This Mediterranean Grilled Chicken with Herbed Chickpea Salad bursts with bright, sunny flavors perfect for a summer dinner in Ontario. Citrusy, garlicky grilled chicken pairs beautifully with a vibrant salad of chickpeas, juicy tomatoes, crisp cucumber, briny olives, and fresh herbs. Smoky paprika and zesty lemon tie everything together, while the cooling salad offers refreshing contrast to the warmly spiced chicken. Ideal for al fresco dining, this dish is light yet satisfying, packed with protein and fiber, and comes together in under 40 minutes. Each bite brings you a taste of the Mediterranean coast.
Ingredients
Instructions
In a bowl, whisk together 1 tbsp olive oil, lemon zest, 2 tbsp lemon juice, garlic, oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Add chicken breasts and coat well. Marinate for at least 15 minutes (up to 2 hours for deeper flavor).
Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates. Grill chicken for 5-6 minutes per side or until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165°F. Let rest 5 minutes, then slice.
While chicken cooks, combine chickpeas, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, parsley, and mint in a mixing bowl. Drizzle with remaining 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and red wine vinegar. Toss to combine; season with salt and pepper to taste.
Plate chickpea salad and top with sliced grilled chicken. Garnish with extra herbs or lemon wedges if desired.