Grilled Chicken Breast (Juicy and Delicious!)

Here’s a grilled chicken breast recipe featuring Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors. With a marinade of lemon, garlic, oregano, and paprika, the flavors are irresistible. The tomato paste adds a rich color and depth of flavor. Ready in just minutes, it’s a quick and delicious option for busy weeknights or weekend barbecues.

Mediterranean and Middle Eastern cuisine have a lot of core ingredients in common, and this recipe borrows from both traditions. A few other great Mediterranean and Middle Eastern chicken recipes to check out include Greek Grilled Chicken Recipe, Grilled Spatchcock Chicken, Shish Tawook Chicken Kabob Recipe, and Mediterranean Grilled Chicken Kabobs.

Recipe Highlights: Grilled Chicken Breast

Cultural Influence: Middle Eastern and Mediterranean flavors

Primary Cooking Technique: Grilled to perfection

Suitable for: Gluten-free and dairy-free diets

Dominant Flavor Profile: Tangy, savory, and aromatic

Skill Level Required: Beginner-friendly

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy: All you need to do is to mix the marinade ingredients, marinate the chicken and grill! This is the perfect for the novice cook.

Quick: Thinly cut chicken breast cooks in less than 15 minutes on the grill, making this a quick dinner.

Versatile: Grilled chicken breast is versatile for meal prep, salads, wraps, or as a main dish.

Key Ingredients

• Chicken Breast: Provides a lean source of protein. For even cooking, slice each breast lengthwise into two thinner pieces. Another option is to cover with plastic wrap and roll or smash it out to make it thinner.

• Olive Oil: Adds moisture and helps in creating a nice char on the grill. Extra virgin olive oil gives the best flavor.

• Lemon Juice: Tenderizes the chicken and adds a fresh, tangy flavor. Freshly squeezed lemon juice works best.

• Garlic Cloves: Infuses the chicken with a robust, aromatic taste. Mince finely for even distribution.

• Oregano: Brings a warm, slightly bitter taste that’s classic in Mediterranean cuisine. Use fresh or dried oregano.

• Paprika: Adds a subtle sweetness and a rich red color to the marinade. Smoked paprika can be used for a deeper flavor.

• Coriander: Provides a hint of citrus and earthy flavor, complementing the lemon juice and garlic.

• Tomato Paste: Key for both color and a concentrated umami flavor. Mix well into the marinade for best results.

• Parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note. Chop finely and mix into the marinade for an even distribution.

How to Make The Best Grilled Chicken Breasts

Step 1

Slice the chicken breasts lengthwise to have thinner pieces. Then, mix the marinade ingredients until well-combined.

Step 2

Next, mix the chicken breasts with the marinade and let it sit for 30 minutes at room temperature or up to 12 hours in the fridge. Then, preheat the grill to 475 F.

Step 3

Grill the chicken breasts for 5 minutes on one side. Don’t flip the chicken until it releases itself. Then flip and grill for 4 minutes on the other.

Final Step

Remove from grill and let rest a couple of minutes then sprinkle parsley as a final garnish and serve.

Serving Suggestions

My favorite thing about a really good grilled chicken recipe is how versatile it is when it comes to serving it up. Here are a few ideas:

Grilled Appetizers and Sides:

• Mediterranean Grilled Vegetables
• Grilled Stuffed Mushrooms
• Grilled Caprese Stuffed Zucchini Boats
• Grilled Asparagus with Lemon Tahini Sauce
• Grilled Zucchini with Tahini Yogurt Sauce

Salads:

• Grilled Peach Salad
• Caprese Salad
• Green Goddess Salad Recipe
• The Best Mediterranean Salad
• Cucumber Tomato Feta Salad Recipe

Dips/Sauces:

• Roasted Garlic Dip
• Toum (Lebanese garlic sauce)
• Tzatziki
• Zhoug (Spicy Cilantro Sauce)

Recipe Notes

• Slice the Chicken Lengthwise: To achieve perfectly grilled chicken breasts, slice them lengthwise to create two thinner pieces. Alternatively, cover the chicken with plastic wrap and roll or beat it to an even thickness. This technique ensures the chicken cooks faster and more evenly.

• Grill at High Heat: Make sure your grill is preheated to a high temperature before placing the chicken on it. High heat helps sear the chicken, creating a delicious char and preventing it from sticking to the grill.

• Cook Thoroughly on the First Side: Allow the chicken to cook almost completely on the first side before flipping. This helps ensure it releases easily from the grill and maintains its juiciness.

• Grill Release: To help ensure your chicken doesn’t stick, another hack is to brush the grill with a little bit of oil.

• Close the Grill Lid: For more even cooking, close the grill lid while grilling the chicken. This helps retain heat and helps the chicken cook through evenly.

• Finish with Lemon Juice: After grilling, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken for a burst of tangy flavor. This simple step brightens the dish and enhances its flavors.

• Don’t Rush the Cooking Process: Patience is key when grilling chicken. Allow the chicken to cook fully on each side before flipping. Properly cooked chicken will naturally release from the grill, making it easier to flip and remove without sticking.

Variations and Substitutes

Herb Substitutes: If you don’t have parsley on hand, you can use cilantro or basil for a different flavor profile. Each herb brings its unique taste to the marinade.

Spice Variations: Feel free to experiment with different spices. Swap the paprika for smoked paprika for a smoky flavor, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for some heat.

Citrus Alternatives: If you’re out of lemons, lime juice can be a great substitute. They offer a slightly different citrusy kick that complements the chicken well.

Grilling Method: If you don’t have a grill, you can use a grill pan. Heat the pan over meidum high heat and cook the chicken for 5-7 minutes on each side.

Yogurt Addition: For extra tenderness and a tangy twist, add a couple of tablespoons of Greek yogurt to the marinade. The yogurt acts as a tenderizer and adds a creamy texture. You can find us using yogurt in other marinades such as chicken gyro and Greek chicken marinade.

Different Oils: While olive oil is a staple in Mediterranean cooking, you can use avocado oil or sunflower oil as substitutes. Each oil brings its own subtle flavor and nutritional benefits.

How to Store Grilled Chicken Breast

Refrigeration: Store leftover grilled chicken breasts in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 3-4 days. Make sure to cool the chicken completely before sealing the container to avoid condensation.

Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze the grilled chicken. Place the cooled chicken breasts in a single layer on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and freeze for 1-2 hours.

Once frozen, transfer them to a freezer-safe bag or container. The chicken can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating: Reheat the chicken in the microwave or in a preheated oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. To keep the chicken moist, add a splash of water or chicken broth and cover with a microwave-safe lid or aluminum foil.

Using Leftovers: Leftover grilled chicken can be used in various dishes such as salads, sandwiches, wraps, or added to pasta. Chop or shred the chicken and toss it into your favorite recipes for a quick and easy meal.

Frequently Asked Questions