Mediterranean Grilled Chicken with Dill and Ouzo Marinade
This Mediterranean-inspired grilled chicken is bursting with flavor from a vibrant marinade featuring fresh dill, aromatic garlic, and a splash of ouzo. Perfectly tender and juicy, this chicken pairs beautifully with a refreshing cucumber and herb salad, making it an ideal dish for summer cookouts or weeknight dinners. The marinade infuses the chicken with a delightful balance of citrus and herbaceous notes, creating a deliciously memorable meal that will impress family and friends alike. Note: prep time does not include marinating time of 30 minutes to 4 hours.
N/A
Servings
200
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breasts
4 (None)
dill
1/2 cup (chopped)
olive oil
1/4 cup (None)
onion
1 small (thinly sliced)
garlic cloves
3 (crushed)
lemon zest
from 1 lemon (grated)
lemon
1 (juiced)
ouzo
2 tablespoons (None)
fennel seed
1 teaspoon (crushed)
salt
to taste (None)
pepper
to taste (None)
Instructions
1
In a large ziplock bag, combine chopped dill, olive oil, thinly sliced onion, crushed garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, ouzo, crushed fennel seed, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create the marinade.
2
Add the boneless skinless chicken breasts to the marinade in the ziplock bag, ensuring they are well coated.
3
For a mild flavor, marinate the chicken for 30 minutes. For a more intense flavor, allow it to marinate for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator. Avoid marinating longer than 4 hours to prevent the chicken from becoming too salty or mushy.
4
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat.
5
Once the grill is hot, remove the chicken from the marinade and discard the remaining marinade.
6
Place the chicken breasts on the grill and cook with the lid closed for approximately 7 minutes. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 7 to 7 1/2 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C).
7
Remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.
Nutrition Information
10g
Fat
2g
Carbs
30g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main ingredients for the marinade?
The marinade consists of chopped dill, olive oil, thinly sliced onion, crushed garlic, lemon zest, lemon juice, ouzo, crushed fennel seed, salt, and pepper.
How much dill is needed for this recipe?
You will need 1/2 cup of fresh chopped dill.
Can I substitute fresh dill with dried dill?
While fresh dill is recommended for the best flavor profile, you can use dried dill in a smaller quantity, though it may alter the vibrant Mediterranean taste.
What is the role of ouzo in this chicken recipe?
Ouzo adds a distinct anise flavor and aromatic quality to the marinade, providing an authentic Mediterranean touch.
What can I use if I do not have ouzo?
If you don't have ouzo, you can substitute it with another anise-flavored liqueur like Pernod, or skip it entirely, though the flavor profile will change slightly.
How long should the chicken marinate for best results?
For a mild flavor, marinate for 30 minutes. For a more intense flavor, allow it to marinate for up to 4 hours.
Can I marinate the chicken for more than 4 hours?
No, it is recommended to avoid marinating longer than 4 hours to prevent the chicken from becoming too salty or having a mushy texture due to the acidity.
Why shouldn't I marinate the chicken overnight?
The lemon juice and salt in the marinade can break down the proteins too much over a long period, resulting in an unpleasant, mushy consistency.
How should the garlic be prepared for the marinade?
The recipe calls for 3 garlic cloves that have been crushed.
What type of chicken is best for this recipe?
The recipe specifically uses 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts.
Do I need to zest the lemon or just use the juice?
Both are used; you need the grated zest from one lemon and the juice from one lemon.
How should the onion be sliced?
The recipe recommends using 1 small onion that is thinly sliced.
At what temperature should I grill the chicken?
The grill should be preheated to medium-high heat.
How long do I cook each side of the chicken breast?
Cook the first side for approximately 7 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 7 to 7.5 minutes.
Should the grill lid be open or closed while cooking?
The chicken should be cooked with the grill lid closed to ensure even heat distribution.
What is the target internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
Is it necessary to let the chicken rest after grilling?
Yes, letting the chicken rest for a few minutes after removal from the grill helps keep it tender and juicy before slicing.
Can I reuse the leftover marinade as a sauce?
No, you should discard the remaining marinade after removing the raw chicken to prevent foodborne illness.
How many calories are in a serving of this dish?
There are approximately 200 calories per serving.
What is the protein content of this chicken recipe?
Each serving contains approximately 30 grams of protein.
Is this recipe low in carbohydrates?
Yes, it is very low in carbohydrates, containing only 2 grams per serving.
How much fat is in this grilled chicken?
There are 10 grams of fat per serving.
Is this dish suitable for a Mediterranean diet?
Yes, the use of olive oil, fresh herbs, citrus, and lean protein makes it a perfect fit for a Mediterranean diet.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, you can substitute chicken thighs, but you may need to adjust the grilling time to ensure they are cooked through to 165°F.
What if I do not have an outdoor grill?
You can use a stovetop grill pan over medium-high heat to achieve similar results.
What does the fennel seed add to the flavor profile?
Fennel seeds provide a sweet, earthy, and slight licorice flavor that complements the ouzo and dill perfectly.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal, as the active cooking and prep time is relatively short once the marinating is complete.
What should I serve with Mediterranean Grilled Chicken?
It pairs beautifully with a refreshing cucumber and herb salad or other light Mediterranean side dishes.
Can I prepare the marinade in advance?
Yes, you can mix the marinade ingredients ahead of time and store them in the refrigerator, but only add the chicken up to 4 hours before cooking.
Is this recipe suitable for summer cookouts?
Absolutely, the bright citrus and dill flavors make it an ideal choice for summer grilling and outdoor dining.