Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Thighs with Fresh Cucumber-Tomato Relish
This flavorful Mediterranean-inspired dish features succulent grilled chicken thighs marinated in a delightful blend of red wine, herbs, and garlic. Served alongside a refreshing cucumber-tomato relish, it's a perfect meal for summer gatherings or family dinners. The marinade infuses the meat with zesty notes, while the cool relish balances the warmth of the grilled chicken. Ideal for meal prep, this dish can be marinated in advance and is sure to impress at your next barbecue.
6
Servings
467
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken thighs
12 (none)
dry red wine
1/3 cup (none)
olive oil
3 tablespoons (divided)
dried oregano
1 teaspoon (divided)
dried rosemary
1 teaspoon (none)
grated lemon peel
1 teaspoon (none)
garlic
2 cloves (minced)
salt
1 teaspoon (none)
black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (none)
medium cucumber
1 (peeled and chopped)
medium tomatoes
2 (seeded and finely chopped)
white balsamic vinegar
1 tablespoon (none)
Instructions
1
In a large zip-top bag, combine boneless skinless chicken thighs with a marinade made from dry red wine, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of dried oregano, rosemary, grated lemon peel, minced garlic, salt, and pepper.
2
Seal the bag and gently massage the marinade into the chicken. Place the bag in a large bowl to catch any leaks and refrigerate for at least 4 hours, preferably overnight. Remember to turn the bag occasionally to ensure even marination.
3
While the chicken marinates, prepare the cucumber-tomato relish: In a medium bowl, combine the chopped cucumber, seeded and finely chopped tomatoes, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix well and cover; refrigerate for up to 4 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
4
When ready to grill, preheat a grill to medium heat. Remove the chicken from the marinade, discarding the marinade.
5
Place the chicken thighs on the grill. Grill each side for 12-15 minutes or until the internal juices run clear and the chicken has nice grill marks. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
6
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before serving.
7
Serve the grilled chicken thighs topped with the chilled cucumber-tomato relish for a refreshing finish.
Nutrition Information
30g
Fat
6g
Carbs
33g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Thighs with Fresh Cucumber-Tomato Relish?
It is a flavorful dish featuring succulent grilled chicken thighs marinated in red wine, herbs, and garlic, served with a refreshing cucumber and tomato relish.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe yields 6 servings.
How many calories are in one serving of this chicken dish?
Each serving contains approximately 467 calories.
What are the main ingredients for the Mediterranean marinade?
The marinade consists of dry red wine, olive oil, dried oregano, rosemary, grated lemon peel, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper.
How long should the chicken be marinated?
The chicken should marinate for at least 4 hours, though letting it sit overnight is preferred for maximum flavor.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 12 boneless skinless chicken thighs.
How do I make the cucumber-tomato relish?
Mix chopped cucumber, seeded tomatoes, olive oil, white balsamic vinegar, oregano, salt, and pepper in a bowl and refrigerate.
What kind of vinegar is used in the relish?
This recipe uses 1 tablespoon of white balsamic vinegar.
At what temperature should the grill be set?
Preheat your grill to medium heat before cooking the chicken.
How long does it take to grill the chicken thighs?
Grill the chicken for about 12-15 minutes per side.
What is the safe internal temperature for the chicken?
The internal temperature should reach 165°F (75°C) to be considered fully cooked.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, but you will need to adjust the cooking time as breasts cook faster and can dry out more easily than thighs.
How much protein is in each serving?
There are 33 grams of protein per serving.
How much fat and carbohydrates are in this dish?
Each serving contains 30 grams of fat and 6 grams of carbohydrates.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it is ideal for meal prep as the chicken can be marinated in advance and the relish can be prepared ahead of time.
How should the garlic be prepared for the marinade?
The recipe recommends using 2 cloves of garlic, finely minced.
What herbs are required for this recipe?
The recipe uses dried oregano and dried rosemary.
Can the relish be made a day in advance?
The instructions suggest refrigerating the relish for up to 4 hours to let the flavors meld without the vegetables becoming too soft.
Do I need to peel the cucumber for the relish?
Yes, the recipe specifies using one medium cucumber that has been peeled and chopped.
What should I do with the leftover marinade?
Always discard the marinade once the raw chicken has been removed from it.
How many tomatoes are needed for the relish?
You will need 2 medium tomatoes, which should be seeded and finely chopped.
Why do I need to let the chicken rest after grilling?
Letting the chicken rest for a few minutes allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring the meat stays moist and tender.
Is there a substitute for dry red wine?
If you prefer not to use wine, you can substitute it with chicken broth mixed with a teaspoon of red wine vinegar.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Tags include Mediterranean, grilled chicken, healthy recipe, barbecue, summer meal, and tomato salad.
Does the recipe use lemon juice or lemon peel?
The marinade specifically uses 1 teaspoon of grated lemon peel for a zesty flavor.
How is the olive oil distributed in this recipe?
3 tablespoons of olive oil are used in total: 2 tablespoons go into the marinade and 1 tablespoon goes into the relish.
Can I cook this without a grill?
Yes, you can use a grill pan on the stovetop or bake the thighs in an oven at 400°F until they reach the internal temperature of 165°F.
How much salt and pepper should be used?
Use 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, plus additional salt and pepper to taste for the relish.
What is the serving size for this dish?
The serving size is one-sixth of the total recipe, typically consisting of two chicken thighs topped with relish.
Is this a gluten-free recipe?
Yes, all the listed ingredients—chicken, wine, oil, herbs, and vegetables—are naturally gluten-free.