Fiery Mediterranean Chicken Cucumber Salad (Print)
Spicy grilled chicken paired with refreshing Mediterranean cucumber salad
# Ingredient list:
→ Chicken & Marinade
01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
02 - 2 tbsp olive oil
03 - 2 tbsp lemon juice
04 - 2 garlic cloves, minced
05 - 1 ½ tsp smoked paprika
06 - 1 tsp ground cumin
07 - 1 tsp dried oregano
08 - 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
09 - 1 tsp salt
10 - ½ tsp black pepper
→ Cucumber Salad
11 - 1 large cucumber, diced
12 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
13 - ¼ red onion, thinly sliced
14 - ¼ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
15 - 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
16 - 2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
17 - 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
18 - Salt and black pepper, to taste
→ Garnish
19 - Lemon wedges
20 - Additional fresh parsley
# Directions:
01 - Whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper in a large bowl. Add chicken breasts and coat thoroughly. Marinate for 15 minutes to 2 hours.
02 - Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Grill chicken 6–7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear. Let rest 5 minutes before slicing.
03 - Combine diced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, Kalamata olives, and chopped parsley in a large bowl. Drizzle with extra-virgin olive oil and red wine vinegar. Toss gently and season to taste.
04 - Slice rested chicken against the grain. Arrange over or beside cucumber salad. Garnish with lemon wedges and fresh parsley if desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The heat level is completely customizable so you can make it as mild or fiery as you dare
- That cool crisp cucumber salad is the perfect refreshing contrast to the spicy chicken
02 -
- Dont skip the resting time after grilling or all those delicious juices will end up on your cutting board instead of in the chicken
- The cucumber salad can be made up to an hour ahead but add the dressing right before serving so it stays crisp
03 -
- Pat your chicken completely dry before marinating so the spices cling better
- Let your grill preheat for at least 10 minutes to get those gorgeous grill marks