Overhead view of a spread of Mediterranean chicken and sides including grilled lemon herb chicken, tzatziki sauce, olives, feta cheese, and fresh herbs on a wooden table.

40 Mediterranean Chicken Recipes You Will Love To Make Again And Again

ByRuby Grace

If you want to eat healthy food that is full of flavor, you should try Mediterranean chicken recipes. These dishes use fresh herbs, colorful vegetables, and simple spices. They bring the taste of the sunny Mediterranean right to your home kitchen.

I have gathered 40 delicious recipes that you will want to make over and over. They are perfect for feeding your family on a busy night or for serving to guests.

40 Mediterranean Chicken Recipes You Will Cook On Repeat

Here is a complete list of amazing recipes. Each one is easy to understand and make.

  1. Chicken Souvlaki: Grilled chicken pieces on sticks, seasoned with oregano and lemon. Serve with tzatziki sauce and warm pita bread.
  2. Mediterranean Chicken Bake: Chicken thighs cooked in the oven with cherry tomatoes, olives, and feta cheese.
  3. Lemon Oregano Chicken: Juicy chicken breasts soaked in a mixture of lemon juice and oregano.
  4. Greek Lemon Chicken Soup: A warm, comforting soup with pieces of chicken, lemon flavor, and orzo pasta.
  5. Chicken Shawarma: Chicken that has been marinated and cooked slowly. Serve it in wraps with a creamy garlic sauce.
  6. Herbed Chicken Skillet: Chicken and vegetables cooked together in one pan with garlic and herbs.
  7. Balsamic Chicken with Roasted Vegetables: Chicken soaked in balsamic vinegar, served with seasonal vegetables roasted in the oven.
  8. Spanish Chicken with Chorizo: Chicken thighs cooked with spicy chorizo sausage, bell peppers, and onions.
  9. Mediterranean Chicken Pita: Grilled chicken stuffed into a pita pocket with cucumbers, tomatoes, and hummus.
  10. Zaatar Chicken: Baked chicken with a crispy coating of zaatar, which is a Middle Eastern spice blend.
  11. Caponata Chicken: Chicken served with a sweet and sour eggplant mixture called caponata.
  12. Almond Crusted Chicken: Chicken baked with a crunchy topping made from crushed almonds and herbs.
  13. Moroccan Chicken Stew: Chicken simmered in a pot with apricots, almonds, and warm spices.
  14. Ratatouille Stuffed Chicken: Chicken breasts that have a filling made from ratatouille vegetables.
  15. Greek Chicken Gyros: Chicken marinated in yogurt, served in a wrap with fresh vegetables.
  16. Pesto Chicken Bake: Chicken baked with green basil pesto and melted mozzarella cheese.
  17. Chicken Tagine: A Moroccan style chicken dish cooked with preserved lemons and olives.
  18. Mediterranean Chicken Couscous: Chicken cooked with herbs, served over a bed of fluffy couscous.
  19. Spicy Harissa Chicken: Chicken coated in harissa paste for a spicy kick, served with a cool yogurt sauce.
  20. Feta and Spinach Stuffed Chicken: Chicken breasts filled with a mixture of feta cheese, spinach, and herbs.
  21. Chicken and Chickpea Stew: A hearty stew with chicken, chickpeas, and lots of fresh herbs.
  22. Honey Garlic Lemon Chicken: Chicken thighs with a sticky, sweet glaze made from honey, garlic, and lemon.
  23. Mediterranean Chicken Salad: Grilled chicken placed on top of greens, olives, and feta cheese.
  24. Oven Baked Chicken Skewers: Chicken pieces on skewers, marinated with herbs, and baked in the oven.
  25. Tarragon Chicken: Creamy chicken flavored with lemon and the herb tarragon.
  26. Citrus Herb Chicken: Chicken marinated in a mix of different citrus juices and herbs.
  27. Chicken Fajita Bowls: Grilled chicken with peppers and onions, served over rice.
  28. Stuffed Bell Peppers with Chicken: Bell peppers filled with cooked, seasoned chicken and rice.
  29. Garlic Butter Chicken: Chicken cooked in a tasty sauce made from garlic and butter, with parsley.
  30. Mediterranean Chicken Wraps: Grilled chicken wrapped in flatbread with hummus and vegetables.
  31. Pomegranate Glazed Chicken: Chicken with a shiny, sweet and tangy glaze made from pomegranate molasses.
  32. Grilled Chicken with Tzatziki: Chicken marinated with lemon and herbs, grilled, and served with tzatziki sauce.
  33. Baked Chicken with Ratatouille: Chicken baked on top of a colorful mix of ratatouille vegetables.
  34. Chicken Spinach Feta Casserole: A warm, baked dish with layers of chicken, spinach, and feta cheese.
  35. Roasted Lemon Chicken Thighs: Chicken thighs roasted in the oven until crispy, with lots of lemon flavor.
  36. Mango Salsa Chicken: Grilled chicken topped with a fresh, sweet salsa made from mango.
  37. Mediterranean Chicken Pizza: Pizza topped with chicken, feta cheese, olives, and spinach.
  38. Chicken Kebab with Tahini Sauce: Grilled chicken kebabs drizzled with a smooth sauce made from tahini.
  39. Quick Mediterranean Chicken Bowl: Chicken served in a bowl with quinoa, salad greens, and a light dressing.
  40. Chili Lime Chicken with Avocado: Chicken marinated in chili and lime, served with slices of fresh avocado.

