High Protein Mediterranean Chicken with Lemon Herb Marinade

How to make High Protein Mediterranean Chicken with zesty lemon-herb marinade. Ready in 40 minutes with 49g protein per serving.

sarah thompson for recipes by clare
By Sarah Thompson
Updated on Thu, 14 Aug 2025 09:52:20 GMT

High Protein Mediterranean Chicken became my go-to weeknight hero after one particularly chaotic Tuesday when I had exactly 40 minutes before soccer practice and three teenagers demanding “real food.” I tossed some chicken in a lemon-herb marinade I’d thrown together, and honestly? It saved dinner—and my sanity.

This vibrant dish delivers an impressive 49 grams of protein per serving while transporting your taste buds straight to the Greek islands. The golden-brown chicken practically glistens with aromatic herbs and zesty lemon, creating a meal that looks restaurant-worthy but comes together faster than takeout.

What makes this High Protein Mediterranean Chicken truly special is its perfect balance of simplicity and sophistication. The marinade does all the heavy lifting, infusing every bite with garlic, oregano, and bright citrus flavors. Plus, it’s incredibly versatile—grill it outdoors for smoky char or bake it when the weather doesn’t cooperate.

You’re going to love this one!

Why You’ll Love This High Protein Mediterranean Chicken

I’ve made this countless times for everything from meal prep Sundays to impromptu dinner parties, and it never fails to impress. The lemon-herb marinade creates incredibly tender, juicy chicken that stays moist even when reheated—something I always struggle with when batch cooking protein.

The Mediterranean flavors are bright and fresh without being overwhelming, making this a hit even with picky eaters in my house. Unlike heavy, cream-based dishes, this recipe feels light yet satisfying, delivering serious protein without leaving you sluggish. The cherry tomatoes and optional feta add beautiful color and texture contrasts that make every bite interesting. Best of all, the active cooking time is minimal—the marinade does most of the flavor work while you handle other dinner prep tasks.

Storage & Serving Tips

This High Protein Mediterranean Chicken tastes incredible fresh off the grill when those herbs are most fragrant and the chicken is at peak juiciness. I recommend storing leftovers in airtight containers for up to three days in the refrigerator, though it rarely lasts that long in my house. For reheating, use gentle low heat on the stovetop or a 300°F oven for 8-10 minutes rather than the microwave to preserve that tender texture and prevent drying out.

Pro tip from my kitchen: if meal prepping, slightly undercook the chicken initially since it’ll continue cooking during reheating. The cherry tomatoes actually improve overnight as they release more of their juices, creating a natural sauce that keeps everything moist. This freezes beautifully for up to three months—just thaw completely before reheating and add a splash of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors.

What to Serve with Mediterranean Chicken?

This protein-packed chicken pairs beautifully with both simple sides and complete Mediterranean-inspired meals, making it incredibly versatile for any occasion.

Greek Quinoa Salad: The nutty quinoa complements the herb-forward chicken perfectly while adding extra protein and fiber—similar in flavor and texture balance to my Chickpea Beet and Feta Salad, which also delivers fresh Mediterranean flavors.

Roasted Vegetables: I often serve this alongside roasted zucchini, bell peppers, and red onions tossed with olive oil and oregano for a complete Mediterranean feast, similar to how my Low-Carb Crispy Broccoli Cheese Rounds bring a delicious veggie crunch to the table.

Lemon Rice Pilaf: The citrus connection works beautifully here, and rice helps soak up any delicious pan juices from the chicken—similar to the fresh, balanced feeling you get from my Mediterranean Chickpea Chicken Salad.

Mediterranean Chickpea Salad: In my kitchen, I frequently pair this with a quick chickpea salad loaded with cucumber, tomatoes, and fresh herbs—when I want a ready-made option, I go for my Mediterranean Chickpea Chicken Salad for a double protein boost.

Conclusion

This High Protein Mediterranean Chicken proves that eating for your goals doesn’t mean sacrificing flavor or spending hours in the kitchen. The combination of tender, perfectly seasoned chicken with vibrant Mediterranean flavors creates a meal that feels indulgent while fueling your body with quality protein. Give this recipe a try tonight—your taste buds and your macros will thank you!

High Protein Mediterranean Chicken with cherry tomatoes and feta on white plate

High Protein Mediterranean Chicken

Golden-brown chicken breasts marinated in zesty lemon, fragrant herbs, and garlic, delivering 49 grams of protein per serving in this vibrant Mediterranean-inspired dish.
Prep Time 35 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 50 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Calories: 315

Ingredients
  

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice about 2 lemons
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese optional

Equipment

  • Grill or oven
  • Large bowl for marinating
  • Meat thermometer

Method
 

  1. In a large bowl, mix olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper. Add chicken breasts and coat well. Marinate for at least 30 minutes for maximum flavor infusion.
  2. If grilling, preheat your grill over medium-high heat. For oven baking, set it to 400°F (200°C). Prepare your cooking surface with nonstick spray or oil.
  3. While waiting for the grill or oven to heat up, halve your cherry tomatoes and toss them lightly in olive oil with salt and pepper.
  4. Grill each side for about 6-7 minutes until cooked through; you want an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C). If using the oven, bake for approximately 25-30 minutes.
  5. In the last few minutes of cooking time, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top of the chicken to let it melt slightly (if using).
  6. Once cooked through and beautifully browned, remove from heat. Serve alongside roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Notes

For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. Always check doneness with a meat thermometer for perfect cooking. Use fresh herbs whenever possible for a lively taste. Feel free to add olives or sun-dried tomatoes for added complexity.
High Protein Mediterranean Chicken Recipe 49g Protein Per Serving

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