Mediterranean Grilled Chicken with Olives & Lemon
This Mediterranean grilled chicken is marinated in a zesty blend of lemon, garlic, herbs, and olive oil, then grilled to golden perfection and topped with a briny olive-lemon mixture. It’s refreshing, flavorful, and ideal for summer dining or a Mediterranean-themed meal.
⏱️ Time:
Prep time: 15 minutes
Marinating time: 30 minutes – 2 hours
Cook time: 15–20 minutes
Total time: ~1 hour (with minimum marination)
Ingredients
For the Chicken & Marinade:
4 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs
3 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
Juice of 1 lemon
1 tsp lemon zest
1 tsp dried oregano
½ tsp thyme or rosemary
½ tsp paprika
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Olive & Lemon Topping:
⅓ cup Kalamata or green olives, chopped
1 tbsp capers (optional, for extra briny flavor)
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
Juice of ½ lemon
Lemon wedges or thin slices for garnish
Optional: 1 tbsp feta cheese, crumbled (for topping)
Instructions:
1. Marinate the Chicken:
1. In a bowl or zip-top bag, mix olive oil, lemon juice & zest, garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
2. Add chicken and coat well. Cover or seal and refrigerate for 30 minutes to 2 hours.
2. Grill the Chicken:
1. Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates.
2. Grill chicken for 6–8 minutes per side, depending on thickness, until golden and cooked through (internal temp 165°F / 74°C).
3. Transfer to a plate and rest for 5 minutes.
3. Make the Olive & Lemon Topping:
1. In a small bowl, mix chopped olives, capers (if using), parsley, lemon juice, and olive oil.
2. Taste and season with a little salt and pepper.
4. Serve:
Spoon the olive-lemon mixture over the grilled chicken.
Garnish with lemon slices and sprinkle with crumbled feta if desired.
Serve warm with your favorite Mediterranean sides.
️ Suggested Pairings:
Herbed couscous or orzo
Roasted vegetables (like zucchini or eggplant)
Greek salad
Pita and hummus or tzatziki
Notes & Tips:
You can butterfly thick chicken breasts for faster grilling.
Add a touch of honey to the marinade for a sweet-sour balance.
Grill lemon slices for extra smoky citrus flavor as garnish.
This dish also works well with chicken thighs or bone-in cuts (adjust cooking time).
❓ Frequently asked questions FAQ
Q: Can I make this in a skillet or oven?
A: Yes! Sear chicken in a pan over medium-high heat and finish in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 10–15 minutes.
Q: Can I use other olives?
A: Yes—Castelvetrano (mild & buttery) or green Manzanilla olives work beautifully.
Q: Is this dish freezer-friendly?
A: Grilled chicken can be frozen, but the fresh olive topping should be made fresh.
Nutrition information
Calories: ~360
Protein: 30g
Fat: 22g
Carbs: 3g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: ~450mg