Description
Discover a flavorful Mediterranean Chicken Bread recipe offered in three versatile cooking methods: grilling, stovetop searing, and air frying. Marinated with a blend of herbs, garlic, Greek yogurt, and lemon juice, this dish is perfect for quick weeknight dinners or weekend entertaining, delivering tender, juicy chicken bursting with Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Marinade
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 3 tablespoons full-fat Greek yogurt
- 8 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice (from about 2 lemons)
- 2 tablespoons dried oregano
- 2 teaspoons dried marjoram
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon sea salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
Chicken
- 2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch cubes for skewering or pounded thin for grilling/stovetop
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for stovetop method)
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter (for stovetop method)
- Wooden skewers (if using grill method)
Instructions
- Make the Marinade: In a large mixing bowl, combine the extra-virgin olive oil, full-fat Greek yogurt, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, dried oregano, dried marjoram, dried dill, dried thyme, sea salt, black pepper, and onion powder. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well incorporated, creating a flavorful marinade base.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken cubes or pounded-thin chicken breasts to the marinade bowl. Toss gently but thoroughly to ensure every piece is evenly coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes; for best results, let it marinate overnight to deepen the flavors.
- Prepare Skewers (Grill Method): If using wooden skewers for grilling, soak them in water for about 30 minutes prior to cooking. This step prevents the skewers from burning during the grilling process.
- Grill Method: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Thread the marinated chicken cubes onto the soaked skewers. Place on the grill and cook for 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the chicken is fully cooked and develops appealing grill marks. Cooking times may vary depending on chicken thickness and grill heat.
- Stovetop Method: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil and 1 tablespoon unsalted butter in a large skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Place the marinated chicken pieces (pounded thin works best) in the pan and sear for about 4-5 minutes per side. Cook until a golden crust forms and the chicken is cooked through.
- Air Fryer Method: Preheat your air fryer to 385°F (196°C). Place the marinated chicken pieces in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Air fry for 20 minutes, flipping the chicken halfway through cooking to ensure even browning. Once cooked, let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before serving to allow juices to redistribute.
Notes
- For the juiciest chicken, marinate overnight to allow maximum flavor infusion.
- If using wooden skewers, soaking them is essential to avoid charring.
- Adjust cooking times according to the size and thickness of the chicken pieces.
- Serve with your favorite Mediterranean bread or pita and fresh vegetables or a salad for a complete meal.
- This recipe is flexible—choose the cooking method that best fits your available equipment and taste preferences.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Stovetop, Air Frying (primary cooking methods are grilling, stovetop searing, and air frying; grilling and stovetop involve direct heat cooking on a grill or pan, air frying uses hot circulating air to cook the chicken)
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: Mediterranean chicken, chicken skewers, grilled chicken, air fryer chicken, stovetop chicken, herb marinade, Greek yogurt marinade
