Elevate your grilling game with this Mediterranean Diet Spicy Grilled Chicken, a flavorful and nutritious dish that brings vibrant spices and fresh ingredients to the forefront. Perfectly marinated in a zesty blend of extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, smoked paprika, cumin, and coriander, this succulent chicken boasts just the right amount of smoky heat from red pepper flakes while dried oregano adds a quintessential Mediterranean touch. Quick to prepare and cook, this recipe is ready in just 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. Serve it with lemon wedges and fresh parsley for a burst of freshness, and pair it with a crisp cucumber-tomato salad or roasted vegetables for a complete, wholesome meal. Healthy, bold, and irresistibly delicious, this grilled chicken recipe is a must-try for anyone embracing Mediterranean flavors.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off, and place the breasts on the hot grill. Discard the remaining marinade.
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.
Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to retain its juices.
Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired, and serve with lemon wedges on the side for added brightness.
Pair with a Mediterranean-inspired side dish such as a cucumber-tomato salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Calories |
1581 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 68.9 g | 88% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.2 g | 66% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 592 mg | 197% | |
| Sodium | 2852 mg | 124% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 17.7 g | 6% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 5.7 g | 20% | |
| Total Sugars | 4.6 g | ||
| Protein | 218.6 g | 437% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 188 mg | 14% | |
| Iron | 10.1 mg | 56% | |
| Potassium | 2200 mg | 47% | |
*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.