Mediterranean Diet Sambal Chicken
Elevate your weeknight dinner with this bold and vibrant Mediterranean Diet Sambal Chicken recipe, a perfect fusion of spicy and fresh flavors. Juicy, skinless chicken thighs are marinated in a punchy blend of sambal oelek, garlic, lemon juice, and aromatic spices like cumin and coriander, then pan-seared to perfection for a smoky char. Paired with a refreshing Mediterranean salad bursting with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onions, kalamata olives, crumbled feta, and a sprinkle of fresh parsley and oregano, this dish balances heat with cooling zest. Ready in just 40 minutes, this protein-packed recipe is ideal for anyone embracing the heart-healthy Mediterranean diet while craving a touch of flavorful spice. Perfect for a quick family meal or impressing dinner guests!
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces chicken thighs, skinless and boneless
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons sambal oelek (chili paste)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 medium cucumber, diced
- 0.5 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 0.25 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 0.5 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 teaspoon oregano
Instructions
In a large bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of olive oil, sambal oelek, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and ensure they are well-coated with the marinade. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes.
While the chicken is marinating, prepare the Mediterranean salad. In a separate bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, kalamata olives, feta cheese, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
Add chopped parsley and oregano to the salad, and toss everything together until the salad is evenly mixed. Set aside.
Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
Place the marinated chicken thighs in the pan, cooking for about 7-10 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).
Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a couple of minutes.
Serve the sambal chicken hot, accompanied by the prepared Mediterranean salad.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1761 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 126.4 g | 162% | |
| Saturated Fat | 36.8 g | 184% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 536 mg | 179% | |
| Sodium | 4138 mg | 180% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 36.5 g | 13% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 9.6 g | 34% | |
| Total Sugars | 13.0 g | ||
| Protein | 127.1 g | 254% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.1 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 792 mg | 61% | |
| Iron | 10.2 mg | 57% | |
| Potassium | 2031 mg | 43% | |
*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.
