Mediterranean Grilled Balsamic Chicken with Olive Tapenade is a vibrant, flavorful dish perfect for summer. This recipe features a grilled chicken marinated in a mixture of balsamic vinegar, fresh herbs, and grainy mustard, paired with a tangy olive and sun-dried tomato tapenade. It’s an easy, healthy meal that brings classic Mediterranean flavors to your table.

Full Recipe: 

Ingredients

For the Chicken Marinade

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

• ¼ cup golden balsamic vinegar

• ⅛ cup whole grain garlic mustard

• 1 ½ tablespoons balsamic vinegar

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• Juice of ½ lemon

• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh herbs (e.g., tarragon, rosemary, or thyme)

• 1 teaspoon kosher salt

• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For the Olive Tapenade

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil

• ½ cup sun-dried tomatoes, drained and coarsely chopped

• 1 jar (4 oz) green olives, drained and pitted

• 1 jar (6 oz) mixed Greek olives, drained and pitted

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar

• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

• ⅓ cup fresh parsley, chopped

• 2 teaspoons capers, drained

Directions

1. Marinate the Chicken:

   • In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegars, mustard, garlic, lemon juice, fresh herbs, salt, and pepper.

   • Place the chicken breasts in a bowl or freezer bag and pour half of the marinade over them.

   • Marinate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.

2. Prepare the Olive Tapenade:

   • Add garlic and olive oil to a food processor and blend until combined.

   • Add the sun-dried tomatoes and process until chopped.

   • Add the green and Greek olives and pulse twice.

   • Stir in lemon juice, balsamic vinegar, black pepper, parsley, and capers.

3. Grill the Chicken:

   • Preheat the grill with one side on high heat and the other side off.

   • Oil the grill grates well and drizzle olive oil on the chicken breasts.

   • Grill the chicken for 2-3 minutes on each side until grill marks appear.

   • Move the chicken to the cooler side of the grill, cover, and cook for about 10 minutes.

   • Baste the chicken with the reserved marinade and continue grilling until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

4. Serve:

   • Transfer the grilled chicken to a platter and cover with foil to rest for 5 minutes.

   • Serve with olive tapenade and chunks of feta cheese.

Nutrients

• Calories: 431 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 10g

• Protein: 23g

• Fat: 32g

• Saturated Fat: 5g

• Cholesterol: 107mg

• Sodium: 1452mg

• Potassium: 376mg

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 7g

The Beauty of Balsamic Marinade

The secret to the depth of flavor in this recipe lies in the balsamic marinade that infuses the chicken with rich, tangy, and slightly sweet notes. Balsamic vinegar, a key component of Mediterranean cuisine, adds an elegant acidity that balances the natural sweetness of the chicken and the other ingredients. The grainy garlic mustard in the marinade brings a slight heat and texture, complementing the balsamic vinegar’s sharpness.

The addition of fresh herbs such as tarragon, rosemary, or thyme imparts an aromatic quality to the chicken, enhancing the natural flavors without overpowering them. Garlic, with its unmistakable savory essence, rounds out the marinade, creating a sauce that not only tenderizes the chicken but also adds flavor with every bite.

Lemon juice provides a refreshing zing that elevates the other ingredients and brings brightness to the dish. The balance of salt and pepper ensures that the chicken absorbs all these bold flavors, resulting in tender, juicy chicken with a harmonious mix of tang, spice, and herbaceous undertones.

The Perfect Grilled Chicken: Tender and Juicy

The key to perfectly grilled chicken is achieving the right balance of heat and cooking time. With the help of the balsamic marinade, the chicken becomes tender and flavorful while grilling. Grilling allows the exterior to develop a slightly crispy and smoky texture while keeping the interior moist and juicy.

Using the two-zone grilling method, where one side of the grill is set to high heat and the other side remains cooler, provides the perfect technique for cooking chicken. Initially, the chicken breasts are placed on the hot side of the grill to create those beautiful grill marks, and then they are moved to the cooler side to cook gently through. This technique ensures that the chicken reaches the desired internal temperature of 165°F without drying out or burning.

