Lemon Oregano Chicken with Avocado Greek Salsa is a fresh and vibrant dish that combines the bold flavors of Mediterranean herbs with the creamy richness of avocado. The chicken is marinated in a zesty lemon and oregano mixture, bringing out the bright, tangy flavors. Paired with a refreshing Greek-style salsa that features ripe avocado, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and Kalamata olives, this dish is perfect for a light yet satisfying meal. Whether you’re looking for a healthy weeknight dinner or something to serve at a summer gathering, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser!

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• Juice of 1 lemon

• 1 tablespoon dried oregano (or fresh, if available)

• 2 garlic cloves, minced

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Avocado Greek Salsa:

• 1 ripe avocado, diced

• 1 cup cucumber, diced

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

• ¼ red onion, finely chopped

• 1/3 cup Kalamata olives, sliced

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• Juice of 1 lemon

• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Marinate the Chicken:

   • In a bowl, mix the olive oil, lemon juice, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper.

   • Add the chicken breasts or thighs, ensuring they’re fully coated in the marinade. Let them sit for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours in the fridge.

2. Cook the Chicken:

   • Heat a grill or a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) and the chicken is golden brown.

   • Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing.

3. Prepare the Avocado Greek Salsa:

   • In a large bowl, combine the diced avocado, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, Kalamata olives, and parsley.

   • Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice, then toss gently to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Serve:

   • Plate the grilled chicken, and top with a generous serving of the avocado Greek salsa. Serve with your favorite sides such as rice, quinoa, or a green salad.

Nutrients (Approximate per serving):

• Calories: 350-400 kcal

• Protein: 30g

• Fat: 20g

• Carbs: 15g

• Fiber: 6g

The Chicken: Zesty and Tender

The key to the flavorful chicken is the marinade. A mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, garlic, and seasonings gives the chicken a fresh and herby flavor that’s perfect for grilling or pan-searing. The olive oil helps to keep the chicken moist while also infusing it with rich flavor.

Lemon juice provides a bright tanginess, which is further enhanced by the oregano, giving the chicken a Mediterranean flair. Oregano, being one of the cornerstone herbs of Mediterranean cuisine, adds earthy, slightly peppery notes that complement the citrusy tang of lemon. Garlic adds a savory depth, balancing the fresh, zesty flavors.

Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to seep into the meat, ensuring each bite is flavorful and juicy. You can marinate the chicken for up to 2 hours for a more pronounced flavor, but even a quick marinate will provide great results.

Cooking the Chicken: Golden and Juicy

Once marinated, the chicken is ready to be cooked. You can grill it or use a skillet for a delicious, golden-brown crust. Grilling adds a smoky, charred flavor, which is perfect for this Mediterranean-inspired dish. If you’re using a skillet, the chicken will cook quickly, getting a nice sear while staying juicy on the inside.

Grill the chicken for 6-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C), ensuring it is fully cooked but still tender. Once cooked, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes to keep it juicy. Then, slice it into strips or serve whole.

The Avocado Greek Salsa: Fresh and Flavorful

The Avocado Greek Salsa is the perfect accompaniment to the lemon oregano chicken, adding a burst of freshness and creaminess. This salsa combines diced avocado, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, Kalamata olives, and fresh parsley, creating a colorful and texturally diverse topping.

The avocado provides a creamy, rich base that contrasts wonderfully with the crisp cucumber and juicy tomatoes. The Kalamata olives add a briny depth of flavor, while the red onion brings a mild sharpness and crunch to the mix. Fresh parsley adds a pop of color and a refreshing herbal note that ties everything together.

The salsa is finished with a drizzle of olive oil and lemon juice, which brings everything together, enhancing the freshness of the ingredients and making the dish even more vibrant. A pinch of salt and pepper to taste brings out the natural flavors of the ingredients.

Serving: Vibrant and Satisfying

Once the chicken is cooked and the salsa is prepared, it’s time to serve. Plate the grilled or seared chicken and top it with a generous serving of the Avocado Greek Salsa. This dish is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with your favorite sides, such as rice, quinoa, or a simple green salad, to make it a more complete meal.

The combination of the tender, savory chicken and the creamy, tangy salsa makes this dish satisfying without being overly heavy. It’s a light yet filling meal that’s perfect for a healthy dinner or as a refreshing dish to serve at a summer gathering.

Why Lemon Oregano Chicken with Avocado Greek Salsa is Perfect for Any Occasion

This dish is ideal for several reasons. First, it’s quick and easy to make, requiring only a few ingredients. The marinade for the chicken takes minutes to prepare, and the salsa comes together just as quickly. It’s a one-pan meal (if you use a skillet), and everything cooks in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Second, the dish is light yet satisfying, offering a healthy balance of lean protein from the chicken, healthy fats from the olive oil and avocado, and fiber from the vegetables in the salsa. It’s a great option for those looking to eat clean without sacrificing flavor.

Finally, this dish is versatile. You can easily adjust the heat level by adding more or less red pepper flakes to the salsa. If you want to make it even more filling, you can serve it with grains like quinoa, couscous, or a hearty salad. The bright, tangy flavors also make it perfect for a summer meal or for any occasion where you want something fresh, vibrant, and healthy.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of Lemon Oregano Chicken with Avocado Greek Salsa contains approximately 350-400 calories, making it a light yet filling meal. The chicken provides 30 grams of protein, which is great for muscle repair and growth. The dish also contains 20 grams of fat, primarily from the olive oil and avocado, offering a healthy dose of monounsaturated fats.

With 15 grams of carbohydrates and 6 grams of fiber, this dish provides a good amount of fiber, which is important for digestion. The low carbohydrate content makes it a great option for those on a lower-carb or keto diet. The dish also contains 20 grams of sugar, which primarily comes from the natural sugars in the vegetables and the lemon juice.

This meal is packed with healthy nutrients and is a great source of vitamin C from the lemon and fresh vegetables. It also provides small amounts of potassium, calcium, and iron.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Lemon Oregano Chicken with Avocado Greek Salsa is a light, flavorful, and healthy dish that combines the best of Mediterranean flavors. The marinated chicken is tender and flavorful, while the refreshing salsa brings a creamy, tangy contrast to each bite. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a fresh and vibrant meal for a special occasion. It’s easy to make, customizable, and packed with nutrients, making it an excellent addition to your recipe repertoire.