– For the Mediterranean Grilled Chicken:
– 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
– 1/4 cup olive oil
– 3 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon dried oregano
– 1 teaspoon salt
– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
– For the Classic Greek Salad:
– 2 cups cucumber, diced
– 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 red onion, thinly sliced
– 1 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
– 1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
– Salt and pepper to taste
Creating Mediterranean Grilled Chicken with Classic Greek Salad is simple when you follow these detailed steps:
1. Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add the chicken breasts, ensuring they are fully coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours.
2. Prepare the Salad: While the chicken is marinating, prepare the Greek salad. In a large bowl, combine diced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and chopped parsley.
3. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together red wine vinegar, salt, and pepper. Drizzle over the salad and toss gently to combine. Set aside to allow the flavors to meld.
4. Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. If using an indoor grill, heat it according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
5. Grill the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade, letting the excess drip off. Grill the chicken for 6-8 minutes on each side, or until fully cooked and juices run clear.
6. Rest the Chicken: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. This helps maintain juiciness.
7. Serve Together: On a platter, arrange sliced grilled chicken next to a generous serving of Greek salad. The vibrant colors and fresh aromas will invite everyone to dig in!