Classic Mediterranean Chicken Dishes

Classic Mediterranean chicken dishes use simple, fresh ingredients. These recipes show you the traditional ways of cooking from this sunny part of the world.

Recipe 1: Roasted Lemon Herb Chicken

This dish mixes zesty lemon with fragrant herbs. The chicken is juicy and full of flavor.

Ready in: 1 hour 10 minutes
Serves: 4 people

What you need:

  • 1 whole chicken (about 4 pounds), cut into pieces
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 lemons, juiced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon fresh thyme, chopped
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

How to make it:

  1. Turn your oven on to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
  2. In a small bowl, mix the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, rosemary, thyme, salt, and pepper.
  3. Place the chicken pieces in a large baking dish. Pour the lemon and herb mixture all over the chicken. Use your hands to make sure each piece is coated.
  4. Put the dish in the oven. Roast for 45 to 55 minutes. The chicken is done when the skin is golden brown and the inside of the thickest piece reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit on a meat thermometer.
  5. Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving. It goes great with roasted vegetables or a simple green salad.

Why everyone loves it: This recipe is a timeless way to make chicken. The lemon and herbs make your kitchen smell amazing. It feels like a special meal but is very easy to make. Always check that the chicken is fully cooked to 165°F for a safe and delicious dinner.

Recipe 2: Chicken Souvlaki with Tzatziki

These are fun, grilled chicken skewers served with a cool, creamy yogurt sauce.

Ready in: 40 minutes (plus 1 hour to marinate)
Serves: 4 people

What you need for the chicken:

  • 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch cubes
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup lemon juice
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt

What you need for the tzatziki sauce:

  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 1/2 cucumber, grated and water squeezed out
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
  • Salt to taste

How to make it:

  1. In a large bowl, mix the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and salt. Add the chicken cubes and stir until they are all covered. Cover the bowl and put it in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
  2. While the chicken marinates, make the tzatziki. In a medium bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, dill, and salt. Put it in the fridge until you are ready to eat.
  3. If you are using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes so they do not burn.
  4. Turn your grill to medium high heat. Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the skewers.
  5. Grill the skewers for 10 to 12 minutes, turning them occasionally. Cook until the chicken is no longer pink inside and reaches 165°F.
  6. Serve the hot chicken souvlaki skewers with the cool tzatziki sauce on the side. Warm pita bread makes a perfect addition.

Why everyone loves it: This dish is perfect for summer cookouts or a fun family dinner. The marinade makes the chicken incredibly juicy and tasty. Making your own tzatziki sauce is easy and tastes much fresher than store bought.

One Pot Mediterranean Chicken Meals

One pot meals are easy because you cook everything in a single pot or pan. This means less cleanup for you. These recipes are simple but still have big, bold flavors.

Recipe 3: Mediterranean Chicken and Rice

This dish gives you tender chicken and flavorful rice all cooked together.

Ready in: 1 hour
Serves: 6 people

What you need:

  • 6 bone in, skin on chicken thighs
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 yellow onion, chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 1/2 cups long grain white rice
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 3 cups chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 lemon, juiced

How to make it:

  1. Pat the chicken thighs dry with a paper towel. Season them well with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium high heat. Place the chicken thighs in the pot, skin side down. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. Flip and cook for 3 more minutes. Take the chicken out and set it aside.
  3. In the same pot, add the chopped onion. Cook for 4 minutes until it softens. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
  4. Add the rice, bell pepper, peas, chicken broth, oregano, and paprika to the pot. Stir everything together. Bring the liquid to a gentle boil.
  5. Place the chicken thighs back into the pot, nestling them on top of the rice. Put a lid on the pot. Reduce the heat to low so it simmers gently.
  6. Cook for 25 to 30 minutes. Do not lift the lid before 25 minutes have passed. The dish is done when the rice has absorbed all the liquid and is tender, and the chicken is cooked through to 165°F.
  7. Drizzle the lemon juice over everything before serving. Fluff the rice with a fork.

