Mediterranean Grilled Chicken with Herby Salsa Verde & Feta

Mediterranean Grilled Chicken with Herby Salsa Verde & Feta

Mediterranean Grilled Chicken with Herby Salsa Verde & Feta is a fresh, bold, and vibrant dish that transforms simple grilled chicken into something extraordinary. The herby salsa verde—packed with parsley, mint, basil, lemon, and olive oil—acts as both a marinade and a sauce, bringing brightness to every bite. Crumbled feta adds a creamy, salty finish that perfectly complements the smoky grilled chicken. This meal is light, satisfying, and perfect for warm-weather dinners or weekend grilling.

Total Time:

Prep: 15 minutes (plus 30 minutes marinating, optional)
Cook: 12–15 minutes
Total: 30–45 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for juicier texture)

2 tbsp olive oil

1 tsp dried oregano

1/2 tsp smoked paprika

1/2 tsp garlic powder

Salt & black pepper, to taste

Juice of 1/2 lemon

For the Mediterranean Salsa Verde:

1/2 cup fresh parsley leaves

1/4 cup fresh mint leaves

1/4 cup fresh basil leaves

1 small garlic clove

Zest & juice of 1 lemon

1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 tbsp capers (optional for extra brininess)

Salt & pepper, to taste

For Serving:

1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese

Extra lemon wedges

Optional garnish: chopped olives, pine nuts, or cherry tomatoes

Instructions

Marinate the Chicken:

In a large bowl, combine olive oil, oregano, smoked paprika, garlic powder, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

Add the chicken and coat well.

For best flavor, marinate for 30 minutes (optional for faster meals).

Make the Herby Salsa Verde:

In a food processor or blender, combine parsley, mint, basil, garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, and capers (if using).

Pulse while slowly streaming in the olive oil until the sauce is chunky but pourable.

Season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.

Grill the Chicken:

Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.

Grill the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until nicely charred and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F / 74°C).

Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.

Assemble & Serve:

Slice the grilled chicken and spoon the salsa verde generously over the top.

Sprinkle with crumbled feta and garnish with extra herbs, olives, or tomatoes if desired.

Serve with lemon wedges for extra brightness.

Optional Pairings:

Serve alongside grilled pita, couscous, rice pilaf, or a Greek salad.

For a low-carb option, pair with roasted vegetables or cauliflower rice.

Tips & Variations 

Tips:

Chicken Cuts:
Use boneless thighs for extra juiciness or bone-in pieces if grilling over charcoal for deeper flavor.

Marinating Time:
If you’re short on time, even 15 minutes of marinating will add flavor, but overnight marinating intensifies the taste.

Grill Marks:
For the best grill marks, don’t move the chicken too early. Let it sear fully before flipping.

Salsa Verde Texture:
Pulse the salsa verde just enough to keep some texture—it should be chunky, not fully pureed.

Make it a Platter:
Turn this into a Mediterranean feast by serving the chicken sliced over hummus or tzatziki, drizzled with salsa verde, and sprinkled with feta.

Variations:

Herb Swap:
Use cilantro or dill in the salsa verde for a different herbal profile.

Spicy Kick:
Add red pepper flakes or a small green chili to the salsa verde for heat.

Vegan Version:
Swap chicken for grilled eggplant, zucchini, or tofu, and omit the feta or use plant-based feta.

Dairy-Free:
Simply leave out the feta, or replace it with chopped olives or toasted pine nuts for salty richness.

Different Proteins:
This salsa verde pairs well with grilled lamb, shrimp, or salmon.

Q&A

Q: Can I make the salsa verde ahead of time?
A: Yes! Salsa verde can be made up to 3 days ahead. Store it in the fridge in an airtight container. Let it come to room temperature before serving.

Q: Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?
A: Absolutely! Bake at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes, or until fully cooked. Broil for the last 2 minutes for a grilled look.

Q: Is this dish gluten-free?
A: Yes! Just make sure your feta and other condiments are certified gluten-free if needed.

Q: What sides go well with this meal?
A: Try Mediterranean rice pilaf, quinoa salad, grilled vegetables, or a cucumber tomato salad.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving Approximate—Chicken + Salsa Verde + Feta)

Note: Values will vary based on the amount of feta and oil used.

Conclusion

Mediterranean Grilled Chicken with Herby Salsa Verde & Feta is a fresh, healthy, and flavor-packed meal perfect for summer grilling or quick weeknight dinners. The herby salsa verde provides brightness and depth, while the feta adds a creamy, salty contrast. This dish is endlessly customizable, pairs beautifully with many sides, and fits well into Mediterranean diet-inspired meal plans. It’s simple, vibrant, and sure to impress.