Description
This Spicy Mediterranean Chicken with Creamy Cucumber Salad features tender chicken thighs marinated in smoked paprika, oregano, cumin, and lemon, topped with a refreshing cucumber salad.
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
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 chicken thighs and toss until coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours or overnight.
- For grilling, preheat the grill to medium-high and brush grates with olive oil. Place chicken on the grill and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). For baking, preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C), arrange chicken in a baking dish, and bake for 20-22 minutes until fully cooked.
- In a bowl, combine diced cucumbers and red onion. In another bowl, mix Greek yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, dill, salt, and black pepper. Pour the dressing over the cucumber mixture and toss gently.
- Transfer cooked chicken to a serving plate and top with cucumber salad. Optionally, sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese before serving.
Notes
- Marinate the chicken overnight for better flavor.
- Adjust spices according to your heat preference.
- 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: 750 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 38 g
- Cholesterol: 120 mg