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5 Delicious Mediterranean Chicken Marinade Recipes

The Mediterranean region is famed for its rich flavours, vibrant ingredients, and healthy cooking methods. Chicken is a versatile protein that pairs beautifully with the fresh ingredients and aromatic herbs characteristic of Mediterranean cuisine. Whether you’re grilling, roasting, or baking, marinating chicken is an excellent way to infuse it with irresistible flavour. Here are five delightful Mediterranean chicken marinade recipes that you can easily whip up at home.

1. Lemon and Herb Marinade

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 2 lemons
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 4 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh oregano, chopped
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, parsley, oregano, salt, and pepper.
2. Place the chicken in a resealable bag or a shallow dish, then pour the marinade over the chicken.
3. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight for maximum flavour.
4. Grill or bake the chicken as desired, enjoying the zesty and aromatic flavours.

2. Tzatziki Marinade

Ingredients:

• 200g Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 cucumber, grated and drained
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a mixing bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, grated cucumber, minced garlic, dill, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken to a resealable bag or shallow dish, then pour the tzatziki marinade over the chicken.
3. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for more intense flavour.
4. Cook the chicken as desired, and serve with extra tzatziki sauce for dipping.

3. Spicy Harissa Marinade

Ingredients:

• 2 tablespoons harissa paste
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 orange
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt to taste

Instructions:

1. Whisk together the harissa paste, olive oil, orange juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, and salt in a bowl until well combined.
2. Place the chicken in a resealable bag or dish, and pour the marinade over it, ensuring it’s well coated.
3. Allow the chicken to marinate in the fridge for at least 1 hour or overnight for a spicier kick.
4. Grill, roast, or pan-fry the chicken, enjoying the warm, smoky flavours.

4. Balsamic and Rosemary Marinade

Ingredients:

• 4 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
• 4 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 tablespoons fresh rosemary, chopped
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon honey (optional)
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. In a bowl, mix together the balsamic vinegar, olive oil, rosemary, garlic, honey, salt, and pepper.
2. Add the chicken and make sure it’s well coated in the marinade.
3. Marinate for at least 1 hour, or up to 6 hours, in the refrigerator.
4. Grill or bake the chicken to perfection, enjoying the sweet and tangy notes of the marinade.

5. Mediterranean Olive Tapenade Marinade

Ingredients:

• 150g pitted olives (black or green)
• 3 tablespoons capers, rinsed
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 2 cloves of garlic
• Fresh basil leaves (a handful)

Instructions:

1. In a food processor, combine the olives, capers, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and basil. Blend until it forms a coarse paste.
2. Coat the chicken with the olive tapenade marinade in a resealable bag or dish.
3. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the flavours to meld.
4. Cook the chicken by grilling or roasting, and enjoy the bold, briny flavours that the tapenade imparts.

Conclusion

These five Mediterranean chicken marinades not only enhance the flavour of the chicken but also bring vibrant health benefits thanks to the fresh herbs and wholesome ingredients. Whether you’re looking for something zesty, spicy, or rich, these recipes will help you create a memorable meal that transports you to the sun-soaked shores of the Mediterranean. Happy cooking!