Grilled Mediterranean Chicken with Avocado Tapenade
Elevate your dinner routine with this Grilled Mediterranean Chicken served with a zesty Avocado Tapenade. Marinated in a bright lemon-garlic mixture, the juicy chicken breasts are grilled to perfection, enhancing their flavor and tenderness. The creamy avocado tapenade, loaded with fresh ingredients like tomatoes, olives, and capers, adds a delightful contrast and a burst of Mediterranean essence. Perfect for a quick weeknight meal or impressing guests at a weekend gathering, this dish is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
15
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breast halves
4 (cleaned and trimmed)
grated lemon peel
1 tablespoon (fresh)
fresh lemon juice
5 tablespoons, divided (freshly squeezed)
olive oil
3 tablespoons, divided (extra virgin)
garlic clove
1 (finely chopped)
salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
ground black pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
roasted garlic cloves
2 (mashed)
sea salt
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
fresh ground pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
medium-sized tomato
1 (seeded and finely chopped)
small green pimento stuffed olives
1/4 cup (thinly sliced)
capers
3 tablespoons (rinsed)
fresh basil leaves
2 tablespoons (finely sliced)
Hass avocado
1 (ripe and finely chopped)
Instructions
1
In a large sealable plastic bag, combine the chicken breasts with the grated lemon peel, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, chopped garlic, salt, and black pepper. Seal the bag tightly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
2
While the chicken is marinating, prepare the Avocado Tapenade. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the remaining 3 tablespoons of lemon juice, mashed roasted garlic, 1/2 teaspoon of olive oil, sea salt, and freshly ground pepper until well combined.
3
Gently fold in the finely chopped tomato, sliced green olives, rinsed capers, and sliced basil to the mixture. Finally, add the finely chopped ripe Hass avocado, stirring carefully to maintain its creamy texture. Set the tapenade aside.
4
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Remove the marinated chicken from the bag and discard the marinade. Grill the chicken breasts for 4 to 5 minutes on each side, or until they reach the desired doneness (internal temperature should be 165°F or 74°C).
5
Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve the grilled chicken warm, topped generously with the Avocado Tapenade.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Grilled Mediterranean Chicken with Avocado Tapenade?
It is a dish featuring lemon-garlic marinated chicken breasts grilled and topped with a fresh, creamy tapenade made of avocado, tomatoes, olives, and capers.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
The chicken should be marinated in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the lemon and garlic flavors to develop.
What is the recommended internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken breasts should be grilled until they reach an internal temperature of 165 degrees Fahrenheit or 74 degrees Celsius.
How long does the chicken need to grill on each side?
Grill the chicken breasts for approximately 4 to 5 minutes per side over medium-high heat.
What ingredients are used in the chicken marinade?
The marinade consists of grated lemon peel, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, chopped garlic, salt, and black pepper.
What are the components of the Avocado Tapenade?
The tapenade includes lemon juice, mashed roasted garlic, olive oil, sea salt, pepper, chopped tomato, sliced green olives, rinsed capers, sliced basil, and Hass avocado.
What kind of olives should I use for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of thinly sliced small green pimento stuffed olives.
Should the capers be prepared in any specific way?
Yes, the capers should be rinsed before being added to the Avocado Tapenade.
How do I prepare the tomato for the tapenade?
The tomato should be seeded and finely chopped before being folded into the mixture.
What type of garlic is used in the tapenade base?
The tapenade base uses 2 mashed roasted garlic cloves for a mellow, savory flavor.
Why is it important to let the chicken rest after grilling?
Allowing the chicken to rest for a few minutes helps the juices redistribute, ensuring the meat stays tender and moist when served.
Is this Mediterranean chicken recipe healthy?
Yes, it is a nutrient-packed dish featuring lean protein, healthy fats from avocado and olive oil, and fresh vegetables.
Can I prepare the tapenade in advance?
You can whisk the liquids and seasonings together ahead of time, but it is best to add the avocado just before serving to prevent it from browning.
What type of avocado is best for this dish?
A ripe Hass avocado is recommended for its creamy texture and rich flavor.
How do I maintain the texture of the avocado in the tapenade?
Add the avocado last and stir carefully and gently to avoid mashing it completely.
What kind of olive oil is recommended?
Extra virgin olive oil is used for both the chicken marinade and the tapenade for the best flavor profile.
How much lemon juice is needed for the entire recipe?
A total of 5 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice is required: 2 tablespoons for the marinade and 3 tablespoons for the tapenade.
What is the purpose of the lemon peel in the marinade?
The grated lemon peel provides a bright, aromatic citrus flavor that penetrates the chicken as it marinates.
Can I use dried basil instead of fresh basil?
While fresh basil provides the best Mediterranean essence, you could use a smaller amount of dried basil if fresh is unavailable.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
The recipe uses 4 chicken breast halves, typically serving 4 people.
Should I reuse the marinade after the chicken is removed?
No, you should always discard the marinade once the raw chicken has been removed to ensure food safety.
What heat setting should I use on my grill?
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat for the best results in searing and cooking the chicken.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all the listed ingredients—chicken, citrus, oil, herbs, and vegetables—are naturally gluten-free.
How is the basil prepared for the tapenade?
The fresh basil leaves should be finely sliced into thin strips.
Can I use bone-in chicken breasts for this recipe?
The recipe specifies boneless skinless halves, but bone-in could be used; however, they will require significantly longer grilling times.
What provides the salty element in the tapenade?
The combination of sea salt, sliced green olives, and rinsed capers provides the tapenade's savory, salty profile.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is designed to be a quick weeknight meal with a short marinating time and fast grilling process.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
Associated tags include Mediterranean, chicken, grilled, avocado, tapenade, healthy, dinner, and summer recipe.
Can I cook this without an outdoor grill?
Yes, you can use an indoor grill pan or a heavy skillet on the stovetop over medium-high heat.
How should I serve the Avocado Tapenade?
The tapenade should be served generously on top of the warm, grilled chicken breasts.