Indian Recipes

Mediterranean Spicy Grilled Chicken with Lemon & Herbs

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Mediterranean Inspired Spicy Grilled Chicken Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that brings the bold, aromatic flavors of the Mediterranean into your kitchen, look no further than this Mediterranean Inspired Spicy Grilled Chicken Recipe. Perfectly balanced with a combination of spicy, herby, and citrusy notes, this grilled chicken is bound to become a family favorite for your next barbecue or casual dinner.

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantity
Chicken legs 10 pieces
Roasted red chili paste 2 tablespoons
Ginger garlic paste 1 tablespoon
Onion powder 1/2 tablespoon
Red chili flakes 1 teaspoon
Cumin powder (Jeera) 1 teaspoon
Dried oregano 1/2 teaspoon
Parsley leaves 1/2 teaspoon
Lemons (juiced) 2 lemons
Extra virgin olive oil (for basting) As needed

Preparation Time

Time Duration
Prep time 15 minutes
Cook time 30 minutes
Total time 45 minutes
Servings 4 servings

Cuisine

Cuisine Course Diet
Mediterranean Main Course High Protein, Non-Vegetarian

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken
    Begin by cleaning the chicken legs and patting them dry with paper towels. This helps the marinade adhere better and ensures the chicken cooks evenly.

  2. Make the Marinade
    In a large mixing bowl, combine the roasted red chili paste, ginger garlic paste, onion powder, red chili flakes, cumin powder, dried oregano, and parsley leaves. Stir the ingredients together until well mixed, forming a thick, fragrant marinade.

  3. Marinate the Chicken
    Add the chicken legs to the bowl with the marinade. Rub the chicken with the mixture, ensuring that each piece is coated evenly. Cover the bowl and place it in the refrigerator. For the best results, marinate the chicken overnight to allow the flavors to fully develop. However, if you’re pressed for time, marinate the chicken for at least 3-4 hours.

  4. Grill the Chicken
    Preheat your barbecue grill to medium-high heat. Once the grill is hot, arrange the marinated chicken on the grill and cook, turning occasionally, until the chicken is evenly grilled, and its juices run clear, about 20-30 minutes.

    Alternatively, if you prefer baking the chicken, follow these instructions:

    Oven Method
    Preheat your convection oven to 425°F (220°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Place the marinated chicken legs on the sheet, and brush them lightly with extra virgin olive oil. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the chicken is fully cooked and golden brown.

  5. Serve
    Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill or oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This will help the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring juicy, tender chicken.

    For a complete Mediterranean meal, pair this spicy grilled chicken with a refreshing Tabbouleh salad. End the meal with a sweet treat like Aish el Saraya, a traditional Lebanese bread pudding, for the perfect weekend meal shared with family and friends.


Tips and Variations

  • Spice Level: Adjust the amount of red chili flakes and roasted red chili paste based on your preferred spice level. For a milder version, reduce the chili paste and flakes or substitute with a milder paprika.

  • Marinate Longer for Flavor: While marinating for 3-4 hours works well, overnight marination allows the flavors to really infuse into the chicken, making it even more delicious.

  • Grill or Oven: Whether you’re grilling outdoors or using your oven, this recipe offers flexibility for cooking indoors or out. Both methods produce flavorful, juicy chicken with a crispy exterior.

  • Add a Yogurt Sauce: For an extra Mediterranean touch, serve this grilled chicken with a side of tangy tzatziki or a simple yogurt-based sauce to balance the spiciness.

Enjoy the bold flavors of the Mediterranean in every bite with this simple yet flavorful grilled chicken recipe!

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