When it comes to healthy and delicious weeknight dinners, nothing beats Mediterranean cuisine. The Mediterranean diet is known for its heart-healthy ingredients like olive oil, fresh vegetables, herbs, and lean protein — making it one of the best ways to enjoy flavorful meals without the guilt.
If you’re looking for ways to bring that sunny, coastal flavor to your table, you’re in the right place. Today, we’re sharing 5 Mediterranean chicken recipes that are easy to make, packed with nutrients, and perfect for meal prep or family dinners.
Whether you love baked, grilled, or skillet chicken, these recipes will transport your taste buds straight to Greece, Italy, or the south of France.
Why Choose Mediterranean Chicken Recipes?
Mediterranean chicken recipes are more than just tasty — they’re also incredibly good for you. Here’s why:
- Rich in Healthy Fats: Olive oil, nuts, and seeds provide monounsaturated fats that support heart health.
- Packed with Fresh Herbs & Veggies: Basil, oregano, parsley, and tomatoes add vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Protein-Packed: Chicken is a lean source of protein that helps build muscle and keeps you full.
- Versatile & Easy: These recipes work for lunch, dinner, or even meal prep.
By cooking chicken Mediterranean-style, you’ll enjoy meals that are flavorful, balanced, and satisfying.
1. Mediterranean Lemon Herb Chicken
This light and tangy Mediterranean lemon herb chicken is the perfect weeknight dinner. The bright lemon flavor pairs beautifully with garlic and fresh herbs.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Juice and zest of 2 lemons
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Marinate the chicken: In a bowl, whisk olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken breasts, coating them evenly. Marinate for at least 30 minutes (or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor).
- Cook: Preheat a grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side or until fully cooked (internal temp 165°F).
- Serve with a side of Greek salad or roasted vegetables.
Why you’ll love it: This recipe is fresh, healthy, and takes less than 30 minutes to make.
2. Greek Chicken Souvlaki Skewers
If you love Greek food, you have to try chicken souvlaki. These skewers are smoky, savory, and perfect for a weekend barbecue or quick dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- ¼ cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Wooden skewers (soaked in water for 20 minutes)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- Add the chicken cubes and toss well. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Thread the marinated chicken onto skewers.
- Grill over medium-high heat for 10-12 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden and cooked through.
- Serve with warm pita bread, tzatziki sauce, and chopped cucumber-tomato salad.
Pro Tip: Make extra — souvlaki is great for meal-prep bowls and wraps!
3. Mediterranean Chicken with Olives and Tomatoes
This one-pan recipe is bursting with flavor from juicy cherry tomatoes, briny Kalamata olives, and garlic. It’s a colorful and healthy dinner that comes together quickly.
Ingredients
- 4 bone-in chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small red onion, sliced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup Kalamata olives
- ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper, then sear skin-side down for 6-7 minutes until golden. Flip and cook for another 5 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, sauté onion and garlic until fragrant.
- Add tomatoes, olives, red pepper flakes, and chicken broth. Stir well.
- Return chicken to the skillet and simmer for 10-12 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and the sauce thickens.
- Garnish with fresh parsley and serve with couscous or quinoa.
Why it works: The combination of briny olives and sweet tomatoes creates a restaurant-quality dish in under 30 minutes.
4. Creamy Mediterranean Chicken with Spinach
If you’re craving comfort food, this creamy chicken recipe is a must-try. It’s rich, but still healthy thanks to Greek yogurt instead of heavy cream.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup chicken broth
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- ½ tsp oregano
- ½ tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
- Season chicken with oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove from skillet.
- In the same pan, sauté garlic for 1 minute. Add chicken broth and bring to a simmer.
- Stir in Greek yogurt and whisk until creamy.
- Add spinach and cook until wilted. Return chicken to the skillet and spoon sauce over it.
- Serve with whole-grain pasta or rice.
Healthy twist: Using Greek yogurt keeps the dish creamy but lighter and higher in protein.
5. Mediterranean Sheet Pan Chicken Dinner
This is the ultimate one-pan dinner — perfect for busy nights! Just toss everything on a baking sheet and let the oven do the work.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs or breasts
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- On a large baking sheet, arrange chicken and vegetables.
- Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Toss everything to coat evenly.
- Roast for 25-30 minutes, or until chicken is fully cooked and veggies are tender.
- Serve with a drizzle of balsamic glaze or a sprinkle of feta cheese.
Why it’s amazing: Minimal cleanup and a balanced meal in one pan.
Tips for Perfect Mediterranean Chicken Recipes
- Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh oregano, basil, and parsley elevate the flavor of any dish.
- Don’t Skip the Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil adds richness and health benefits.
- Marinate for Maximum Flavor: Even 30 minutes of marinating can make a big difference.
- Pair with Whole Grains: Serve with brown rice, quinoa, or farro for a complete meal.
Final Thoughts
These 5 Mediterranean chicken recipes are proof that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring. Whether you want something light and fresh like lemon herb chicken, or hearty and comforting like creamy spinach chicken, there’s a recipe here for every mood and occasion.
Try one (or all!) of these dishes this week, and bring the sunny, wholesome flavors of the Mediterranean right to your kitchen.