Mediterranean Diet Sambal Chicken

Elevate your weeknight dinner with this vibrant Mediterranean Diet Sambal Chicken recipe, a delicious fusion of bold Asian-inspired heat and fresh Mediterranean flavors. Tender, juicy chicken thighs are infused with a zesty marinade of sambal oelek, garlic, and aromatic spices, then perfectly seared to golden perfection. Served alongside a refreshing Mediterranean salad bursting with cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, kalamata olives, and crumbled feta, this dish strikes the perfect balance of savory, spicy, and tangy in every bite. Ready in just 40 minutes, this healthy, high-protein recipe fits seamlessly into a Mediterranean diet lifestyle, offering a wholesome yet exciting meal option for spice lovers. Perfect for a family dinner or casual entertaining, it’s a crowd-pleaser that’s as nutritious as it is flavorful.

Nutriscore Rating: 65/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:20 mins

Total Time:40 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces chicken thighs, skinless and boneless
• 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons sambal oelek (chili paste)
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 medium cucumber, diced
• 0.5 small red onion, thinly sliced
• 0.25 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
• 0.5 cup feta cheese, crumbled
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1 teaspoon oregano

Directions

Step 1

In a large bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of olive oil, sambal oelek, minced garlic, cumin, coriander, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.

Step 2

Add the chicken thighs to the bowl and ensure they are well-coated with the marinade. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 15 minutes.

Step 3

While the chicken is marinating, prepare the Mediterranean salad. In a separate bowl, combine cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, kalamata olives, feta cheese, and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.

Step 4

Add chopped parsley and oregano to the salad, and toss everything together until the salad is evenly mixed. Set aside.

Step 5

Heat a grill pan or skillet over medium heat and add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.

Step 6

Place the marinated chicken thighs in the pan, cooking for about 7-10 minutes per side, or until fully cooked through and the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Step 7

Remove the chicken from the pan and let it rest for a couple of minutes.

Step 8

Serve the sambal chicken hot, accompanied by the prepared Mediterranean salad.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1044.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1761.3

Total Fat 126.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 36.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.0g
Cholesterol 536mg	0%
Sodium 4138.1mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 36.5g	0%
Dietary Fiber 9.6g	0%
Total Sugars 13.0g
Protein 127.1g	0%

Vitamin D 4IU	0%
Calcium 792.0mg	0%
Iron 10.2mg	0%
Potassium 2031.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 63.5%

Protein: 28.4%

Carbs: 8.1%