Juicy, flavorful, and perfectly balanced, this Mediterranean Diet Grilled Chicken with Lemon Herb Sauce is a healthy, crowd-pleasing recipe packed with fresh, zesty ingredients. Tender chicken breasts are marinated in a tangy blend of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and spices, then grilled to perfection for a smoky finish. The star of the dish is the vibrant lemon herb sauce, a luscious blend of fresh parsley, oregano, thyme, and a touch of honey, offering a delightful combination of citrusy brightness and herbaceous depth. Quick to prepare and bursting with Mediterranean-inspired flavors, this dish is ideal for busy weeknights or summer cookouts. Serve it with a crisp salad or roasted veggies for a wholesome, heart-healthy meal that will impress your guests.
Begin by marinating the chicken. In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons of olive oil, juice of 1 lemon, 2 minced garlic cloves, salt, and pepper.
Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over them. Ensure that each chicken piece is well coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours for a deeper flavor.
While the chicken is marinating, prepare the lemon herb sauce. Chop the fresh parsley, oregano, and thyme finely and place them in a blender or a food processor.
Add the remaining olive oil, juice of the second lemon, the remaining garlic cloves, and honey to the blender. Blend until the mixture is smooth and well combined. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper to taste if needed.
Preheat an outdoor grill or a stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat. Once hot, lightly oil the grates or pan.
Remove the chicken from the marinade and grill them for about 6-7 minutes on each side, or until they are cooked through and have nice grill marks. The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C).
Transfer the grilled chicken to a serving platter and let it rest for a few minutes to retain juices.
Drizzle the lemon herb sauce generously over the grilled chicken before serving. Offer extra sauce on the side for an additional flavor boost.
Serve the Mediterranean Diet Grilled Chicken hot with a side of your favorite vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Calories |
1625 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 68.1 g | 87% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.6 g | 68% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.1 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 592 mg | 197% | |
| Sodium | 2901 mg | 126% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 25.6 g | 9% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.2 g | 22% | |
| Total Sugars | 9.0 g | ||
| Protein | 219.2 g | 438% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 229 mg | 18% | |
| Iron | 10.0 mg | 56% | |
| Potassium | 2302 mg | 49% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.