Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Thighs with Avocado Tomato Salad & Saffron Rice
This vibrant and satisfying dish brings together the bold, herbaceous flavors of the Mediterranean with juicy grilled chicken thighs, a refreshing avocado and tomato salad, and fragrant saffron-infused rice. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or an impressive weekend meal, offering a balance of protein, healthy fats, and aromatic spices.
Total Time
Prep Time: 20 minutes (plus 30 minutes to marinate)
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 20 minutes
Serves: 4
Ingredients
For the Grilled Chicken Thighs:
8 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
3 tbsp olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
Juice of 1 lemon
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp paprika
½ tsp ground cumin
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (for heat)
For the Avocado Tomato Salad:
2 ripe avocados, diced
1 ½ cups cherry tomatoes, halved
½ red onion, thinly sliced
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
Juice of ½ lemon
Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Saffron Rice:
1 cup basmati or jasmine rice
2 cups water or chicken broth
1 pinch saffron threads
1 tbsp hot water (to bloom saffron)
1 tbsp olive oil or butter
Salt, to taste
Instructions
Marinate the Chicken:
In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Add chicken thighs, coating well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).
Cook the Saffron Rice:
Soak saffron in 1 tablespoon of hot water for 5–10 minutes.
In a pot, heat olive oil or butter over medium heat. Add rice and toast lightly for 1–2 minutes.
Pour in water or broth, add saffron water and salt. Stir, bring to a boil.
Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 15–18 minutes or until rice is cooked and fluffy.
Grill the Chicken:
Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Grill chicken thighs for about 5–6 minutes per side, or until nicely charred and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F/74°C).
Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Make the Avocado Tomato Salad:
In a bowl, combine avocados, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and parsley.
Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper. Toss gently.
To Serve:
Plate the saffron rice, top with grilled chicken thighs, and serve the fresh avocado tomato salad on the side. Garnish with extra lemon wedges or fresh herbs if desired.
Tips
Marinate for More Flavor:
For the most flavorful chicken, marinate it for at least 2 hours or overnight in the fridge.
Use a Meat Thermometer:
To avoid overcooked or undercooked chicken, aim for an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Prevent Sticky Rice:
Rinse the rice under cold water until the water runs clear to remove excess starch and keep the grains fluffy.
Bloom the Saffron Properly:
Always bloom saffron in hot water or broth to extract its full color and aroma before adding it to rice.
Fresh Ingredients for the Salad:
Use ripe but firm avocados and sweet cherry tomatoes for the best texture and flavor.
Variations
Chicken Options:
Substitute with boneless chicken breasts, chicken drumsticks, or even tofu for a vegetarian version.
Add a yogurt-based marinade (Greek yogurt + spices) for extra tender chicken.
Spice Profile:
Add za’atar, sumac, or coriander to the marinade for a more complex Mediterranean flavor.
For heat, include harissa paste or a dash of cayenne pepper.
Salad Add-Ins:
Mix in crumbled feta, cucumbers, olives, or capers.
Add a handful of arugula or spinach for more greens.
Rice Upgrades:
Stir in toasted almonds, pine nuts, or golden raisins for texture and sweetness.
Replace saffron with a pinch of turmeric for color if saffron isn’t available (flavor will be different but still good).
Cooking Methods:
No grill? Use a cast-iron skillet or bake the chicken at 400°F (200°C) for 25–30 minutes, flipping halfway.
Q&A
Q: Can I make this meal ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can marinate the chicken and prep the salad components a day ahead. Keep the salad undressed until ready to serve, and reheat the rice gently with a splash of water.
Q: Can I use frozen chicken thighs?
A: Absolutely. Just make sure to fully thaw and pat them dry before marinating.
Q: What if I don’t have saffron?
A: Turmeric can be used as a substitute for color and a mild earthy flavor, though the unique floral aroma of saffron will be missing.
Q: Is this dish gluten-free?
A: Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free as long as your broth (if using) is certified gluten-free.
Q: Can I use a different grain instead of rice?
A: Definitely! Try quinoa, couscous, or bulgur wheat for a twist.
Estimated Nutrition (Per Serving)
Note: These are approximate values based on 4 servings.
Calories: 620
Protein: 38g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fat: 35g
Fiber: 7g
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 480mg
Breakdown:
Grilled Chicken Thighs: Protein-rich with healthy fats from olive oil
Avocado Tomato Salad: High in fiber and healthy monounsaturated fats
Saffron Rice: Provides complex carbs with aromatic depth
Conclusion
This Mediterranean-inspired meal delivers a colorful, nutritious, and well-balanced plate packed with fresh herbs, spices, and vibrant produce. Whether you’re cooking for family, meal prepping, or entertaining, this dish is both easy to make and impressive to serve. Customize it to suit your taste and enjoy a delicious journey to the Mediterranean—right from your kitchen.