Looking to elevate your weeknight chicken game without spending hours in the kitchen? This 30-Second Mediterranean Chicken Marinade is your new go-to flavor hack.
With just a handful of bold, pantry-friendly ingredients like smoked paprika, cumin, and sherry vinegar, you can transform plain chicken breasts into a savory, herb-kissed dish bursting with Mediterranean flair. Perfect for grilling, baking, or pan-searing, this quick and easy marinade packs maximum flavor with minimal effort—ideal for busy cooks who refuse to sacrifice taste.
Chicken | Marinade | Weeknight Dinner
Table of contents:
How to Make 30-Second Mediterranean Chicken Marinade
Ingredients (serves 2)
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 Tbsp Sherry Vinegar
- 1 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Ground Cumin
- ½ tsp White Pepper
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1 Tbs dried Thyme
- Salt to taste
Optional: Freshly squeezed lemon juice
Equipment
- 12-Inch Stainless Steel Frying Pan
- Mixing bowl
- Chef Knife
- Wooden Cutting Board
- Cooking tongs
- Small glass jar or bowl
- Whisk or fork (optional)
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare Marinade
- Add the sherry vinegar, olive oil, dried thyme, and spices to a small jar or bowl.
- Season to taste with salt and pepper, then shake or mix for around 30 seconds or until combined.
Step 2 – Marinate Chicken
- Butterfly the chicken breast by cutting it through the center lengthways. See cooking video for more info.
- Add chicken breasts to a bowl and drizzle with the marinade. Mix well so the breast meat is covered with the marinade.
- OPTIONAL: Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour for a more intense flavor.
Step 3 – Pan Fry Chicken
- Add the marinated chicken breast meat to a large skillet on medium-high heat. Cook for around 5-7 minutes per side, turning once or twice as it it cooks.
- Right before you remove the chicken from the pan, add a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juice
- Once done, ensure the chicken is cooked through (use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 74°C / 165°F).
Step 4 – Serve
- To serve, season to taste with salt and pepper and garnish with some dried thyme.
Serving suggestions
For a balanced meal, serve alongside some steamed veg or potatoes, salad, or your favorite greens.
Recipe pairing:
Roasted Eggplant & Chickpea Salad
Spicy Roast Cauliflower & Chickpeas
Mediterranean Roasted Veggie Bowls
Fresh & Vibrant Mediterranean Flavors
Chicken Breasts – A lean, protein-rich base that soaks up the bold Mediterranean flavors beautifully. Using fresh, high-quality chicken ensures tenderness and great taste.
Sherry Vinegar – A vibrant, tangy vinegar with deep, complex notes. It tenderizes the chicken while adding a subtle brightness that balances the richness of the marinade.
Extra Virgin Olive Oil – The cornerstone of Mediterranean cooking. Its fruity, peppery profile carries the spices and helps the marinade coat the chicken evenly while adding heart-healthy richness.
Ground Cumin – Adds warm, earthy depth that’s often found in Mediterranean and North African dishes. It gives the marinade a grounding, savory flavor.
White Pepper – Milder and slightly more floral than black pepper, white pepper adds gentle heat without overpowering the other ingredients.
Smoked Paprika – This vibrant red spice delivers a smoky, sweet punch that evokes the open-fire cooking traditions of the Mediterranean coast.
Dried Thyme – A classic Mediterranean herb with an earthy, slightly minty taste. It adds aromatic complexity and ties all the flavors together with a herbal, sun-drenched note.
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
Servings: 2
| Nutrient | Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
| Calories | 250 | — |
| Total Fat | 12g | 15% |
| └ Saturated Fat | 2g | 10% |
| └ Monounsaturated Fat | 8g | — |
| Cholesterol | 85mg | 28% |
| Sodium | 90mg† | 4% |
| Total Carbohydrate | 1g | <1% |
| └ Dietary Fiber | 0.5g | 2% |
| └ Total Sugars | 0g | — |
| Protein | 27g | 54% |
| Iron | 1.5mg | 8% |
| Potassium | 420mg | 9% |
| Vitamin C | 1mg | 1% |
| Calcium | 40mg | 3% |
* Percent Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
† Sodium may vary depending on the amount of salt added to taste.
30-Second Mediterranean Chicken Marinade
Equipment
- 12-Inch Stainless Steel Frying Pan
- Mixing bowl
- Chef Knife
- Wooden Cutting Board
- Cooking tongs
- Small glass jar or bowl
- Whisk or fork (optional)
Ingredients
- 2 chicken breasts
- 1 Tbsp Sherry Vinegar
- 1 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1 tsp Ground Cumin
- ½ tsp White Pepper
- 1 tsp Smoked Paprika
- 1 Tbs dried Thyme
- Salt to taste
- Optional: Freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
Step 1 – Prepare Marinade
- Add the sherry vinegar, olive oil, dried thyme, and spices to a small jar or bowl.1 Tbsp Sherry Vinegar, 1 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 1 tsp Ground Cumin, ½ tsp White Pepper, 1 tsp Smoked Paprika, 1 Tbs dried Thyme, Salt to taste
- Season to taste with salt and pepper, then shake or mix for around 30 seconds or until combined.
Step 2 – Marinate Chicken
- Butterfly the chicken breast by cutting it through the center lengthways. See cooking video for more info.2 chicken breasts
- Add chicken breasts to a bowl and drizzle with the marinade. Mix well so the breast meat is covered with the marinade.
- OPTIONAL: Refrigerate for 30 minutes to 1 hour for a more intense flavor.
Step 3 – Pan Fry Chicken
- Add the marinated chicken breast meat to a large skillet on medium-high heat. Cook for around 5-7 minutes per side, turning once or twice as it it cooks.
- Right before you remove the chicken from the pan, add a generous squeeze of fresh lemon juiceOptional: Freshly squeezed lemon juice
- Once done, ensure the chicken is cooked through (use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the chicken has reached 74°C / 165°F).
Step 4 – Serve
- To serve, season to taste with salt and pepper and garnish with some dried thyme.
Video
