7 Mediterranean Chicken Recipes You'll Love

Welcome to a culinary journey that takes you through the vibrant landscapes of the Mediterranean with some mouthwatering chicken recipes. Known for their rich flavors and healthy ingredients, Mediterranean dishes offer a delightful mix of taste and nutrition. In this post, we'll explore seven Mediterranean chicken recipes that are not only delicious but also easy to prepare. Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner, these recipes will bring a touch of Mediterranean flair to your table.

1. Classic Mediterranean Chicken with Lemon and Olives

This dish is a testament to the simplicity yet depth of flavor that Mediterranean cuisine offers:

• Ingredients:
  • 4 Chicken Breasts
  • 2 Lemons, sliced
  • 1 Cup Green or Kalamata Olives
  • 4 Cloves Garlic, minced
  • Olive Oil
  • Fresh Thyme
  • Salt and Pepper to taste
• Preparation:
  1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  2. Season chicken with salt, pepper, and thyme.
  3. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat, sear the chicken until golden brown.
  4. Arrange lemon slices and olives around and on top of the chicken. Scatter minced garlic.
  5. Bake for about 25-30 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through.

🔥 Note: The lemon and olive combination offers a unique taste profile, where the acidity of lemon complements the briny olives, creating a harmonious balance of flavors.

2. Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki

Marinated and grilled to perfection, this Greek classic is both refreshing and satisfying:

• Ingredients:
  • 1 lb Chicken, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • Marinade (Olive Oil, Lemon Juice, Garlic, Oregano, Salt, Pepper)
  • For Tzatziki: Greek Yogurt, Cucumber, Garlic, Lemon, Dill, Salt
• Preparation:
  1. Marinate chicken for at least 2 hours or overnight.
  2. Thread chicken onto skewers and grill until fully cooked.
  3. Prepare Tzatziki by mixing all ingredients until smooth.
  4. Serve chicken with Tzatziki, wrapped in pita or with a side salad.

3. Moroccan Chicken Tagine

A quintessential Moroccan dish that’s aromatic and hearty:

• Ingredients:
  • 8 Chicken Thighs
  • 1 Onion, finely chopped
  • 3 Garlic Cloves, minced
  • 1 tsp Ginger, grated
  • 1 tsp Cinnamon
  • 1 tsp Paprika
  • 1 Preserved Lemon
  • ¹⁄₂ Cup Green Olives
  • Chicken Stock
• Preparation:
  1. Brown chicken in a tagine or heavy pot.
  2. Add onions, garlic, and spices, cook until aromatic.
  3. Add chicken stock, preserved lemon, and olives. Simmer until chicken is tender.

4. Chicken Shawarma

Spiced and flavorful, this street food favorite can easily be made at home:

• Ingredients:
  • 2 lbs Chicken Thighs
  • Shawarma Spice Blend
  • 1 Lemon, juiced
  • Olive Oil
  • Garlic
• Preparation:
  1. Marinate chicken with spices, lemon juice, olive oil, and garlic for several hours.
  2. Grill or bake until cooked through.
  3. Serve sliced with pita, vegetables, and tahini sauce.

🌟 Note: Homemade shawarma not only tastes better but also allows you to control the quality of ingredients, ensuring a healthier meal option.

5. Italian Chicken Saltimbocca

Quick to prepare, this Roman specialty is packed with rich flavors:

• Ingredients:
  • 4 Chicken Cutlets
  • Prosciutto
  • Sage Leaves
  • Butter
  • White Wine
• Preparation:
  1. Place a sage leaf on each chicken cutlet, then wrap with prosciutto.
  2. In a skillet, melt butter and cook chicken until prosciutto is crispy and chicken is cooked.
  3. Deglaze the pan with white wine, reduce, and pour over the chicken.

6. Mediterranean Chicken Stew with Artichokes

Combining hearty chicken with the delicate taste of artichokes:

• Ingredients:
  • 4 Chicken Legs
  • 1 Can Artichoke Hearts
  • 1 Onion
  • 3 Garlic Cloves
  • 1 Cup Cherry Tomatoes
  • Herbs: Basil, Oregano
• Preparation:
  1. Brown chicken legs, then set aside.
  2. In the same pot, sauté onions, garlic, and herbs.
  3. Add chicken, artichokes, tomatoes, and stock. Simmer until tender.
  4. Serve over rice or with crusty bread.

7. Chicken with Capers and Sun-Dried Tomatoes

This Sicilian-inspired dish offers a burst of Mediterranean flavors:

• Ingredients:
  • 4 Chicken Breasts
  • ¹⁄₂ Cup Capers
  • ¹⁄₂ Cup Sun-Dried Tomatoes
  • Olive Oil
  • Garlic
  • White Wine or Chicken Broth
• Preparation:
  1. Season and sear chicken in olive oil until golden.
  2. Add garlic, capers, and sun-dried tomatoes, cook briefly.
  3. Pour in wine or broth, reduce until thickened, and serve.

In wrapping up, these Mediterranean chicken recipes are a fantastic way to explore different culinary traditions from around the Mediterranean basin. They incorporate ingredients that are known for their health benefits, like olive oil, garlic, and herbs, which are staples in Mediterranean diets. By integrating these recipes into your cooking, you not only enhance your palate but also enrich your diet with nutrients vital for a balanced lifestyle. Each dish has its own unique character, offering a burst of flavors that can turn any meal into a celebration of culture and cuisine.

Can these Mediterranean recipes be adapted for vegetarians?

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Yes, most of these recipes can be adapted. For example, use tofu or tempeh instead of chicken in the Souvlaki or Shawarma, and replace chicken with legumes in stews like the Chicken Tagine or the Stew with Artichokes.

What are the key health benefits of a Mediterranean diet?

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The Mediterranean diet is known for reducing the risk of heart disease, supporting weight loss, and offering a high intake of antioxidants, which can prevent various chronic diseases due to its emphasis on healthy fats, vegetables, fruits, and whole grains.

Where can I find ingredients like preserved lemons or good quality olives?

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You might find specialty stores, Mediterranean markets, or even well-stocked supermarkets that carry these items. Alternatively, online food stores often have a wide variety of international ingredients.

Related Terms:

• mediterranean chicken recipe
• Mediterranean Chicken
• Greek lemon chicken
• Tuscan Chicken
• Marry Me Chicken
• Crunchy Onion Chicken