Mediterranean Style Grilled Chicken
A favorite here at the ranch, our Mediterranean Grilled Chicken is a recipe that will tantalize your taste buds and fully embraces healthy dining! With an irresistible blend of tender, pasture raised chicken paired with a marinade rich with antioxidants, savor every bite while understanding the secrets of creating a grilled chicken dish that's both nourishing and delicious!
Health Benefits of Pasture Raised Chicken
Before we dive into the details of this Mediterranean Grilled Chicken recipe, let's take a moment to appreciate the health benefits of using Pasture Raised Chicken. Unlike conventionally raised poultry, Pasture Raised Chickens are allowed to roam and forage outdoors, leading to four notable advantages:
- Lower Fat Content: Pasture Raised Chicken has a lower fat content than conventionally raised chicken, making it a heart-healthy choice.
- Higher Nutrient Levels: Pasture Raised Chickens tend to have higher levels of essential nutrients, such as omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins A and E, due to their varied diet.
- No Hormones or Antibiotics: Pasture Raised Chickens are raised without hormones and antibiotics, which are commonly used in industrial poultry farming.
- Better Taste and Texture: Many people find that Pasture Raised Chicken has a superior taste and texture, making it a preferred option for culinary enthusiasts.
Cooking Tips
- Low and Slow: Cooking pasture-raised meats, like Pasture Raised Chicken, low and slow is the key to achieving tender results. This method allows the meat to cook evenly and retain its moisture, resulting in a juicy and flavorful outcome.
- Chicken Cooking Temperature Table: To avoid undercooking or overcooking your chicken, refer to the following temperature guide:
- Chicken Breasts: Cook to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Chicken Thighs and Drumsticks: Cook to an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), Or 175°F (80°C) for a different texture profile.
- Other Tips:
- Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to the right temperature.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after grilling to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring a succulent bite.
Ingredients
- Pasture Raised Chicken (Leg/Thigh or Breast): The star of the show, Pasture Raised Chicken offers a rich, meaty flavor that combines well with the strong marinade.
- Lemon Juice: Lemon juice brings a zesty, tangy flavor to the dish and helps tenderize the chicken.
- Olive Oil: Olive oil adds a luscious, silky texture and a pleasant, fruity undertone to the marinade.
- Garlic: Garlic infuses the marinade with its signature robust flavor, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
- Salt: Salt is essential for seasoning the chicken and enhancing the flavors of the other ingredients.
List of Tools
- Resealable bag
- Casserole dish or cookie sheet
- Grill (charcoal, pellet, or gas)
- Meat thermometer
- Serving platter
- Gravy dish
How to Make Instructions:
1. Defrost your chicken and place it in a resealable bag.
2. Blend the lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and salt until smooth, then pour two-thirds of the marinade into the bag with the chicken. Massage the chicken, ensuring it's fully coated, and marinate for a minimum of two hours. Reserve one-third of the marinade for later.
3. Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
4. Place the marinated chicken parts in a casserole dish or on a cookie sheet, and let them bake in the preheated oven for one hour. This low and slow cooking process helps tenderize the meat.
5. While the chicken is in the oven, preheat your grill to medium high heat. Whether you're using charcoal, pellet, or gas, ensure it's hot and ready for grilling.
6. Once the chicken has finished baking, remove it from the oven and immediately transfer it to the preheated grill. This ensures that the meat stays hot and maintains its juiciness.
7. Grill the chicken for approximately 7-10 minutes per side, basting every several minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken, ensuring it reaches the appropriate temperature based on the cut you're using (160°F as it will continue cooking up to 165°F once removed from the heat. Thighs and drumsticks can be cooked to 170°F for a better texture).
8. Place the grilled chicken on a serving platter, and drizzle some of the reserved marinade over the top. You may also sprinkle some fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley over the top as well. Leave the remaining marinade in a gravy dish on the table to add to taste.
9. Serve your Mediterranean Grilled Chicken with your favorite side dishes, such as hummus, wild rice, tomato salad, or small red potatoes, and Enjoy!
How to Store
To store any leftover Mediterranean Grilled Chicken, allow it to cool to room temperature, then refrigerate it in an airtight container. It should be consumed within 4-5 days to ensure freshness. You can also freeze the chicken for longer storage, but be sure to use suitable freezer bags or containers to prevent freezer burn.
Variations on the Recipe
While this recipe is already bursting with flavor, you can add your personal touch to create unique variations:
- Herb-Marinated Chicken: Incorporate fresh herbs like rosemary, thyme, or oregano into the marinade for an herbal twist.
- Spicy Kick: If you enjoy some heat, add red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper to the marinade for a spicy Mediterranean flair.
- Greek Yogurt Marinade: Mix Greek yogurt with garlic, lemon, and herbs for a creamy and tangy marinade.
- Mediterranean Salad: Serve the grilled chicken over a bed of Mediterranean salad with fresh veggies and feta cheese.
Questions and Answers
Q1: Can I use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for this recipe?
A1: Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well in this recipe. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Q2: Can I use a grill pan if I don't have an outdoor grill?
A2: Yes, you can use a grill pan on your stovetop. Heat it to high heat and follow the same grilling instructions as mentioned in the recipe.
Q3: Can I finish roasting the chicken in the oven I don't have an outdoor grill?
A3: Yes, you can finish cooking your chicken in the oven. Set your oven to broil at 350°F and follow the same grilling instructions as mentioned in the recipe.
Q4: What sides go best with Mediterranean Grilled Chicken?
A4: Mediterranean-inspired sides such as hummus, tabbouleh, pita bread, and a cucumber-tomato salad make excellent choices to complement the flavors of the chicken.
FULL RECIPE
Ingredients
3.0 lbs FFF Chicken Legs or Breasts
1 Cup Lemon Juice
1/2 Cup Olive Oil
6 Cloves Garlic
1 Tablespoon Salt
Instructions
1. Defrost your chicken and place it in a resealable bag.
2. Blend the lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and salt until smooth, then pour two-thirds of the marinade into the bag with the chicken. Massage the chicken, ensuring it's fully coated, and marinate for a minimum of two hours. Reserve one-third of the marinade for later.
3. Preheat your oven to 275°F (135°C).
4. Place the marinated chicken parts in a casserole dish or on a cookie sheet, and let them bake in the preheated oven for one hour. This low and slow cooking process helps tenderize the meat.
5. While the chicken is in the oven, preheat your grill to medium high heat. Whether you're using charcoal, pellet, or gas, ensure it's hot and ready for grilling.
6. Once the chicken has finished baking, remove it from the oven and immediately transfer it to the preheated grill. This ensures that the meat stays hot and maintains its juiciness.
7. Grill the chicken for approximately 7-10 minutes per side, basting every several minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken, ensuring it reaches the appropriate temperature based on the cut you're using (160°F as it will continue cooking up to 165°F once removed from the heat. Thighs and drumsticks can be cooked to 170°F for a better texture).
8. Place the grilled chicken on a serving platter, and drizzle some of the reserved marinade over the top. You may also sprinkle some fresh herbs like rosemary or parsley over the top as well. Leave the remaining marinade in a gravy dish on the table to add to taste.
9. Serve your Mediterranean Grilled Chicken with your favorite side dishes, such as hummus, wild rice, tomato salad, or small red potatoes, and Enjoy!
