There’s something soul-satisfying about a well-seasoned, grilled piece of chicken, and this Grilled Tuscan Herb Chicken delivers just that — plus a kiss of sunshine from the Italian countryside. Packed with aromatic herbs, garlic, and zesty lemon, this dish is inspired by the simple, rustic flavors of Tuscany. Whether you're meal-prepping healthy chicken recipes for the week or planning a weekend dinner under the stars, this grilled favorite is one of those chicken breast dinner ideas that never gets old. If you love mediterranean chicken recipes, this one's going to be your new go-to.
Grilled Tuscan Herb Chicken
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 12 minutes mins
Total Time 27 minutes mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine Italian, Tuscan
Grill or grill pan A gas or charcoal grill works best, but a stovetop grill pan can get the job done beautifully.
Mixing bowl For marinating the chicken.
Tongs For flipping the chicken without piercing it and losing juices.
Meat Thermometer Optional but helpful to ensure the chicken hits 165°F without overcooking.
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (pounded to even thickness)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil extra virgin preferred for best flavor
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh rosemary finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh thyme finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon fresh oregano finely chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional garnish: chopped sun-dried tomatoes shaved Parmesan, or fresh parsley
Make the marinade
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, zest, garlic, rosemary, thyme, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Marinate the chicken
Add chicken breasts to the bowl, coating them evenly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor.
Preheat your grill
Heat to medium-high and oil the grates to prevent sticking.
Grill the chicken
Remove chicken from marinade and place on the grill. Cook for 5–6 minutes per side, or until nicely charred and internal temperature reaches 165°F.
Rest and serve
Let the chicken rest for 5 minutes before slicing. Garnish with sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, or herbs if desired.
Pairings
This Tuscan chicken recipe pairs beautifully with simple Mediterranean sides. Try it with:
- Grilled zucchini or eggplant for a veggie-rich boost
- Lemon couscous or herbed farro to soak up all that flavor
- Mixed greens with olives and feta for a light and fresh contrast
- Chilled white wine like Pinot Grigio or a citrusy Sauvignon Blanc
This dish is also easy to incorporate into your Mediterranean diet recipes collection — serve it over greens or with roasted chickpeas for a nutritious twist.
FAQs
1. What type of chicken should I use?
Boneless, skinless chicken breasts work great here, especially when pounded for even cooking. Chicken thighs can also be used for a juicier bite — just increase grill time slightly.
2. Can I bake this instead of grilling?
Absolutely! To turn this into baked Tuscan chicken, arrange the marinated chicken in a baking dish and roast at 400°F for 20–22 minutes. Add sun-dried tomatoes or a splash of cream for a creamy Tuscan-style spin.
3. Is this recipe healthy?
Yes — this healthy Tuscan chicken is grilled with heart-healthy olive oil and fresh herbs, making it one of the more wholesome Italian chicken dishes out there.
4. Can I use this in a slow cooker?
Sure! While grilling gives it that smoky finish, you can adapt this to a crock pot Tuscan chicken by adding a splash of broth and cooking on low for 4–5 hours. Add spinach and sun-dried tomatoes for a classic creamy crock pot version.
