Skip to content 
Oh, the magic of Mediterranean flavors dancing with perfectly grilled chicken! You know, I used to think cooking felt like a chore, a stressful thing after long work days. But then I discovered the pure joy in making simple, delicious food that just makes you happy, like this Mediterranean herb crusted grilled chicken. It’s packed with flavor, super good for you, and honestly, it just comes together so fast. It really embodies what Pure Cooking Joy is all about: approachable, craveable food that’s meant for sharing. I truly believe that incredible meals don’t need to be complicated, and this recipe is proof! You can even see more of our story and recipes over on Facebook!
- Why You'll Love This Mediterranean Herb Crusted Grilled Chicken
- Gather Your Ingredients for Mediterranean Herb Crusted Grilled Chicken
- Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mediterranean Herb Crusted Grilled Chicken
- Tips for the Best Mediterranean Herb Crusted Grilled Chicken
- Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Herb Crusted Chicken
- Make-Ahead and Meal Prep Chicken Ideas
- Serving Suggestions for Your Grilled Chicken Recipe
- Frequently Asked Questions About Mediterranean Herb Crusted Grilled Chicken
- Nutritional Snapshot
- Share Your Culinary Creations!
Why You’ll Love This Mediterranean Herb Crusted Grilled Chicken
Seriously, this recipe is a weeknight winner! Here’s why it’s become a go-to in my kitchen:
- Super Speedy: We’re talking minimal prep and quick grilling time. Perfect for those busy evenings when you still want something delicious.
- Flavor Explosion: All those Mediterranean herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary? They create this amazing, savory crust that’s just *chef’s kiss*.
- Healthy & Wholesome: Lean chicken breast, good-for-you olive oil, and tons of herbs make this a fantastic healthy dinner option. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free!
- Effortless Grilling: The herb crust protects the chicken and keeps it so juicy. It’s a foolproof way to get that perfect grilled flavor.
- High Protein Power: This is a high protein meal that will keep you feeling full and satisfied.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make a batch on Sunday, and you’ve got delicious grilled chicken ready for salads, sandwiches, or quick lunches all week!
Gather Your Ingredients for Mediterranean Herb Crusted Grilled Chicken
Alright, let’s get our little flavor station ready! For this Mediterranean herb crusted chicken, you’ll want to gather these goodies. We’re keeping it super simple, just like we like it:
- 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 3-4 medium ones)
- 2 tablespoons of good quality olive oil
- 1 tablespoon of dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon of dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon of fragrant dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper
- The juice of 1 fresh lemon (don’t skip squeezing it right over the top at the end – it’s a game changer!)
Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mediterranean Herb Crusted Grilled Chicken
Okay, so this is where the magic really happens! Don’t worry, it’s super straightforward. Alex here, and I promise, these simple steps will get you the most delicious herb-crusted chicken ever without any fuss. It’s all about setting yourself up for success!
Prepare the Herb Mixture for Your Herb Crusted Chicken
First things first, let’s get that incredible herb blend ready. Grab a small bowl and just mix together your olive oil, dried oregano, thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Give it a good stir until it’s all beautifully combined. This little mix is going to give our chicken all that amazing Mediterranean flavor we’re after.
Coating the Chicken for Maximum Flavor
Now, grab your chicken breasts. Give them a quick pat-down with some paper towels – the drier they are, the better the herbs will stick! Then, just slather that glorious herb mixture all over the chicken. Make sure every nook and cranny is covered; we want amazing flavor on every single bite!
Grilling Your Mediterranean Herb Crusted Chicken to Perfection
Get your grill fired up to a nice medium-high heat. It’s important to let it get nice and hot. Once it’s ready, carefully lay your herb-coated chicken breasts on the grill grates. Trust me, you don’t want to crowd the grill, or things won’t cook evenly! Grill them for about 6-8 minutes on each side. You’re looking for that perfectly cooked chicken inside, which means an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Want to see another favorite grilled recipe? Check out my grilled Asian chicken skewers!
Finishing Touches for Your Lemon Herb Chicken
The very last step, and it’s a good one, is squeezing that fresh lemon juice right over the hot chicken just as it comes off the grill. It adds this incredible brightness that just lifts all those savory herb flavors. So simple, yet it makes all the difference!
Tips for the Best Mediterranean Herb Crusted Grilled Chicken
Alright, let’s chat about making this Mediterranean herb crusted grilled chicken absolutely *perfect* every single time. Over the years, I’ve learned a few little tricks that really make a difference, and honestly, it reminds me a bit of when I was first learning to bake bread. You know, figuring out those little details makes it so much better!