Why everyone loves it: This is the ultimate comfort food with a Mediterranean twist. The rice soaks up all the delicious chicken juices and spices. It is a complete meal in one pot, making dinner time simple and satisfying.

Recipe 4: Chicken Cacciatore

This is a rustic Italian stew where chicken simmers in a rich tomato sauce with vegetables.

Ready in: 1 hour 15 minutes
Serves: 4 people

What you need:

  • 4 chicken legs (thigh and drumstick together)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 onion, sliced
  • 1 red bell pepper, sliced
  • 8 ounces mushrooms, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried basil
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

How to make it:

  1. Season the chicken legs all over with salt and pepper.
  2. Heat the olive oil in a large, deep skillet or Dutch oven over medium high heat. Add the chicken, skin side down. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set it aside.
  3. In the same pot, add the onion and bell pepper. Cook for 5 minutes until they start to soften. Add the mushrooms and cook for another 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cook for 1 minute.
  4. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices and the chicken broth. Add the oregano and basil. Stir well and bring the sauce to a simmer.
  5. Carefully place the browned chicken legs back into the pot, nestling them into the sauce. Put a lid on the pot.
  6. Reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer gently for 35 to 40 minutes. The chicken should be very tender and cooked to 165°F.
  7. Taste the sauce and add more salt or pepper if needed. Serve the chicken and sauce in bowls, garnished with fresh parsley. It is delicious with crusty bread or over pasta.

Why everyone loves it: Chicken Cacciatore feels like a hug in a bowl. The long, slow simmering makes the chicken fall off the bone and fills the sauce with deep flavor. It is a wonderful dish to share with family on a cozy night.

Quick Mediterranean Chicken Skewers

Skewers are a fast and fun way to cook. They are perfect for the grill or even your oven.

Recipe 5: Grilled Chicken and Vegetable Skewers

These skewers have colorful veggies and juicy chicken all on one stick.

Ready in: 30 minutes (plus 30 minutes to marinate)
Serves: 4 people

What you need:

  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1 inch cubes
  • 1 red bell pepper, cut into chunks
  • 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into chunks
  • 1 zucchini, cut into 1/2 inch thick slices
  • 1 red onion, cut into chunks
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

How to make it:

  1. In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, and salt. Add the chicken cubes and stir to coat. Cover and let it marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes.
  2. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water for 30 minutes.
  3. Turn your grill to medium high heat.
  4. Thread the skewers, alternating between chicken cubes and pieces of bell pepper, zucchini, and onion.
  5. Place the skewers on the hot grill. Cook for 10 to 12 minutes, turning them every few minutes. Cook until the chicken is firm and reaches 165°F and the vegetables have nice grill marks.
  6. Serve immediately.

Why everyone loves it: These skewers are a complete meal that looks beautiful on the plate. Kids love eating food off a stick, and you will love how easy it is to cook a balanced dinner.

Recipe 6: Spicy Harissa Chicken Skewers

These skewers have a spicy, North African kick that is balanced with a cool yogurt dip.

Ready in: 25 minutes (plus 30 minutes to marinate)
Serves: 4 people

What you need:

  • 1.5 pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1 inch cubes
  • 3 tablespoons harissa paste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
  • For the yogurt sauce: 1 cup plain yogurt, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint, salt to taste.

How to make it:

  1. In a bowl, mix the harissa paste, olive oil, lemon juice, and cumin. Add the chicken cubes and stir until fully coated. Cover and marinate in the fridge for 30 minutes.
  2. If using wooden skewers, soak them in water.
  3. Make the yogurt sauce by mixing the yogurt, lemon juice, mint, and salt in a small bowl. Set aside in the fridge.
  4. Turn your grill to medium high heat. Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers.
  5. Grill for 10 to 12 minutes, turning occasionally, until the chicken is cooked through to 165°F.
  6. Serve the spicy skewers with the cool mint yogurt sauce for dipping.

