Spicy Mediterranean Chicken
A vibrant and zesty chicken recipe that perfectly balances smoke and citrus, complemented by a refreshing cucumber salad.
Ingredients
For the Marinade
- 1 pound boneless skinless chicken thighs Juicy and tender.
- 3 cloves garlic Minced.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil For marinade.
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice Freshly squeezed.
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper Adjust to taste.
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper Adjust heat level.
For the Cucumber Salad
- 2 cups Persian cucumbers Chopped.
- 1/4 cup red onion Finely minced.
- 1 cup plain Greek yogurt For dressing.
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill Chopped.
Instructions
Marinating
- Mix garlic, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, smoked paprika, oregano, cumin, salt, pepper, and cayenne in a bowl.
- Toss chicken thighs in the marinade and let sit for 30–60 minutes.
Grilling
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
- Oil the grates or use a nonstick pan.
- Grill chicken thighs for 4–6 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F.
- Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Preparing Salad
- Combine cucumbers, red onion, Greek yogurt, dill, a pinch of salt, and a squeeze of lemon in a bowl.
- Chill the salad for a bit before serving.
Serving
- Slice grilled chicken and spoon cucumber salad over the top.
- Enjoy while watching people hover like it's free food.
Notes
You can roast the chicken in the oven if grilling is unavailable. Adjust cayenne pepper for desired heat level.