Mediterranean Diet Spicy Grilled Chicken

Juicy, flavorful, and brimming with bold Mediterranean-inspired spices, this Mediterranean Diet Spicy Grilled Chicken is a must-try for healthy grilling enthusiasts. Marinated in a vibrant blend of extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, coriander, and a touch of red pepper flakes for heat, this lean chicken dish delivers a perfect balance of zesty and smoky flavors. Quick to prepare and ready in just 30 minutes (excluding marination), it’s an ideal recipe for weeknight dinners or summer barbecues. Serve with fresh lemon wedges and your favorite Mediterranean sides like a cucumber-tomato salad or roasted vegetables for a wholesome, satisfying meal. Perfect for those embracing the Mediterranean diet or anyone craving a protein-packed, nutritious dish with a spicy twist!

Nutriscore Rating: 70/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional garnish)
• 4 pieces lemon wedges (for serving)

Directions

Step 1

Place the chicken breasts between two sheets of plastic wrap or parchment paper and pound them to an even thickness, about 1/2 inch thick. This promotes even cooking.

Step 2

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, ground coriander, red pepper flakes, dried oregano, sea salt, and black pepper to create the marinade.

Step 3

Add the chicken breasts to the bowl, ensuring they are fully coated in the marinade. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor.

Step 4

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using a grill pan, heat it over medium-high heat and lightly brush it with olive oil.

Step 5

Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, and place the breasts on the hot grill. Discard the remaining marinade.

Step 6

Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C). Avoid overcooking to keep the chicken juicy.

Step 7

Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain its juices.

Step 8

Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve with lemon wedges on the side for added brightness.

Step 9

Pair with a Mediterranean-inspired side dish such as a cucumber-tomato salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(872.1g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1580.7

Total Fat 68.9g	0%
Saturated Fat 13.2g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 591.6mg	0%
Sodium 2851.6mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 17.7g	0%
Dietary Fiber 5.7g	0%
Total Sugars 4.6g
Protein 218.6g	0%

Vitamin D 7.0IU	0%
Calcium 188.2mg	0%
Iron 10.1mg	0%
Potassium 2199.5mg	0%

*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.

Source of Calories

Fat: 39.6%

Protein: 55.9%

Carbs: 4.5%