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5 Mediterranean Chicken Marinade Recipes

5 Mediterranean Chicken Marinade Recipes

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5 from 2 reviews

Try these five healthy chicken marinade recipes infused with fresh Mediterranean flavors using whole food ingredients. 

Ingredients

Scale

Italian Arrabbiata Spicy Chicken Marinade

  • 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • ½ cup finely chopped onion
  • 2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
  • 1 teaspoon honey
  • 4 clove garlic, chopped
  • 2 teaspoons Aleppo pepper (or crushed red chili flakes)
  • 1 + ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ cup basil leaves, chopped
  • fresh basil for serving

Greek Chicken Marinade

  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • ⅓ cup full-fat Greek yogurt
  • 4 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lemon zest (about the zest of one large lemon)
  • ¼ cup lemon juice (about the juice of one large lemon)
  • ¼ cup fresh oregano leaves, lightly packed (there's no need to chopped the leaves)
  • 2 teaspoons sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • fresh oregano leaves and lemon for serving

Herby Lebanese Chicken Marinade

  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • ¼ cup lemon juice (about the juice of one large lemon)
  • 4 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons pomegranate molasses
  • 1 tablespoon shawarma seasoning (or 1 tablespoon garam masala + ¼ teaspoon)
  • 1 + ½ teaspoon sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • ⅓ cup chopped fresh mint leaves
  • ⅓ cup chopped fresh parsley
  • fresh mint and lemons for garnish

Palestinian Za'atar Chicken Marinade

  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • ¼ cup lemon juice (about the juice of one large lemon)
  • 4 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons za'atar
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • ¼ teaspoon black pepper
  • fresh parsley, lemon, and za'atar for garnish

Turkish Chicken Marinade

  • 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
  • 3 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon Turkish mild red pepper paste
  • 4 cloves garlic, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried mint
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 teaspoons sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
  • blistered peppers, tomatoes, and onion for serving.

Instructions

How to Cook Marinated Chicken in a Skillet

  1. Add all of the ingredients to a bowl and mix until well combined. Marinate the chicken for at least 60 minutes or 24 hours for optimal flavor.
  2. Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Once heated, add a thin layer of olive oil, swirl to coat the bottom of the pan, and place the chicken flat-side down. Discard the remaining marinade.
  3. Flip the chicken once golden brown, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Cook until an internal temperature reaches 165°F (73°C).
  5. Remove the chicken from the pan. Rest for 2-3 minutes before enjoying. Garnish and enjoy.
  6. Pro tip: If your chicken is thicker than half an inch, use an oven-safe skillet to brown both sides, then transfer the skillet to a preheated oven set at 400°F (204°C) and roast for 10 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (73°C).

Baking Chicken Instruction

  1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (73°C).
  2. Place the chicken on a baking sheet and bake for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.
  3. Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
  4. Pro tip: Add the chicken with the marinade for saucy chicken. Drain the excess marinade for crispy chicken by placing it over paper towels. Continue to cook as instructed above

Grilling Chicken Instruction

  1. Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
  2. Place the chicken on the grill and discard the remaining marinade.
  3. Grill the chicken for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
  4. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving to allow the juices to redistribute and keep it moist.

Notes

How do you know chicken is cooked?

The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F when measured with a meat thermometer. Additionally, the juices should run clear when pierced with a fork.

Is it safe to marinate chicken overnight?

Yes, it is safe to marinate chicken overnight as long as it is always kept refrigerated. Marinating chicken for an extended period allows the flavors to penetrate the meat more deeply, resulting in a more flavorful dish.