (about 3 minutes).
  2. Marinate the chicken: Place the chicken breasts in a large zip-lock bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring each piece is fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, ideally 2-4 hours.
  3. Make the tzatziki sauce: While the chicken marinates, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, minced garlic, fresh dill, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix thoroughly and refrigerate until serving.
  4. Prepare the salad: In another bowl, toss cherry tomatoes, red onion, olives, cucumber, olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. Garnish with fresh parsley or mint. Set aside to let flavors meld.
  5. Preheat the grill: Heat your grill or grill pan to medium-high (around 400°F / 200°C). Oil the grates lightly to prevent sticking.
  6. Grill the chicken: Remove chicken from marinade and shake off excess. Place on the grill and cook for about 5-6 minutes per side, turning once. Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
  7. Rest the chicken: Transfer grilled chicken to a plate and cover loosely with foil. Let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
  8. Assemble the platter: Slice the chicken breasts and arrange them on a large serving plate. Add a generous scoop of tzatziki and the Mediterranean salad on the side. Serve with warm pita bread or crusty artisan bread if desired.
  9. Enjoy the combination of smoky, herb-infused chicken with creamy tzatziki and fresh salad.

Notes

Marinate chicken for at least 30 minutes for flavor; 2-4 hours is ideal. Let chicken rest after grilling to keep it juicy. Oil grill grates to prevent sticking. Use medium-high heat (~400°F) for best results. Tzatziki tastes better after a few hours of refrigeration. Can substitute chicken thighs for juicier meat and coconut yogurt for dairy-free tzatziki.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mediterranean grilled chicken, grilled chicken breast, tzatziki sauce, Mediterranean salad, summer meals, easy grilling recipe, healthy chicken recipe