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Mouthwatering Mediterranean herb crusted grilled chicken glistens on a plate, showcasing its golden-brown perfection and flavorful herbs.

Mediterranean Herb Crusted Grilled Chicken

This Mediterranean Herb Crusted Grilled Chicken recipe delivers a burst of fresh flavors with a simple marinade of rosemary, thyme, oregano, garlic, lemon, and olive oil. Marinate chicken breasts and grill to perfection for a healthy, flavorful, and impressive meal perfect for weeknights or weekend barbecues.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 16 minutes
Total Time 31 minutes
Servings: 4
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 350
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/4 cup fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh thyme, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh oregano, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • Red pepper flakes optional
  • Olive oil for greasing grill

Equipment

  • Grill
  • Medium bowl
  • whisk
  • Resealable plastic bag or shallow dish
  • Meat mallet or rolling pin (optional)
  • Plastic wrap (optional)
  • Meat Thermometer
  • tongs
  • Grill brush

Method
 

  1. Chop the fresh herbs finely.
  2. Mince the garlic cloves.
  3. Zest the lemon first, then juice it. Be careful not to zest too deep, as the white pith is bitter.
  4. In a medium bowl, combine the chopped herbs, minced garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, olive oil, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using). Whisk everything together until it's well combined.
  5. Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish.
  6. Pour the marinade over the chicken, making sure to coat it evenly.
  7. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours. The longer you marinate the chicken, the more flavorful it will be.
  8. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 375-400°F). Make sure the grates are clean and lightly oiled to prevent sticking.
  9. Remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the marinade.
  10. Place the chicken breasts on the preheated grill.
  11. Grill for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F. Use a meat thermometer to check the temperature.
  12. Once the chicken is cooked through, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.

Notes

For even cooking, gently pound the chicken breasts to an even thickness (about ½ inch) before marinating. This also tenderizes the chicken. Always use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F to prevent foodborne illness. Leftover grilled chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Use leftovers in salads, sandwiches, or pasta dishes. For a spicier flavor, add more red pepper flakes to the marinade. For a sweeter flavor, add 1-2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup to the marinade.