Description
This Spicy Mediterranean Chicken with Creamy Cucumber Salad is a vibrant and flavor-packed dish featuring tender, juicy chicken thighs marinated in a zesty blend of smoked paprika, oregano, cumin, and lemon.
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 (optional)
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.
- Choose your preferred method: 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 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 in a single layer. Bake for 20-22 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- In a bowl, combine the diced Persian cucumbers and red onion. In a separate small bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped fresh dill, salt, and black pepper. Pour the yogurt dressing over the cucumbers and onions and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
- Transfer the cooked chicken thighs to a serving plate and top each piece with a generous spoonful of the creamy cucumber salad. Optionally, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top before serving.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken overnight for best flavor.
- Adjust the spice level by varying the cayenne pepper.
- Serve with pita bread or rice for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling or Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg