Description
This Spicy Mediterranean Chicken with Creamy Cucumber Salad is a vibrant dish featuring tender chicken thighs marinated in a blend of spices and served with a refreshing cucumber salad.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1½ lbs. chicken thighs, boneless & skinless
- 5 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 2 Persian cucumbers, diced
- ⅓ cup red onion, diced
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, dried oregano, cumin, salt, cayenne, black pepper, lemon juice, and lemon zest to create the marinade. Add the boneless, skinless chicken thighs and toss until thoroughly coated. Cover the bowl and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- Grilling: Preheat grill to medium-high heat and brush the grates with olive oil. Place chicken thighs on the grill and cook for 5-6 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Baking: Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Spray a baking dish with cooking spray and arrange the marinated chicken thighs. Bake for 20-22 minutes or until the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C).
- In a bowl, combine diced cucumbers and red onion. In a separate bowl, mix Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, dill, salt, and black pepper. Pour the yogurt dressing over the cucumbers and onions and gently toss.
- Transfer the cooked chicken thighs to a serving plate and top each piece with a spoonful of the creamy cucumber salad. Optionally, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top before serving.
Notes
- Marinate chicken overnight for deeper flavor.
- Adjust spices according to your taste.
- Serve immediately for the best texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Grilling or Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg