Description
This Marinated Mediterranean Chicken Bread Recipe features three versatile cooking methods—grilling, stovetop, and air frying—to bring out vibrant flavors from a robust marinade made with olive oil, Greek yogurt, fresh garlic, and aromatic Mediterranean herbs. Perfect for a flavorful and healthy meal, this recipe delivers juicy, tender chicken with a delightful herbaceous crust.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade Ingredients
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons full-fat Greek yogurt
- 8 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (from about 2 lemons)
- 2 tablespoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried marjoram
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes (for skewering) or pounded thin (for grilling or stovetop)
Additional Ingredients for Cooking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for stovetop cooking)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for stovetop cooking)
- Wooden skewers (optional, for grilling)
Instructions
- Make the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine the olive oil, Greek yogurt, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, dried marjoram, dried dill, dried thyme, sea salt, black pepper, and onion powder. Stir well until all ingredients are thoroughly mixed to form a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the marinade and toss until all are evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to fully infuse the chicken.
- Prepare Skewers (if grilling): If using wooden skewers for grilling, soak them in water for about 30 minutes beforehand to prevent them from burning during cooking.
- Grill Method: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the soaked skewers. Grill the chicken for 4 to 5 minutes per side, until cooked through and grill marks form. Cooking time may vary based on thickness and heat intensity.
- Stovetop Method: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and 1 tablespoon unsalted butter in a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Sear the marinated chicken pieces for approximately 4 to 5 minutes on each side, until golden brown with a crispy exterior and cooked thoroughly.
- Air Fryer Method: Preheat the air fryer to 385°F (196°C). Place the marinated chicken pieces in the air fryer basket in a single layer. Cook for 20 minutes, flipping halfway through the cooking time. Allow the chicken to rest for 5 minutes before serving to retain juices.
Notes
- Marinate chicken overnight for the best flavor penetration.
- Soaking wooden skewers prevents charring on the grill.
- Adjust grill and cooking times based on chicken thickness to ensure thorough cooking.
- Let chicken rest after cooking to keep it juicy and tender.
- The marinade can also be used with other proteins like lamb or pork.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: Mediterranean chicken, marinated chicken, grilled chicken, healthy chicken recipe, air fryer chicken, stovetop chicken, Greek yogurt marinade