First off, don’t skimp on patting the chicken dry! Seriously, it’s the secret to getting that herb crust to really adhere and not just slide off into the grill grates. Also, use good quality dried herbs if you can; they just have more punch. If you happen to have fresh Mediterranean herbs on hand, go for it! Just roughly chop them and use a bit more since fresh herbs can be milder. It’s all about building that incredible flavor, just like we do for our weeknight dinners!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Herb Crusted Chicken
Okay, let’s talk ingredients! For this Mediterranean herb crusted chicken, we’re keeping it pretty straightforward, but there are a couple of things to keep in mind. If you can’t find dried herbs readily available, don’t sweat it! You can absolutely use fresh herbs – just use about three times the amount since they’re less concentrated, roughly chop them, and toss them right into the oil mixture. Instead of olive oil, a good quality avocado oil or even a light grapeseed oil will work just fine if that’s what you have on hand. It’s all about getting that delicious crust!
Make-Ahead and Meal Prep Chicken Ideas
This Mediterranean herb crusted grilled chicken is an absolute dream for making ahead! On Sunday, grill up a couple of batches and store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It’s seriously a lifesaver for those busy weeknights or when you just need a quick, healthy lunch. We even have tons of tips on meal planning that can help you make the most of it!
Serving Suggestions for Your Grilled Chicken Recipe
This Mediterranean herb crusted grilled chicken is so versatile, it goes with pretty much anything! For a truly Mediterranean vibe, I love serving it alongside a cool and refreshing cucumber tomato salad or some fluffy couscous. It’s also fantastic with a side of roasted vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers. Or, if you’re feeling a bit fancier, try it with a creamy garlic parmesan risotto. It makes for such a complete and satisfying meal!
Frequently Asked Questions About Mediterranean Herb Crusted Grilled Chicken
Got questions about this delicious herb-crusted chicken? I’ve got you covered! Here are a few things people often ask:
Can I bake this chicken instead of grilling?
Absolutely! If grilling isn’t an option, you can totally bake this. Just pop the coated chicken onto a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and bake at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes, or until it reaches that 165°F internal temperature. It’ll still be super flavorful!
How do I prevent the herbs from burning on the grill?
That’s a great question! The key is to make sure your grill isn’t *too* hot, and also to keep an eye on it. The olive oil in the herb mixture helps here, but if your herbs start looking a little dark too fast, you can always reduce the heat slightly or cover the grill for a minute or two. You want them toasted and fragrant, not scorched!
What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Once the chicken has cooled down, just pop it into an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It should stay good for about 3-4 days. It’s perfect for shredding into salads or reheating for a quick meal!
Nutritional Snapshot
Just a little heads-up, these numbers are estimates, because, well, kitchens can be a bit unpredictable! But for a serving of this amazing Mediterranean herb crusted grilled chicken, you’re generally looking at around 250 calories. It’s packed with about 35 grams of protein, which is fantastic if you’re looking for a high protein meal, and has roughly 10 grams of fat. Super good for you and totally delicious!
Share Your Culinary Creations!
I just LOVE seeing what you all make in your kitchens using our recipes! If you whip up this Mediterranean herb crusted grilled chicken, please, please leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out. Did you try a fun twist? I’d be thrilled to hear about it and even see your amazing photos if you tag Pure Cooking Joy! You can also reach out through our contact page – I can’t wait to see your delicious creations!
PrintMediterranean Herb Crusted Grilled Chicken
Enjoy this flavorful, herb-forward grilled chicken with Mediterranean vibes. It’s quick, healthy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 min
- Cook Time: 15 min
- Total Time: 25 min
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 lemon, juiced
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- In a small bowl, combine olive oil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- Rub the herb mixture all over the chicken breasts, ensuring they are evenly coated.
- Place the chicken on the preheated grill.
- Grill for 6-8 minutes per side, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the chicken before serving.
Notes
- This chicken is great for meal prep and can be enjoyed cold or reheated.
- Serve with a side of quinoa, a Greek salad, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
- For extra flavor, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the herb mixture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast
- Calories: 250
- Sugar: 2
- Sodium: 300
- Fat: 10
- Saturated Fat: 2
- Unsaturated Fat: 8
- Trans Fat: 0
- Carbohydrates: 5
- Fiber: 1
- Protein: 35
- Cholesterol: 100
