Grilled Mediterranean Lemon-Herb Chicken with Alkaline Marinade

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

Juicy chicken breasts marinated in an alkaline water-based lemon and herb marinade, grilled to perfection with bright Mediterranean flavors. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (mediterranean) ready in about 30 minutes blends alkaline water, fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil 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 280 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 280 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup alkaline water, 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice, 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh oregano, 1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme, 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper until well combined.
  2. Step 2: Place 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each) in a large resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over the chicken, sealing the bag and massaging to coat evenly. Refrigerate for 1 to 2 hours.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove chicken from marinade and discard marinade.
  4. Step 4: Grill chicken breasts for 6-7 minutes per side, turning once, until internal temperature reaches 165°F and juices run clear.
  5. Step 5: Remove from grill and let rest 5 minutes before slicing and serving with fresh lemon wedges.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Mediterranean Lemon-Herb Chicken with Alkaline Marinade 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 Mediterranean Lemon-Herb Chicken with Alkaline Marinade?

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 Mediterranean Lemon-Herb Chicken with Alkaline Marinade?

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 Mediterranean Lemon-Herb Chicken with Alkaline Marinade 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.

What goes well with Grilled Mediterranean Lemon-Herb Chicken with Alkaline Marinade?

Mediterranean chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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