Middle Eastern Grilled Chicken
Introduction
Middle Eastern Grilled Chicken captivates with its mix of bold spices, juicy texture, and irresistible aroma. The secret lies in a marinade packed with fragrant herbs and warm spices that infuse every bite with authentic, crowd-pleasing flavor—making this an unforgettable main course perfect for backyard gatherings, meal prep, or any night you want to bring the magic of the Middle East to your table.
Why Middle Eastern Grilled Chicken Delivers Big Flavor
This recipe stands out due to the depth of its marinade: a blend of garlic, lemon, cumin, coriander, and smoked paprika. The result is chicken that’s succulent, beautifully charred on the outside, and bursting with savory, tangy complexity. Serve with warm flatbread or atop a salad for a complete, satisfying meal.
Crafting the Perfect Marinade
A great grilled chicken starts with a vibrant marinade. To combine your spices, garlic, and lemon juice quickly and evenly, use a Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender, Black for perfectly mixed, lump-free marinades. Allow your chicken to marinate for at least 2 hours (overnight is even better), giving the robust flavors time to deeply infuse each piece.
Prepping and Grilling Chicken Like a Pro
For optimal grilling, use a sturdy set of Bamboo Cutting Boards for Kitchen, Set of 3 so you can safely handle raw chicken and prep your vegetables separately. Thread chicken pieces onto skewers or lay whole thighs on the grill, brushing with a light coating of olive oil from an YARRAMATE 16oz/470ml Oil Sprayer for Cooking, Black to prevent sticking and to create a delectable char.
Achieve spot-on doneness every time by checking the internal temperature with a ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer for Cooking. This guarantees your chicken is juicy and safe to eat, never dry or overdone.
Serving Suggestions for Middle Eastern Grilled Chicken
Pair your grilled chicken with fluffy rice, a crisp salad, and plenty of garlicky yogurt sauce for dipping. Pack leftovers in a Bentgo Salad Container – 54 oz Bowl, Khaki Green for a flavorful lunch the next day. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley or cilantro, and serve with wedges of lemon for a bright finish.
Nutritional Information and Serving Size
This recipe yields about 4 portions. Each serving (based on one skinless chicken thigh or breast) delivers an estimated 230 calories, 30g protein, and 10g healthy fats. Pair with veggies or grains to round out the meal.
Middle Eastern Grilled Chicken (Recap)
Layered with bold seasoning and cooked to perfection, this dish gathers friends and family around the grill and the table. Every forkful offers the essence of Middle Eastern cuisine—vivid, aromatic, and deeply satisfying.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large bowl or using a Ninja BL610 Professional 72 Oz Countertop Blender, Black, combine the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, cumin, coriander, paprika, turmeric, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and well mixed.
- Pat chicken pieces dry on a Bamboo Cutting Boards for Kitchen, Set of 3. Add to the marinade, tossing until thoroughly coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight for the boldest flavor.
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Brush the grates with a few pumps of oil from your YARRAMATE 16oz/470ml Oil Sprayer for Cooking, Black.
- Remove chicken from marinade, allowing excess to drip off. Grill for 5-7 minutes per side for thighs (4-5 minutes per side for breasts), or until cooked through and nicely charred. Use a ThermoPro TP19H Digital Meat Thermometer for Cooking to ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Transfer to a platter. Rest chicken for a few minutes, then garnish with chopped parsley or cilantro and serve with lemon wedges.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 15 minutes (plus marinating time)
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes (plus marinating time)