Middle Eastern Spiced Chicken with Fresh Tomato Relish
This flavorful recipe seamlessly combines the warm, earthy spices of Middle Eastern cuisine with the freshness of a zesty tomato relish. Succulent chicken breasts are coated with a bold spice blend and grilled to perfection, delivering a smoky and aromatic experience. The vibrant tomato relish, with its lively mix of juicy tomatoes, sweet onions, and fresh parsley, complements the savory chicken beautifully. Serve this delightful dish with warm pita or flatbread for a light, satisfying, and culturally-inspired meal that's perfect for lunch or a casual snack. This versatile spice rub also adds a savory kick to shrimp, making it a diverse addition to your spice cabinet.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
paprika
1 1/2 tablespoons (none)
ground cumin
1 1/2 tablespoons (none)
dried oregano
1 teaspoon (none)
ground coriander
1 teaspoon (none)
crushed red pepper flakes
1/2-1 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
kosher salt
1 1/2 teaspoons (none)
boneless skinless chicken breasts
4 breasts (split into 8 pieces) (split)
extra virgin olive oil
as needed (for drizzling)
warm pita bread or flat bread
as needed (for serving)
vine ripened tomatoes
3 (seeded and chopped)
yellow tomatoes
2 (seeded and chopped)
sweet onion
1 small (thinly sliced)
flat leaf parsley
1/2 cup (chopped)
extra virgin olive oil
3 tablespoons (for dressing)
ripe lemon
1 (juiced)
ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon (for relish)
ground coriander
1/2 teaspoon (for relish)
crushed red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon (for relish)
kosher salt
to taste (for relish)
Instructions
1
In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, ground coriander, crushed red pepper flakes, and kosher salt. This will be your spice rub for the chicken.
2
Place the chicken breasts in a shallow dish. Drizzle lightly with extra virgin olive oil, ensuring a thin and even coat over each piece.
3
Generously rub the chicken with 4 tablespoons of the spice blend, making sure to cover the entire surface of each piece. Set the chicken aside to marinate for at least 10 minutes.
4
While the chicken is marinating, prepare the Tomato Relish by seeding and chopping both the vine-ripened and yellow tomatoes. Place them in a shallow bowl along with the thinly sliced sweet onion and chopped flat-leaf parsley.
5
In a small container with a lid, combine 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, the juice of one ripe lemon, 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin, 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander, and 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes. Shake well to emulsify the dressing.
6
Pour the dressing over the tomato mixture. Season with kosher salt to taste, and toss everything gently to ensure the ingredients are well coated. Let the relish stand for about 10 minutes to meld the flavors.
7
Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Grill the marinated chicken breasts for approximately 6 to 7 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and the juices run clear.
8
Serve the grilled chicken with the prepared tomato relish and warm pita or flatbread on the side.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Middle Eastern Spiced Chicken with Fresh Tomato Relish?
It is a flavorful dish featuring grilled chicken breasts coated in a warm spice blend, served alongside a zesty relish made from fresh tomatoes, sweet onions, and parsley.
What spices are in the Middle Eastern spice rub?
The spice rub consists of paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, ground coriander, crushed red pepper flakes, and kosher salt.
How long should I marinate the chicken?
You should let the chicken marinate with the spice rub for at least 10 minutes before grilling.
What ingredients are in the Tomato Relish?
The relish includes vine-ripened tomatoes, yellow tomatoes, sweet onion, and fresh flat-leaf parsley.
How do I make the dressing for the relish?
Combine 3 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil, the juice of one lemon, 1/2 teaspoon each of cumin, coriander, and red pepper flakes, then shake to emulsify.
How long should the chicken be grilled?
Grill the chicken breasts for approximately 6 to 7 minutes on each side over medium-high heat until the juices run clear.
What should I serve with this recipe?
This dish is best served with warm pita bread or flatbread on the side.
How many servings does this recipe yield?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
Can I use the spice rub on other types of protein?
Yes, this versatile spice blend also adds a savory kick to shrimp or other meats.
Is this recipe spicy?
The recipe includes crushed red pepper flakes in both the rub and the relish, providing a kick that you can adjust to your taste preference.
What types of tomatoes are recommended for the relish?
The recipe calls for a mix of 3 vine-ripened tomatoes and 2 yellow tomatoes for visual and flavor variety.
Should I seed the tomatoes for the relish?
Yes, the instructions specify that both the vine-ripened and yellow tomatoes should be seeded and chopped.
What type of onion is best for the tomato relish?
A small sweet onion, thinly sliced, is recommended for the best flavor balance.
How long should the relish sit before serving?
Let the relish stand for about 10 minutes after tossing with the dressing to allow the flavors to meld.
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
While the recipe calls for boneless skinless chicken breasts, you can substitute thighs, though cooking times may vary slightly.
What is the primary oil used in this recipe?
Extra virgin olive oil is used for both coating the chicken and making the relish dressing.
Is this dish considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe due to the lean protein, fresh vegetables, and use of heart-healthy olive oil.
Can I prepare the spice blend in advance?
Absolutely. You can mix the spices ahead of time and store them in your spice cabinet for later use.
What kind of parsley should I use?
The recipe specifically recommends using 1/2 cup of chopped flat-leaf parsley.
How do I prepare the chicken for the grill?
Drizzle the breasts with olive oil and generously rub with 4 tablespoons of the spice blend to cover the surface entirely.
Can I cook this chicken in a pan if I don't have a grill?
Yes, you can use a grill pan or a heavy skillet on the stovetop over medium-high heat to achieve similar results.
How do I know when the chicken is done?
The chicken is fully cooked when the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C) or the juices run clear.
Is the lemon juice fresh or bottled?
The recipe recommends using the juice of one fresh ripe lemon for the best flavor in the dressing.
What makes this recipe 'Middle Eastern' inspired?
The combination of cumin, coriander, and paprika paired with fresh relish and pita is characteristic of Middle Eastern culinary profiles.
Can I use dried parsley if I don't have fresh?
Fresh parsley provides a specific texture and brightness to the relish; dried parsley is not a recommended substitute for this specific component.
How much salt is needed for the chicken rub?
The spice rub uses 1 1/2 teaspoons of kosher salt.
Is this a good meal for lunchtime?
Yes, it is described as a light and satisfying meal perfect for lunch or a casual snack.
How should I cut the chicken breasts?
The recipe suggests splitting 4 boneless skinless breasts into 8 pieces before marinating and grilling.
Does the relish contain any salt?
Yes, you should season the tomato mixture with kosher salt to taste after adding the dressing.
Is this a seasonal dish?
It is tagged as a 'summer meal' because it uses fresh seasonal tomatoes and grilling techniques.