Description
Mediterranean-inspired zesty chicken with olive sauce delivers bold Mediterranean flavors in a simple weeknight dinner. Fresh herbs and tangy olives complement grilled chicken, creating a delightful meal you’ll savor with enthusiasm.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 1 boneless, skinless chicken parts (breasts or thighs)
- 1/2 cup Castelvetrano olives, pitted and torn
- 1 cup parsley, chopped (both leaves and stems)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
Aromatics and Seasonings:
- 1 Fresno chile, finely sliced
- 2 tablespoons brine from Castelvetrano olives
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
Citrus:
- 1 fresh lemon, divided
Instructions
- Prepare a two-zone grill with high and low heat areas, creating optimal cooking conditions for the chicken.
- Use paper towels to thoroughly dry chicken pieces, gently pounding thicker sections to ensure uniform thickness for consistent grilling.
- Create vibrant parsley-olive sauce by combining extra virgin olive oil, chopped parsley, torn Castelvetrano olives, olive brine, sliced Fresno chile, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Season with kosher salt and black pepper to enhance flavor complexity.
- Generously coat chicken with olive oil and season with salt. Simultaneously, brush grill grates with oil to prevent sticking and promote beautiful grill marks.
- Sear chicken on high-heat zone for 4-6 minutes per side until golden brown, developing rich caramelization and crisp exterior.
- Transition chicken to cooler grill section, continuing cooking until internal temperature reaches 155°F for breasts or 165°F for thighs, ensuring safe and juicy meat.
- Transfer grilled chicken directly into sauce bowl, allowing meat to rest and absorb aromatic sauce flavors for 5-30 minutes. Adjust seasoning with additional lemon juice and pepper before serving.
Notes
- Grill Mastery Ensure even cooking by using a two-zone heat method, creating a perfect temperature gradient for succulent, well-cooked chicken.
- Moisture Retention Pat chicken dry before seasoning to help achieve a crispy exterior and lock in natural juices during grilling.
- Flavor Enhancing Let the grilled chicken rest in the parsley-olive sauce to absorb additional layers of tangy, herbaceous flavors and keep the meat tender.
- Dietary Adaptations Swap chicken with firm tofu or portobello mushrooms for a vegetarian version, maintaining the sauce’s vibrant Mediterranean profile.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 24 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg