Grilled Lemon-Garlic Chicken with Mediterranean Olive Tapenade

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled chicken marinated in lemon and garlic, served with a vibrant olive and herb tapenade for bright Mediterranean flavors. This Mediterranean-inspired chicken recipe (low carb), ready in about 30 minutes, pairs boneless skinless chicken breasts, lemon juice, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup lemon juice, 3 tbsp olive oil, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to make the marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts to the marinade, turning to coat evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, up to 4 hours.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade and grill for 6-7 minutes per side until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
  4. Step 4: While chicken cooks, combine 1 cup chopped Kalamata olives, 2 tbsp rinsed capers, 2 tbsp finely chopped red onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, 2 tbsp olive oil, and 1/2 tsp black pepper in a small bowl; stir to combine into a coarse tapenade.
  5. Step 5: Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve topped with 1/4 cup olive tapenade per serving for a bright, savory finish.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Lemon-Garlic Chicken with Mediterranean Olive Tapenade take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Grilled Lemon-Garlic Chicken with Mediterranean Olive Tapenade?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep lemon juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Lemon-Garlic Chicken with Mediterranean Olive Tapenade?

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 Lemon-Garlic Chicken with Mediterranean Olive Tapenade 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 Lemon-Garlic Chicken with Mediterranean Olive Tapenade low carb?

Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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