Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Thighs with Fresh Herb Marinade
Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Thighs with Fresh Herb Marinade is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of the Mediterranean right to your backyard. This recipe features juicy chicken thighs marinated in a zesty blend of herbs and citrus, making it a perfect choice for summer cookouts, family dinners, or anytime you crave something fresh and flavorful.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is easy to prepare and bursting with flavor. The marinade uses simple ingredients that you might already have in your kitchen. Grilling the chicken adds a smoky taste that pairs beautifully with the vibrant herbs and lemon. It’s a quick dish to make, and the results are sure to impress your friends and family. Plus, marinating overnight allows the flavors to really soak into the chicken, making it even tastier!
How to Make Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Thighs with Fresh Herb Marinade
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
- Place chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or container and pour the marinade over them.
- Seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove chicken from marinade and discard the marinade.
- Grill chicken thighs for 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked through.
- Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
How to Serve Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Thighs with Fresh Herb Marinade
Serve these grilled chicken thighs hot off the grill. They pair well with a fresh salad, grilled vegetables, or rice. You can also slice the chicken and add it to wraps or sandwiches for a tasty lunch. For an extra touch, drizzle some extra olive oil or a squeeze of lemon over the top before serving.
How to Store Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Thighs with Fresh Herb Marinade
If you have leftovers, store your cooked chicken thighs in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay good for about 3-4 days. You can also freeze them for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the fridge overnight and warm in the oven or microwave.
Tips to Make Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Thighs with Fresh Herb Marinade
- For extra tender chicken, consider marinating for longer, up to 24 hours.
- If you love a little heat, add red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick.
- Make sure your grill is hot before adding the chicken for better sear marks.
Variation
You can easily customize this recipe by using different herbs like mint or basil. Feel free to experiment with different citrus juices, such as lime or orange, for a unique twist on the marinade.
FAQs
1. Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but they may cook faster than thighs. Adjust the grilling time to ensure they are cooked thoroughly.
2. Is it necessary to marinate overnight?
While it’s best to marinate overnight for maximum flavor, you can marinate for just 1 hour if you are short on time.
3. Can I grill this chicken indoors?
Yes, if you don’t have an outdoor grill, you can use a grill pan on your stovetop or even bake the chicken in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until fully cooked.
Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Thighs with Fresh Herb Marinade
- Total Time: 74 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: None
Description
Juicy chicken thighs marinated in a zesty blend of herbs and citrus, perfect for summer cookouts.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- Juice and zest of 1 lemon
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice and zest, minced garlic, parsley, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
- Place chicken thighs in a resealable plastic bag or container and pour the marinade over them.
- Seal and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove chicken from marinade and discard the marinade.
- Grill chicken thighs for 6-7 minutes on each side or until fully cooked through.
- Let rest for a few minutes before serving.
Notes
For extra tender chicken, marinate for longer, up to 24 hours. Add red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
- Prep Time: 60 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
Keywords: grilled chicken, Mediterranean, easy recipe, summer cooking, herb marinade