Mediterranean Garlic Lemon Chicken
Bright, zesty, and full of flavor, this Mediterranean Garlic Lemon Chicken is a simple yet elegant dish that brings together juicy chicken, bold garlic, and a vibrant lemon-herb marinade. Infused with olive oil, oregano, and fresh lemon juice, it’s a Mediterranean classic that can be grilled, pan-seared, or baked to perfection. Serve it with roasted veggies, rice, or a crisp salad for a complete, refreshing meal.
Total Time: 35 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Marinate (Optional): 15–30 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Marinade:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs)
4 garlic cloves, minced
Zest and juice of 1 large lemon
2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
1 tsp dried oregano (or 1 tbsp fresh)
½ tsp paprika (optional, for color)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley (for garnish)
Optional Add-ins:
1 tsp Dijon mustard (for extra tang)
¼ tsp chili flakes (for a mild kick)
Lemon slices for garnish
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken
In a bowl or zip-top bag, combine lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, olive oil, oregano, paprika (if using), salt, and pepper.
Add the chicken and toss to coat.
Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes (up to 2 hours in the fridge for deeper flavor).
Cook the Chicken
Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Add a drizzle of oil if needed.
Remove chicken from marinade and sear for 5–6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp of 75°C / 165°F).
Alternative: Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20–25 minutes if preferred.
Finish and Serve
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes.
Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon slices.
Serve hot with your favorite Mediterranean sides—like herbed couscous, Greek salad, or roasted potatoes.
Tips
Marinate for Better Flavor
Even just 30 minutes makes a big difference. For a stronger infusion, marinate for 2 hours or overnight in the fridge.
Pound Chicken Evenly
Use a meat mallet to pound the chicken to even thickness—this ensures it cooks evenly and stays juicy.
Don’t Overcrowd the Pan
Cook in batches if needed. Overcrowding traps steam and prevents browning.
Deglaze for Extra Sauce
After cooking, splash a bit of chicken broth or white wine into the skillet and simmer for a minute to make a quick, flavorful pan sauce.
Use a Meat Thermometer
Check for doneness at 75°C (165°F) in the thickest part to avoid drying out the chicken.
Variations:
Herb Swaps
Use thyme, rosemary, or basil instead of oregano—or a blend of Mediterranean herbs for more depth.
Add Vegetables
Cook with zucchini, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or artichoke hearts in the same pan for a one-skillet meal.
Grill It
Perfect for summer—grill the marinated chicken over medium-high heat for smoky, charred flavor.
Baked Version with Potatoes
Add halved baby potatoes and sliced onions to a baking dish with the marinated chicken and bake together.
Turn into a Bowl
Slice the chicken and serve over quinoa, couscous, or orzo with tzatziki and roasted vegetables.
Make it Creamy
Add a splash of cream or Greek yogurt at the end of cooking for a creamy garlic lemon sauce.
Serve Cold
Chill and slice the chicken for salads, wraps, or meal prep lunches—it’s delicious cold or room temperature.
Q&A
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully. They’re more forgiving and stay juicy—just adjust cooking time as they may need a couple more minutes.
Q: What if I don’t have fresh lemon?
A: Use bottled lemon juice in a pinch (2–3 tablespoons), but fresh lemon zest adds a lot of flavor, so try to include it if possible.
Q: Can I make it ahead of time?
A: Yes. Marinate the chicken and keep it in the fridge up to 24 hours before cooking. Cooked leftovers can also be stored in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Q: Can this be made dairy-free or gluten-free?
A: The base recipe is naturally both dairy-free and gluten-free. Just double-check any side dishes you pair it with.
Q: How do I know the chicken is done without cutting into it?
A: Use a digital meat thermometer—75°C (165°F) in the thickest part means it’s safe and juicy.
Nutrition Facts
Estimated values only.
Calories: ~280
Protein: 35g
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 0g
Sodium: 280mg
Light, high-protein, and keto-friendly! For a more filling meal, serve with grains or roasted veggies.
Conclusion
Mediterranean Garlic Lemon Chicken is a quick, fresh, and wholesome dish that packs a punch with just a few simple ingredients. Bursting with citrus, garlic, and herbs, it’s a go-to meal that fits into weeknight schedules or weekend feasts alike. Whether you grill it in the summer or bake it with winter vegetables, this versatile recipe offers Mediterranean warmth in every bite.