Craving a vibrant and healthy meal that’s bursting with flavor? Look no further than this Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Breast with Mint Yogurt Harissa Drizzle! This recipe combines the smoky char of grilled chicken with the cool, refreshing tang of a mint-yogurt sauce and a spicy kick from harissa paste. It’s a simple yet sophisticated dish perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue. We’ll guide you through creating a marinade that tenderizes and infuses the chicken with incredible Mediterranean spices, culminating in a dish that’s both satisfying and good for you. Get ready to transport your taste buds!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 300g (10oz) Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (2 pieces): We recommend using chicken breasts of roughly equal size for even cooking. Look for breasts that are plump and have a healthy pink color.
- 120g (½ cup) Plain Greek Yogurt: Full-fat or 2% Greek yogurt works best for a creamy marinade. The yogurt tenderizes the chicken and adds a lovely tang. Avoid sweetened or flavored yogurts.
- 30ml (2 tbsp) Olive Oil: Extra virgin olive oil is preferred for its robust flavor and health benefits. It helps to create a moist and flavorful marinade.
- 15ml (1 tbsp) Harissa Paste (halal certified): Harissa paste is a North African chili paste that adds a wonderful spicy and smoky flavor. Adjust the amount to your spice preference. Ensure it’s halal certified if needed.
- 2 Cloves Garlic, Minced: Freshly minced garlic provides the best flavor. You can use a garlic press or finely chop it.
- Zest of 1 Lemon: Lemon zest adds a bright, citrusy aroma and flavor. Use a microplane or fine grater to zest the lemon, avoiding the white pith underneath.
- 5g (1 tsp) Smoked Paprika: Smoked paprika adds a smoky depth to the marinade, complementing the grilled flavor of the chicken.
- 5g (1 tsp) Ground Cumin: Cumin is a warm, earthy spice that is a staple in Mediterranean cuisine.
- 2g (½ tsp) Sea Salt: Sea salt enhances the flavors of the other ingredients.
- 1g (¼ tsp) Black Pepper: Freshly ground black pepper adds a subtle spice.
- 80g (¼ cup) Plain Greek Yogurt (for drizzle): Again, full-fat or 2% Greek yogurt is ideal for the drizzle.
- 15ml (1 tbsp) Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (for drizzle): Use a high-quality extra-virgin olive oil for the best flavor in the drizzle.
- 15ml (1 tbsp) Fresh Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds brightness and acidity to the drizzle.
- 30g (2 tbsp) Fresh Mint Leaves, Finely Chopped: Fresh mint is essential for the refreshing flavor of the drizzle.
- Pinch of Salt (for drizzle): A small pinch of salt balances the flavors in the drizzle.
- 15g (2 tbsp) Pine Nuts, Toasted: Toasted pine nuts add a delightful crunch and nutty flavor.
- 5g (1 tbsp) Fresh Parsley, Chopped: Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and freshness.
- Lemon Wedges, for Serving: Lemon wedges allow diners to add an extra burst of citrus flavor.
Ingredient Substitutions
Don’t have everything on hand? Here are a few simple substitutions you can make:
- Harissa Paste: If you can’t find harissa paste, you can substitute with a pinch of cayenne pepper mixed with a teaspoon of smoked paprika.
- Greek Yogurt: Sour cream can be used in a pinch, but it will alter the tanginess.
- Pine Nuts: Sliced almonds or chopped walnuts make a good substitute for pine nuts.
Detailed Instructions for Grilling the Perfect Mediterranean Chicken
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the 120g Greek yogurt, 30ml olive oil, harissa paste, minced garlic, lemon zest, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Whisk vigorously until the marinade is completely smooth and all ingredients are well incorporated. This ensures even flavor distribution.
- Marinate the Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the bowl with the marinade. Use your hands or tongs to thoroughly coat each piece of chicken, ensuring every surface is covered. This is crucial for maximum flavor penetration. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the chicken to a resealable bag. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, and up to 2 hours. Longer marinating times (up to 2 hours) will result in more tender and flavorful chicken.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (approximately 200°C / 392°F). A hot grill is essential for achieving those beautiful char marks and sealing in the juices. Lightly oil the grill grates to prevent the chicken from sticking. You can use a grill brush dipped in oil or spray with cooking oil.
- Grill the Chicken: Carefully place the marinated chicken breasts onto the preheated grill. Grill for 5-6 minutes per side, turning only once. Avoid moving the chicken around too much, as this can hinder the development of grill marks. Use a meat thermometer to ensure the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F).
- Rest the Chicken: Once cooked through, transfer the chicken breasts to a cutting board. Tent loosely with foil and let rest for 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful final product.
- Prepare the Mint-Yogurt Drizzle: While the chicken is resting, prepare the drizzle. In a small bowl, combine the 80g Greek yogurt, 15ml extra-virgin olive oil, lemon juice, chopped mint, and a pinch of salt. Stir well to combine. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Keep chilled until ready to use.
