Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken with Mediterranean Chickpea Salad & Yogurt Tahini Sauce
Juicy lemon-marinated grilled chicken served alongside a refreshing chickpea salad packed with cucumbers, tomatoes, olives, and herbs, finished with a creamy yogurt-tahini sauce. This dish is light yet satisfying, full of Mediterranean sunshine, and incredibly nourishing.
Time Required
Prep time: 20 minutes
Marinating time: 30 minutes (optional but recommended)
Cooking time: 15–18 minutes
Total time: ~1 hour
Ingredients
For Lemon Herb Chicken
2 boneless skinless chicken breasts
2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
Zest of 1 lemon
3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp dried thyme
Salt to taste
Black pepper to taste
For Mediterranean Chickpea Salad
1½ cups cooked chickpeas (or canned, drained & rinsed)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 medium cucumber, diced
¼ cup red onion, finely chopped
¼ cup Kalamata olives, sliced
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp lemon juice
Salt & pepper to taste
For Yogurt Tahini Sauce
½ cup plain Greek yogurt
1½ tbsp tahini
1 tbsp lemon juice
1 small garlic clove, grated
2–3 tbsp water (to thin)
Salt to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
1. In a bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
2. Add chicken breasts and coat well.
3. Cover and marinate for 30 minutes (even 15 minutes works).
Step 2: Prepare the Chickpea Salad
1. In a large bowl, add chickpeas, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, olives, and parsley.
2. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
3. Toss gently and season with salt and pepper.
4. Refrigerate until serving for extra freshness.
Step 3: Make Yogurt Tahini Sauce
1. Whisk yogurt, tahini, lemon juice, garlic, and salt.
2. Add water gradually until smooth and drizzle-able.
3. Taste and adjust seasoning.
Step 4: Cook the Chicken
1. Heat grill pan or non-stick pan over medium heat.
2. Grill chicken 6–7 minutes per side until golden and fully cooked.
3. Rest for 5 minutes, then slice.
Step 5: Serve
Plate grilled chicken with chickpea salad.
Drizzle yogurt tahini sauce on top or serve on the side.
Tips for Best Results
Pound chicken slightly for even cooking
Use fresh lemon only—no bottled juice
Let chicken rest after cooking to stay juicy
Chill salad for 10 minutes before serving for better flavor
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I bake the chicken instead of grilling?
Yes! Bake at 200°C (400°F) for 20–25 minutes.
Q: Can I make this without tahini?
Yes, use plain yogurt with lemon and garlic only.
Q: Is this recipe weight-loss friendly?
Absolutely—high protein, low refined carbs, and healthy fats.
Q: Can I meal prep this?
Yes! Store components separately for up to 3 days.
Nutritional Information
Calories: 420 kcal
Protein: 38 g
Carbohydrates: 30 g
Fiber: 8 g
Fat: 18 g
Saturated Fat: 3 g
Calcium: 15% DV
Iron: 20% DV