Mediterranean Grilled Chicken

Name: Mediterranean Grilled Chicken
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 60 min
Ingredients: 1.5-2 pounds bone-in (skin-on chicken thighs); 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 2 teaspoons red wine vinegar; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 sprig fresh thyme leaves; 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (chopped); 2 garlic cloves (minced); 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

This juicy Grilled Mediterranean Chicken recipe is the best chicken recipe for your grilling season. A simple delicious marinade is all you need for the most flavorful grilled chicken every time.

Jump to Recipe

This Mediterranean grilled chicken recipe is my go-to whenever it's chicken night because the marinade is made with pantry staples and they always come out juicy and tender.

Bone-in or boneless?

I'm not one to shy away from bone-in chicken thighs and for good reason! The dark meat of chicken thighs means more flavor and juicy chicken. You're less likely to overcook them which means you don't need to worry about dry chicken, and nobody wants that!

When deciding between bone-in or boneless thighs it really depends on the recipe. For a simple grilled chicken thigh recipe I recommend bone-in as you're either eating with your hands or utensils along with your favorite side dishes. For recipes like cajun chicken sandwiches, pastas or soups I'm more likely to go for boneless as picking out the bones from these would be... unpleasant and annoying.

Skin-on or skinless?

I use the same rule of thumb when choosing between skin-on thighs or skinless thighs. I'm going off what the recipe is.

For battered or sauce-drenched chicken like spicy chicken sandwiches or 20-minute sticky chicken, I'm opting for skinless since my batter and sauce are the main event. For a more basic marinade like a lemon pepper chicken, I'm choosing skin-on chicken thighs so I can savor the crispy flavor of the skin.

Why You'll Love this Recipe

Quick and easy recipe. These chicken thighs only require 5 minutes of prep and about 12 minutes of cooking time (plus marinating time).
Flavorful. Elevate your summer dinners or meal prep with these easy and flavorful Mediterranean chicken thighs.
Versatile. This simple chicken recipe can be served with a wide variety of sides, over salads or in sandwiches!

Ingredients

Chicken thighs. This recipe uses bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for more flavor and juiciness. However, boneless, skinless thighs can also be used if preferred.
Red wine vinegar. Red wine vinegar adds a tanginess and brightness to the chicken marinade. Lemon juice would be a great substitute.
Dried and fresh herbs. Oregano, fresh thyme, and fresh parsley are all classic Mediterranean flavors and contribute to flavorful chicken.

See the recipe card below for the remaining ingredients and quantities.

Instructions

Step 1: Place the chicken thighs in a bowl, add the remaining ingredients, and toss to coat. Allow to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.

Step 2: Preheat the grill to medium-high heat and sear the chicken for 5-10 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F.

I recommend marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes but preferably 2-4 hours. This will help to infuse the flavors into the chicken and tenderize it.

Recipe FAQs

What temperature should my grill be set to?

Your grill should be around 450 degrees F for bone-in chicken thighs.

How do I know when the chicken thighs are done cooking?

If you're new to cooking or it's your first time cooking chicken, I suggest using a meat thermometer to ensure they are fully cooked. Be sure to stick the thermometer in the thickest part of the thigh. Cook the chicken thighs to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Can I use a cast-iron pan?

Yes. Heat 1 tablespoon of oil in a cast-iron skillet on medium heat. Place chicken thighs skin side down and cook for 10 minutes, flip and cook for another 8-10 minutes. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.

How long can you marinate chicken in lemon juice?

Experts say you should avoid marinating chicken in lemon juice for more than 4 hours. Beyond this, the acidity can start to "cook" the chicken, leading to an undesirable mushy texture. However, I have done it overnight and it turned out okay, but I'll usually throw my marinade together around lunchtime if I'm serving the chicken for dinner.

How long does it take to grill chicken thighs on the grill?

Chicken thighs take between 12-20 minutes to cook on the grill depending on the size of the thighs and how hot your grill is. This is why I prefer to use a thermometer to ensure the thighs are cooked through.

Sarah's Top Tips

Bring to room temperature. Take your chicken out of the refrigerator 20-30 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature as it will guarantee a more even cook throughout.
Use a meat thermometer. To ensure the chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer to check that it has reached 165 degrees F.
Preheat the grill. In order to get an even cook, you'll want a HOT grill. Make sure you heat the grill to 450 degrees. Check out this post for Summer Grilling Tips.
Let the chicken rest after cooking. Letting the chicken rest for about 5 minutes after cooking allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat for the best flavor!
Discard leftover marinade. Never re-use the rest of the marinade, this could lead to cross-contamination and food-borne illness. You can make extra Mediterranean marinade and reserve it before adding it to the chicken if you want some for later use.

Serving Mediterranean Grilled Chicken

To keep up with the Mediterranean theme, herb and lemon couscous is a perfect side. You can also serve this chicken alongside these Couscous Stuffed Peppers or Zucchini Risotto for some added protein.

Especially for the summer months, a fresh green salad also pairs beautifully with these chicken thighs. Italian Tomato Salad, Strawberry Tomato Summer Salad, Egg and Mayo-Free Potato Salad or Mediterranean Lemon Orzo Salad all make great sides for this recipe.