Why everyone loves it: Harissa paste adds a wonderful, warm heat that is not too overwhelming. The creamy yogurt sauce is the perfect partner to cool your mouth. It is an exciting way to change up your normal grilled chicken routine.

Healthy Mediterranean Chicken Salads

These salads are not just side dishes. They are full meals with protein, vegetables, and amazing flavor.

Recipe 7: Greek Chicken Salad

This is a crunchy, fresh, and satisfying salad that tastes like a vacation.

Ready in: 20 minutes
Serves: 2 as a main course

What you need:

  • 2 cooked chicken breasts, sliced or chopped (you can use leftovers or grilled chicken)
  • 4 cups chopped romaine lettuce
  • 1 cucumber, chopped
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives
  • 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • For the dressing: 1/4 cup olive oil, 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, salt and pepper to taste.

How to make it:

  1. In the bottom of a large salad bowl, whisk together all the ingredients for the dressing.
  2. On top of the dressing, add the chopped romaine lettuce, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and olives.
  3. Place the sliced chicken and crumbled feta cheese on top of the vegetables.
  4. Just before you are ready to eat, toss the salad everything together so the dressing coats all the ingredients.
  5. Serve immediately.

Why everyone loves it: This salad is incredibly fresh and healthy. The tangy feta and salty olives make every bite interesting. It is a quick way to turn leftover chicken into a spectacular lunch or dinner.

Recipe 8: Mediterranean Quinoa Chicken Salad

Quinoa is a super healthy grain. This salad is packed with protein and will keep you full for hours.

Ready in: 30 minutes
Serves: 4 people

What you need:

  • 1 cup uncooked quinoa
  • 2 cups water or chicken broth
  • 2 cups cooked chicken, shredded or diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 can (15 ounces) chickpeas, rinsed and drained
  • For the dressing: 1/4 cup olive oil, 3 tablespoons lemon juice, 1 clove garlic, minced, salt and pepper to taste.

How to make it:

  1. Rinse the quinoa under cold water. In a medium pot, combine the quinoa and water or broth. Bring to a boil. Then, reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and simmer for 15 minutes. Turn off the heat and let it sit, covered, for 5 more minutes. Fluff with a fork and let it cool.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled quinoa, chicken, bell pepper, tomatoes, red onion, parsley, and chickpeas.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, salt, and pepper.
  4. Pour the dressing over the quinoa mixture. Stir very well until everything is combined.
  5. You can eat this salad right away, or cover it and put it in the fridge. It tastes even better after a few hours when the flavors have mixed together. Serve it cold or at room temperature.

Why everyone loves it: This is a fantastic make ahead meal for lunches all week. The chickpeas and quinoa add lots of fiber and plant based protein, making it a powerhouse of nutrition that also tastes delicious.

A Special Bonus Recipe: Bulgur Pilaf with Vegetables (Kisir)

This is not a chicken recipe, but it is a perfect, healthy side dish to serve with any of your Mediterranean chicken meals.

Ready in: 25 minutes
Serves: 4 people

What you need:

  • 1 cup fine bulgur wheat
  • 1 1/2 cups boiling water
  • 1 cucumber, diced
  • 2 tomatoes, diced
  • 4 green onions, sliced
  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 3 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • Salt to taste

How to make it:

  1. Put the bulgur in a large bowl. Pour the boiling water over it. Cover the bowl with a lid or a plate and let it sit for 15 minutes until all the water is absorbed. Fluff it with a fork and let it cool.
  2. Add the cooled bulgur, cucumber, tomatoes, green onions, parsley, and mint to a large mixing bowl.
  3. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, tomato paste, paprika, and salt.
  4. Pour the dressing over the bulgur mixture. Mix very well until everything is evenly coated and turns a reddish color.
  5. You can serve it right away at room temperature, or chill it in the refrigerator first.

Why everyone loves it: Kisir is a vibrant Turkish salad that is more filling than a regular green salad. The tomato paste gives it a unique, rich flavor and a beautiful color. It is full of fiber and fresh herbs, and it is a fantastic make ahead dish for lunches or picnics.

Conclusion

I hope you feel inspired to try these 40 Mediterranean chicken recipes. Each one brings its own special taste and easy cooking method to your table. Whether you are having a party or just need a fast dinner, these dishes will help.

Trying these recipes is a fun way to learn new cooking skills. You can also share the vibrant tastes of the Mediterranean with your family and friends. So put on your apron, pick a recipe, and get ready for a delicious meal. Happy cooking

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