Grilled Citrus-Herb Chicken with Mediterranean Olive Salsa
Juicy grilled chicken breasts marinated in a zesty citrus-herb blend, topped with a vibrant Mediterranean olive and tomato salsa. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (mediterranean, high protein) ready in about 30 minutes blends olive oil, lemon juice, orange juice into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup lemon juice
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh rosemary
- 1 tbsp finely chopped fresh thyme
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 cup chopped kalamata olives
- 1 cup quartered cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 cup lemon juice, 1/4 cup orange juice, 1 tbsp chopped rosemary, 1 tbsp chopped thyme, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create the marinade.
- Step 2: Place 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (6 oz each) in a shallow dish and pour the marinade over them, turning to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to penetrate.
- Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 6-7 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F and the juices run clear. Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
- Step 4: While chicken grills, combine 1/2 cup chopped kalamata olives, 1 cup quartered cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and 1 tbsp red wine vinegar in a small bowl. Toss gently to mix and let sit for 10 minutes to meld flavors.
- Step 5: Serve each grilled chicken breast topped with 2-3 tbsp of the olive-tomato salsa for a fresh Mediterranean finish.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Grilled Citrus-Herb Chicken with Mediterranean Olive Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Grilled Citrus-Herb Chicken with Mediterranean Olive Salsa?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Citrus-Herb Chicken with Mediterranean Olive Salsa?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Grilled Citrus-Herb Chicken with Mediterranean Olive Salsa for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Grilled Citrus-Herb Chicken with Mediterranean Olive Salsa high protein?
Yes — this recipe is tagged high protein based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.