Spiced Citrus Marinated Chicken with Warm Olive Herb Relish - A delicious recipe by DigiDish

Spiced Citrus Marinated Chicken with Warm Olive Herb Relish

Get ready to flavor-blast your taste buds! This Spiced Citrus Marinated Chicken is juicy, zesty, and perfectly spiced, but the real star? A warm, savory Olive Herb Relish that’ll make you swoon. Trust me, you’ll be savoring every bite—let's dive into this irresistible recipe!

4.4 out of 5 (5 ratings)

Get ready to flavor-blast your taste buds like never before! This Spiced Citrus Marinated Chicken with Warm Olive Herb Relish is a dish that brings the sunshine to your kitchen no matter the season. Imagine tender, juicy chicken infused with tangy citrus, aromatic spices, and just a hint of sweetness—it’s like a little tropical vacation on your plate. And as if that weren’t enough, we’re topping it with a warm olive herb relish that’ll have you shouting, “Why don’t I put olives on everything?” Seriously, this meal is a weeknight game-changer and dinner party star rolled into one. Let's dive into this flavor-packed adventure!

Spiced Citrus Marinated Chicken With Warm Olive Herb Relish Recipe

What makes this recipe truly special is the magical pairing of ingredients. The citrus marinade combines orange and lime zest with a hint of warm cinnamon and smoked paprika—an unexpected duo that dances together beautifully. And then we have that savory olive relish, which combines briny green olives, fresh parsley, thyme, and just a touch of honey for balance. Gently heating it releases the herbs' earthy aroma while mellowing the olives without losing their bold edge. Put these two components together, and you’ve got a dish that melds Mediterranean vibes with a whisper of North African flair. It’s fancy without the fuss.

Now, let me share a tip to make this recipe foolproof. When marinating the chicken, make sure you give it at least two hours, but if you can swing overnight, oh boy—you’re in for even juicier results. The acid in the citrus really works its magic over time! Also, don’t be afraid to taste-test your olive relish as it warms—add a pinch more honey or fresh herbs if you want to tweak it to your liking. And a quick note: this relish isn’t just chicken’s best friend; it’s amazing on crusty bread or tossed with roasted potatoes. You’re welcome.

Trust me, you need to try this recipe. Serve it with some fluffy couscous, roasted vegetables, or even a hearty green salad to round out the meal. And hey, don’t be afraid to make it your own. No green olives in the pantry? Swap in Kalamata. Want more heat? Add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes. Cooking is all about having fun and embracing your inner flavor artist. So pour yourself a glass of something citrusy, put on your favorite music, and enjoy the process. This dish is all about love—in every delicious bite!

Keywords: spiced chicken with olives, citrus marinated chicken recipe, unique chicken dinner ideas, Mediterranean-inspired chicken recipe, easy North African chicken, flavorful chicken marinade ideas, warm olive relish for chicken

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

30 minutes

Servings

4 servings

Cuisine

Mediterranean

Ingredients

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 pounds)
  • 1/4 cup fresh orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/2 cup mixed olives, pitted and chopped
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
  • 1 tablespoon fresh oregano leaves (or 1 teaspoon dried oregano)
  • 1/4 cup olive oil (for relish)
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

Instructions

  1. 1

    In a small bowl, whisk together orange juice, lemon juice, minced garlic, cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, cayenne pepper (if using), olive oil, salt, and black pepper to make the marinade.

  2. 2

    Place the chicken breasts in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the chicken, ensuring all pieces are evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably overnight.

  3. 3

    Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).

  4. 4

    Remove the chicken from the marinade and place it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased baking dish. Discard the remaining marinade.

  5. 5

    Bake the chicken in the preheated oven for 25-30 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

  6. 6

    While the chicken is cooking, prepare the olive herb relish. In a small bowl, combine mixed olives, parsley, dill, oregano, olive oil, and red wine vinegar. Stir until well mixed.

  7. 7

    Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes. Serve warm with the olive herb relish spooned over the top.

Nutrition Information

Calories

320 calories per serving

Protein

29g

Carbs

3g

Fat

20g

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless chicken breasts?

A: Yes, you can use bone-in chicken. However, the cooking time will need to be adjusted. Bone-in chicken breasts may take 35-40 minutes at 375°F (190°C) to reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Always use a meat thermometer to ensure doneness.

Q: What can I substitute for fresh orange or lemon juice?

A: You can use store-bought orange or lemon juice as a substitute, but fresh juice will provide a brighter and more natural flavor. If unavailable, try lime juice as a tangy alternative for the lemon juice.

Q: I don’t like olives. What can I use instead in the relish?

A: If you don't enjoy olives, you can substitute them with chopped sun-dried tomatoes, roasted red peppers, or capers for a different but complementary flavor in the herb relish.

Q: How should I store leftovers?

A: Store any leftover chicken and relish separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. The chicken will stay good for up to 3-4 days, while the olive herb relish can last up to 5 days.

Q: Can I grill the chicken instead of baking it?

A: Yes, this recipe works well on the grill. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the marinated chicken for about 6-7 minutes per side or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C).

Q: What can I serve with this dish?

A: This dish pairs well with couscous, quinoa, or roasted vegetables. You can also serve it alongside a fresh green salad or warm pita bread for a complete meal.

Q: Why does my chicken taste bland even after marinating?

A: Ensure that you marinate the chicken for at least 1 hour, but preferably overnight for more depth of flavor. Also, make sure your marinade is evenly distributed, and don't skip the salt in the recipe, as it helps to enhance the flavors.

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