You might find yourself stuck in a dinner rut every once in a while, especially when cooking for just few people. That’s when this Mediterranean grilled chicken comes to the rescue. It’s easy to make, full of flavor, and you don’t need a ton of ingredients. It feels fancy enough to make you feel like you’re treating yourself without all the effort.
When I made this recipe, I wanted something quick but not boring. I had some leftover chicken in the fridge and decided to give it a Mediterranean twist with simple ingredients. It was a total hit. Now, it’s one of my favorite small-batch meals when I want something fresh and light.
Using Chicken Breast or Chicken Thighs for this Mediterranean Chicken Recipe
One of the great things about this recipe is that you can use either chicken breasts or chicken thighs, depending on what you have or prefer. Chicken breasts are leaner and cook faster, while chicken thighs tend to be juicier and have a bit more flavor. I personally like using chicken thighs when I want a more tender bite, but breasts are perfect when I want something light. Both work beautifully with the Mediterranean flavors.
I usually prepare just one or two pieces of chicken because I’m only cooking for one or two. That’s the beauty of small-batch cooking — you don’t end up with a ton of leftovers, but you can always double it if you want.
Is Marinade Needed in Making this Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Recipe
One of the questions I often get is, “Do I need to marinate the chicken?” The good news is that while marinating can add extra flavor, it’s not a must for this recipe. The olive oil, fresh herbs, and simple seasonings provide all the flavor you need. If you’re in a hurry, you can skip the marinating step and still get delicious results.
However, if you have the time and want to plan ahead, marinating the chicken for 30 minutes to an hour will make the meat even more flavorful and juicy. Just mix olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and your favorite herbs together, and let the chicken sit in it while you prep everything else.
Making Juicy Chicken for Grilled Chicken Recipe
The key to getting juicy grilled chicken is all in the cooking technique. You don’t want to overcook the chicken, as it can dry out quickly, especially chicken breasts. Even if you’re using a grill or cooking in the oven, keep an eye on the internal temperature.
If you’re using chicken breasts, pounding them to an even thickness helps them cook evenly. Either way, the combination of olive oil, basil, and mozzarella in this recipe locks in moisture and flavor, leaving you with tender, tasty chicken.
Easy Instructions for Creating Mediterranean Grilled Chicken
Must-Have Tools for Your Kitchen
- Oven: If you don’t have an outdoor grill, your oven will do the job just fine.
- Baking Tray: To hold your chicken as it bakes or grills.
- Baking Sheet: I like using a baking sheet to catch any drips or spills.
- Knife: For making small cuts in the chicken to hold the filling.
Key Ingredients:
- Mozzarella: For that delicious, melty cheese inside the chicken.
- Basil Leaves: Fresh basil adds a pop of flavor that makes this chicken taste Mediterranean.
- Olive Oil: The base for your seasoning and to help the chicken cook without drying out.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple seasoning that brings all the flavors together. Kosher salt can also be used.
*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.
Detailed Directions for Making Grilled Chicken Breast
One: Prepare All Ingredients
Gather your chicken breasts or thighs, mozzarella cheese, fresh basil leaves, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Prepping everything before you start cooking makes the process smoother and quicker. At the same time preheat oven to 400 Fahrenheit (200 Celsius).
Two: Add Cuts to the Chicken
If you’re using chicken breasts, make a few small cuts on the top to help the flavors sink in better. These gaps are where you will insert other ingredients.
Three: Fill in Gaps with Other Ingredients
Stuff the cuts in the chicken with mozzarella slices and fresh basil leaves. Place the chicken on the baking sheet.
Four: Oil, Season, and Cook
Drizzle the chicken with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Make sure the chicken is fully coated so it cooks evenly and doesn’t dry out. Cook the chicken in the oven for 25 minutes at 400 Fahrenheit (200 Celsius).
Pro Tips for Best Results
- Choose Evenly Sized Pieces: Select chicken breasts or thighs similar in size to ensure they cook evenly.
- Don’t Skip the Cuts: Making small cuts in the chicken helps the flavors absorb deeply and evenly throughout the meat.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh mozzarella and basil, and make sure your olive oil is of high quality.
- Preheat the Oven: Always preheat the oven to the correct temperature before placing the chicken inside to avoid uneven cooking.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to prevent undercooking. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving for juicier results.
Common Questions Answered
What Are the Perfect Pairings for Mediterranean Grilled Chicken?
This grilled chicken pairs perfectly with a simple side of roasted vegetables or a light salad. You could also serve it with couscous or quinoa for a more filling meal. The Mediterranean flavors of the chicken blend well with fresh, light sides that won’t overpower the dish.
What Are the Proper Storage Tips for Mediterranean Grilled Chicken?
If you have leftovers, store the chicken in an airtight container in the fridge. It will stay fresh for up to 3 days. When you’re ready to eat, you can reheat it in the oven or microwave. Just be sure to cover it with a lid or a damp paper towel to keep the chicken moist.
If you want to freeze this dish, let the chicken cool completely before placing it in a freezer-safe container. It’s best to store it in single portions so you can take out just what you need. The chicken can be kept in the freezer for up to three months.
Additional Easy Small-Portion Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this Mediterranean grilled chicken recipe, you’d love some of my other small-batch dishes like pork fillet recipe, green bean mushroom casserole and homemade chicken and dumplings. All are perfect for when you’re cooking for one or two and don’t want to deal with a ton of leftovers. Keep things simple, fresh, and delicious.
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Printable Recipe Card
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Mediterranean Grilled Chicken
Equipment
- 1 Oven
- 1 Knife
Ingredients
- 2 Chicken Breasts
- 1 Tomato
- 1 Mozzarella
- Basil leaves
- Olive Oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Gather your chicken breasts or thighs, mozzarella cheese, fresh basil leaves, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Prepping everything before you start cooking makes the process smoother and quicker. At the same time preheat oven to 400 Fahrenheit (200 Celsius).
- If you're using chicken breasts, make a few small cuts on the top to help the flavors sink in better. These gaps are where you will insert other ingredients.
- Stuff the cuts in the chicken with mozzarella slices and fresh basil leaves. Place the chicken on the baking sheet.
- Drizzle the chicken with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Make sure the chicken is fully coated so it cooks evenly and doesn’t dry out. Cook the chicken in the oven for 25 minutes at 400 Fahrenheit (200 Celsius).
Notes
- Choose Evenly Sized Pieces: Select chicken breasts or thighs similar in size to ensure they cook evenly.
- Don’t Skip the Cuts: Making small cuts in the chicken helps the flavors absorb deeply and evenly throughout the meat.
- Use Fresh Ingredients: For the best flavor, opt for fresh mozzarella and basil, and make sure your olive oil is of high quality.
- Preheat the Oven: Always preheat the oven to the correct temperature before placing the chicken inside to avoid uneven cooking.
- Check for Doneness: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to prevent undercooking. Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving for juicier results.
Nutrition
Disclaimer
Please note that nutrient values are estimates only. Variations can occur due to product availability and manner of food preparation. Nutrition may vary based on methods of origin, preparation, freshness of ingredients, and other factors.
