BEST Mediterranean Chicken Marinade

This Mediterranean Chicken Marinade is my go-to for all things chicken. It’s tangy, made with fresh and dried herbs, loads of garlic, and the perfect amount of sweetness from the honey.

It’s time to put this marinade on your chicken for dinner tonight!

Back in the states, they have some really awesome premade marinades. However, there is nothing better than making it yourself, and of course, fresh is always best. Here in Turkey, we make all things from scratch. Both willingly and unwillingly.

But yeah, there are not many packaged or premade delicacies here unless it’s rice, beans, chickpeas, pasta, or lentils.

Marinade Ingredient Details

You can find just about all of these ingredients mentioned at your local Mediterranean store or in the Meditteranean section at your local market.

• Olive oil: make sure to use nice, fruity olive oil.
• Lemon: you’ll need the juice and the zest. This is what gives that tanginess and a pop of freshness.
• Honey: will help cut the sharpness of the lemon.
• Garlic: and loads of it.
• Shallot: to give more depth of flavor.
• Spices: like oregano, mint, paprika, cumin, sumac, salt, and pepper.
• Pomegranate molasses: is that special Meditteranean ingredient that adds sweetness and tanginess.

And of course sea salt, and cracked black pepper.

I used this Mediterranean marinade on boneless, skinless thighs, but you can use chicken breast, wings, or drumsticks.

Heck, it would even taste awesome on fish!

I served this chicken to my family with a side of orzo with peas and parmesan. There you have it. Italy meets Turkey 🤓. Sure, why not?

More Crave-worthy Recipes

• Mediterranean Beef Stew with Peas and Carrots

• Garlicky Cabbage and Carrot Yogurt Meze
• Easy Chestnut Recipe
• Addicting Eggplant Meze with Garlic Yogurt
• Better than TURKISH EGGS (cilbir)

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BEST Mediterranean Chicken Marinade

Author: Ashley Altan Cooking Method: Marinating Cuisine: Mediterranean Courses: Chicken Recipes, Dinner, Mediterranean Cravings, Non-Veg Recipe Keys: C Chicken G Gluten Free N Non Vegetarian

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 10 min Total Time 10 mins Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

This Marinade is for every 2 pounds of chicken or about 1 kilo. 

Ingredients

Servings

• ¹⁄₃ cup olive oil
• zest of one lemon
• ¹⁄₃ cup lemon juice (about 1-2 lemons)
• 1 tablespoon honey
• 2 tablespoons pomegranate molasses
• 5 cloves garlic, finely chopped
• 1 shallot, chopped
• 1 teaspoon cumin, paprika, oregano
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon dried mint and red pepper flakes (like Aleppo pepper or Turkish red pepper)
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon cracked black pepper (or to taste)
• ¹⁄₃ cup packed parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Add all of the ingredients into a mixing bowl (in no particular order) and use a whisk to mix and fully incorporate. I also use the whisk to crush the garlic to release its potent flavor. 

2. Pour over your chicken and marinate no longer than 24 hours. 

Keywords: Mediterranean Chicken Marinade