Basting the chicken with the reserved marinade during grilling adds another layer of flavor and ensures that the chicken stays moist. The marinade caramelizes slightly on the chicken, creating a savory glaze that enhances the overall taste.

Olive Tapenade: A Mediterranean Staple

The olive tapenade is an essential part of this dish, offering a contrast to the grilled chicken with its briny, tangy, and umami-rich flavors. Olive tapenade is a Mediterranean classic that traditionally combines olives, capers, and olive oil into a coarse paste. In this recipe, the tapenade features a mix of green and Greek olives, which provide a balance of slightly bitter and salty flavors.

The sun-dried tomatoes contribute a rich, concentrated sweetness that enhances the olives’ natural flavors while adding an additional layer of texture. Garlic, lemon juice, and balsamic vinegar give the tapenade a zesty, slightly tangy bite that complements the savory chicken. Fresh parsley brightens the mixture with its fresh, herbaceous notes, while capers lend a pop of brininess to tie the ingredients together.

When combined, the tapenade offers a tangy, salty, and slightly sweet contrast to the grilled chicken, adding richness and complexity to each bite. The chunky texture of the tapenade also provides a satisfying crunch that contrasts with the tender chicken, making it a delightful addition to the dish.

Healthy and Flavorful: A Perfect Mediterranean-Inspired Meal

Mediterranean Grilled Balsamic Chicken with Olive Tapenade is not only a delicious dish but also a healthy option that fits into a balanced diet. The chicken breast provides a lean source of protein, while the olive oil used in both the marinade and the tapenade offers heart-healthy monounsaturated fats. The olives and capers contribute additional beneficial fats and provide a natural source of sodium, adding to the savory flavor of the dish.

The tapenade itself is packed with antioxidants from the olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs, all of which support a healthy immune system and overall well-being. The fresh lemon juice and balsamic vinegar add a refreshing acidity while contributing minimal calories or sugar, making this dish a great choice for those looking to maintain or lose weight.

Additionally, this meal is low in carbohydrates, making it suitable for those following a low-carb or keto diet. The abundance of vegetables in the olive tapenade provides essential nutrients like fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making it a well-rounded dish.

Perfect for Summer BBQs and Meal Prep

This recipe is ideal for summer gatherings, whether you’re hosting a BBQ, picnic, or family dinner. The simplicity of grilling the chicken and preparing the tapenade ahead of time makes it a stress-free option for entertaining guests. You can also easily double or triple the recipe to serve larger groups, ensuring that everyone gets a taste of this Mediterranean-inspired delight.

Mediterranean Grilled Balsamic Chicken with Olive Tapenade is also a fantastic choice for meal prepping. The chicken can be marinated and grilled in advance, and the tapenade can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the chicken and top it with the tapenade for a quick, healthy, and flavorful meal. The leftovers also hold up well and can be enjoyed throughout the week, making it a convenient and satisfying option for busy individuals or families.

Pairing Suggestions

To round out the Mediterranean theme of this dish, consider pairing the chicken with a side of grilled vegetables, such as zucchini, bell peppers, and eggplant, which complement the bold flavors of the chicken and tapenade. A simple Greek salad made with fresh cucumbers, tomatoes, red onions, olives, and feta cheese is another excellent accompaniment, offering a refreshing and tangy counterpoint to the richness of the chicken.

For a heartier meal, serve the chicken with a side of couscous, quinoa, or roasted potatoes. These grains and starchy vegetables provide a wholesome base to absorb the savory juices from the chicken and tapenade.

Conclusion: A Flavorful, Healthy Mediterranean Meal

In conclusion, Mediterranean Grilled Balsamic Chicken with Olive Tapenade is a delicious and healthy dish that brings the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean to your table. The marinated grilled chicken is tender and juicy, perfectly complemented by the tangy and savory olive tapenade. With its combination of bold flavors, heart-healthy ingredients, and ease of preparation, this dish is ideal for summer meals, BBQs, and meal prepping.

Whether you’re looking to enjoy a light and flavorful dinner or need a dish that will impress your guests, this Mediterranean-inspired recipe fits the bill. Its versatility and health benefits make it a fantastic choice for anyone looking to enjoy the Mediterranean way of eating, full of fresh ingredients, wholesome flavors, and simple preparation.