- Toast the Pine Nuts: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pine nuts for 2-3 minutes, shaking the pan frequently. Watch them closely, as they can burn quickly. They are ready when they are golden brown and fragrant. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Slice, Arrange, and Serve: Slice the rested chicken breasts on a diagonal. Arrange the slices on a serving plate. Drizzle generously with the chilled mint-yogurt sauce, allowing it to pool around the chicken. Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts and chopped parsley. Serve immediately with lemon wedges.
Why Harissa and Yogurt are a Match Made in Mediterranean Heaven
The combination of harissa and yogurt in this recipe isn’t just about flavor; it’s about balance. Harissa, a North African chili paste, brings a fiery depth and complex spice profile. However, its heat can be intense. That’s where the Greek yogurt comes in. It cools the palate, providing a creamy, tangy counterpoint to the harissa’s boldness. This pairing is a cornerstone of Mediterranean cuisine, offering a harmonious blend of heat, coolness, and richness.
Tips for Achieving the Best Grill Marks
Those beautiful grill marks aren’t just for aesthetics; they contribute to the flavor of the chicken through the Maillard reaction – a chemical reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars that occurs when food is heated. To achieve perfect grill marks:
- Ensure the grill is very hot: A hot grill sears the chicken quickly, creating those distinct lines.
- Don’t move the chicken: Resist the urge to move the chicken around while it’s grilling. Let it sit undisturbed for the recommended time to develop the marks.
- Clean the grill grates: Clean grates are essential for clear, defined grill marks.
Variations and Serving Suggestions
This Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Breast is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas to customize it:
- Add Vegetables: Grill some Mediterranean vegetables alongside the chicken, such as zucchini, bell peppers, or red onion.
- Serve with a Salad: Pair the chicken with a fresh Greek salad or a tabbouleh salad for a complete meal.
- Make it a Wrap: Slice the chicken and wrap it in pita bread with the mint-yogurt sauce, some chopped vegetables, and a sprinkle of feta cheese.
Understanding the Importance of Resting the Chicken
Resting the chicken after grilling is a crucial step often overlooked. During cooking, the muscle fibers contract, squeezing out moisture. Resting allows these fibers to relax and reabsorb the juices, resulting in a significantly more tender and flavorful piece of chicken. Tenting the chicken with foil helps retain some of the heat while it rests.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of yogurt?
While Greek yogurt is recommended for its thickness and tang, you can use plain yogurt. However, the sauce may be slightly thinner.
Can I adjust the amount of harissa paste?
Absolutely! Harissa paste varies in heat level. Start with a smaller amount and add more to taste.
Can I grill this chicken indoors?
Yes, you can use a grill pan on your stovetop. The results won’t be quite the same as outdoor grilling, but it’s a great alternative.
Enjoy this vibrant and flavorful Grilled Mediterranean Chicken Breast! It’s a perfect dish for a summer barbecue or a quick and healthy weeknight meal. Don’t forget to save this recipe to Pinterest for later!
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recipe juicy grilled mediterranean chicken breast
- Total Time: 42 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
- Diet: General
Description
This recipe features grilled Mediterranean chicken breast drizzled with a refreshing mint-yogurt sauce and a spicy harissa kick. It’s a flavorful and healthy dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients
- 300g (10oz) Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts (2 pieces)
- 120g (½ cup) Plain Greek Yogurt
- 30ml (2 tbsp) Olive Oil
- 15ml (1 tbsp) Harissa Paste
- 2 Cloves Garlic, Minced
- Zest of 1 Lemon
- 5g (1 tsp) Smoked Paprika
- 5g (1 tsp) Ground Cumin
- 2g (½ tsp) Sea Salt
- 1g (¼ tsp) Black Pepper
- 80g (¼ cup) Plain Greek Yogurt (for drizzle)
- 15ml (1 tbsp) Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (for drizzle)
- 15ml (1 tbsp) Fresh Lemon Juice
- 30g (2 tbsp) Fresh Mint Leaves, Finely Chopped
- Pinch of Salt (for drizzle)
- 15g (2 tbsp) Pine Nuts, Toasted
- 5g (1 tbsp) Fresh Parsley, Chopped
- Lemon Wedges, for Serving
Instructions
- Prepare Marinade: Combine yogurt, oil, harissa, garlic, lemon zest, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Marinate Chicken: Coat chicken with marinade and refrigerate for 30-120 minutes.
- Preheat Grill: Preheat grill to medium-high heat and lightly oil grates.
- Grill Chicken: Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side, until cooked through.
- Rest Chicken: Let chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Make Drizzle: Combine yogurt, oil, lemon juice, mint, and salt.
- Toast Pine Nuts: Toast pine nuts until golden brown.
- Serve: Slice chicken, drizzle with sauce, sprinkle with nuts and parsley, and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
Resting the chicken is crucial for tenderness. Adjust harissa paste to your spice preference.
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Poultry
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 300 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
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