Description
Spicy Mediterranean Chicken with Creamy Cucumber Salad is a flavorful dish that combines robust Mediterranean spices with a refreshing cucumber salad.
Ingredients
Scale
- 1½ lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- 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 ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the Cucumber Salad:
- 2 Persian cucumbers, finely diced
- ⅓ cup red onion, minced
- ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- Optional garnish: Crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large mixing bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, and minced garlic. Stir in smoked paprika, oregano, cumin, salt, cayenne pepper, and black pepper. Add chicken thighs, coat thoroughly, cover, and refrigerate for at least two hours.
- Cooking the Chicken: If grilling, preheat your grill to medium-high and lightly oil the grates. Cook chicken for 5 to 6 minutes on each side until cooked through (165°F internal temperature). If baking, preheat oven to 400°F and bake for 20 to 22 minutes.
- Make the Cucumber Salad: In a small bowl, combine diced cucumbers and minced red onion. Whisk together yogurt, lemon juice, minced garlic, dill, salt, and pepper in another bowl and fold into the cucumber mixture.
- Assemble and Serve: Allow the chicken to rest, then plate each thigh with a dollop of cucumber salad. Garnish with feta cheese if desired, and serve hot with chilled salad.
Notes
Marinate for at least two hours for best flavor. Serve cucumber salad fresh to retain crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Dinner
Nutrition
- Calories: Approximately 300 per serving
- Sodium: 650 milligrams
- Protein: 30 grams