Mediterranean Magic: Herb Crusted Grilled Chicken for a Bold, Fresh Feast

Mediterranean Herb Crusted Grilled Chicken

Introduction

Mediterranean Herb Crusted Grilled Chicken is bursting with vibrant flavors and irresistible aromas. The combination of fresh herbs, garlic, and zesty lemon infuses every bite with a sun-soaked taste straight from the Mediterranean coast. Grilled to perfection, this dish boasts a crispy, fragrant herb crust while keeping the chicken juicy and tender inside. If you’re looking for a healthy and flavorful meal that’s easy to prepare and sure to please a crowd, this is it.

What Makes Mediterranean Herb Crusted Grilled Chicken Irresistible

The secret is in the herb crust—a savory blend of parsley, oregano, thyme, and basil, bound together with lemon zest and garlic. The grilling process unlocks a smoky char that highlights the freshness of the herbs. This method produces an aromatic crust while sealing in moisture, so you get maximum flavor in a simple, nutritious dish. Serve it at your next barbecue, weeknight dinner, or alongside your favorite Mediterranean sides for an unforgettable meal.

Gathering and Preparing Fresh Ingredients

Start with boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for optimal tenderness. To prep the herb mixture, use a quality set of Bamboo Cutting Boards for Kitchen, Set of 3 for chopping and mincing your fresh parsley, oregano, and basil. Uniform chopping helps the herbs cling evenly to the chicken, creating that signature crust. If you want to speed up prep, the Mueller Pro-Series 10-in-1, 8 Blade Vegetable Chopper makes quick work of mincing garlic and chopping herbs to an even consistency.

Creating a Perfect Herb Crust

Combine fresh herbs, minced garlic, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and a light drizzle of olive oil. For precise measurements, a Amazon Basics Digital Kitchen Scale with LCD Display ensures you get the right balance of flavors. Press the mixture onto the chicken pieces, coating all sides generously. For even coverage, use your hands or a spoon—kitchen shears like the KitchenAid All Purpose Kitchen Shears with Protective Sheath are great for trimming chicken for uniform pieces.

Grilling to Golden Perfection

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. To prevent sticking and ensure gorgeous grill marks, give the chicken a mist of olive oil from a quality YARRAMATE 16oz/470ml Oil Sprayer for Cooking, Black. Grill chicken 5–7 minutes per side until the internal temperature reads 165°F (use the ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer for Cooking for instant accuracy). Allow the chicken to rest a few minutes, locking in the juices before slicing and serving.

Serving and Storing Mediterranean Herb Crusted Grilled Chicken

Slice your chicken and layer it over crisp greens, or pair with grilled veggies and lemon wedges for an authentic Mediterranean experience. If meal-prepping, store leftovers in Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup) to keep your chicken fresh and flavorful for days.

Nutritional Information and Serving Size

This recipe serves four, with each portion providing approximately 250 calories (based on chicken breast). Low in carbohydrates and packed with protein, this dish is a healthy choice for lunch or dinner.

Recap: Flavorsome Herb Crusted Grilled Chicken

Bursting with Mediterranean freshness and earthy herbs, this grilled chicken is a showcase of simplicity and bold flavor. The crispy herb crust and juicy interior make it a standout main course for any meal.

Ingredients

– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs
– ½ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
– 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, finely chopped
– 2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped
– 1 tablespoon fresh thyme leaves, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– Zest of 1 lemon
– 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for spraying)
– 1 teaspoon salt
– ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
– Optional: Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions

  1. On a Bamboo Cutting Boards for Kitchen, Set of 3, finely chop fresh herbs and garlic. Zest the lemon.
  2. In a mixing bowl, combine parsley, oregano, basil, thyme, garlic, and lemon zest with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Mix until cohesive.
  3. Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Using the KitchenAid All Purpose Kitchen Shears with Protective Sheath, trim any excess fat for even cooking.
  4. Press the herb mixture firmly onto all sides of the chicken breasts or thighs.
  5. Preheat grill to medium-high. Lightly mist chicken with the YARRAMATE 16oz/470ml Oil Sprayer for Cooking, Black to help prevent sticking.
  6. Place chicken on hot grill. Cook 5–7 minutes per side, or until juices run clear and an internal temp of 165°F is reached (check with the ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer for Cooking).
  7. Remove from grill and rest 3–5 minutes. Slice and serve with lemon wedges or over salad.
  8. For storing leftovers, transfer cooled chicken to Rubbermaid Brilliance Food Storage Containers, Set of 5 (3.2 Cup) and refrigerate for up to 3 days.

Cook and Prep Times

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean at your table—crisp, juicy, and packed with herbaceous goodness!

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