Mediterranean-Spiced Chicken
Mediterranean-Spiced Chicken is a vibrant, flavorful dish that brings the bold, earthy spices of the Mediterranean right to your plate. Featuring a simple spice rub of smoked paprika, oregano, garlic, and sumac, this chicken is juicy, tender, and packed with aromatic herbs. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight meal, a healthy meal-prep option, or a centerpiece for a Mediterranean-inspired dinner spread. Serve it with couscous, Greek salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Time Required:
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Marinate Time (Optional): 30 minutes (recommended for deeper flavor)
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: 30–35 minutes (plus marinating if desired)
Ingredients:
For the Chicken:
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs for juicier meat)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 ½ teaspoons smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon ground coriander
½ teaspoon sumac (optional, but recommended for authentic tanginess)
½ teaspoon turmeric (optional for color and added flavor)
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Lemon wedges and fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions:
Prepare the Chicken:
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels.
Place the chicken in a large bowl or zip-top bag.
Make the Marinade:
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, coriander, sumac, turmeric, salt, and black pepper.
Marinate the Chicken:
Pour the marinade over the chicken and rub it in until well coated.
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (optional but recommended for maximum flavor).
Cook the Chicken:
Stovetop Method:
Heat a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
Add a little olive oil and cook the chicken for 5–7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temp: 165°F / 74°C).
Oven Method:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Place the marinated chicken on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
Bake for 20–25 minutes, flipping halfway, until fully cooked.
Rest and Serve:
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Serving Suggestions:
Serve over couscous, rice pilaf, or quinoa
Pair with a side of Greek salad, tzatziki, or hummus
Add pita bread or grilled vegetables for a complete Mediterranean platter
Tips & Variations
Tips:
Use Thighs for Extra Juiciness:
Chicken thighs tend to stay juicier than breasts, especially if you’re grilling or baking. Both options work, but thighs are more forgiving.
Don’t Skip the Resting Time:
After cooking, let the chicken rest for about 5 minutes before slicing. This locks in the juices and keeps the meat tender.
Adjust Spice to Taste:
Mediterranean flavors can range from mild to bold. Increase or decrease the smoked paprika, garlic, or sumac depending on your preference.
Check Internal Temperature:
Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness. Chicken is safe to eat at 165°F (74°C).
Batch Cooking Tip:
Double the recipe and store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. The chicken is excellent in wraps, salads, and meal-prep bowls.
Variations:
Grilled Mediterranean Chicken:
Fire up your grill for a smoky char. Grill the chicken over medium-high heat for 5–7 minutes per side.
Mediterranean Chicken Skewers:
Cut the chicken into chunks and thread onto skewers. Perfect for BBQs or party platters.
Yogurt Marinade Version:
Add ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt to the marinade for extra tenderness and creaminess.
Spicy Version:
Add ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes or Aleppo pepper to give the chicken a mild kick without overpowering the other flavors.
Herb Swap:
Use fresh herbs like chopped rosemary, thyme, or mint for an herbaceous twist.
Mediterranean Chicken Bowl:
Slice the cooked chicken and serve it over a bed of hummus, tabbouleh, or orzo salad for a modern Mediterranean bowl.
Q&A Section:
Q: Can I make Mediterranean-Spiced Chicken ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can marinate the chicken up to 24 hours in advance and keep it refrigerated. Cooked chicken can also be stored in the fridge for 3–4 days, making it perfect for meal prep.
Q: What if I don’t have sumac?
A: If you don’t have sumac, substitute it with a little extra lemon juice or a small pinch of lemon zest to get that tangy flavor.
Q: Can I bake this recipe instead of using a skillet?
A: Absolutely! Baking at 400°F (200°C) for 20–25 minutes works well, especially for batch cooking.
Q: What sides go best with Mediterranean-Spiced Chicken?
A: Great sides include Greek salad, lemon rice, tzatziki sauce, roasted vegetables, pita bread, or couscous.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
A: Yes, the chicken and marinade are naturally gluten-free. Just be sure any sides you choose are also gluten-free if needed.
Nutrition Facts
(Per Serving – based on 4 servings)
Calories: 280
Protein: 30g
Total Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Carbohydrates: 2g
Fiber: 1g
Sugar: 0g
Sodium: 450mg
Cholesterol: 90mg
Note: Nutrition may vary depending on the cut of chicken and sides served.
Final Conclusion:
Mediterranean-Spiced Chicken is a versatile, healthy, and flavorful dish that’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but special enough for entertaining. The bold spices, lemony tang, and tender texture make it a crowd-pleaser every time. Whether grilled, baked, or pan-seared, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Pair it with your favorite Mediterranean sides for a complete, satisfying meal.