This vibrant grilled chicken dish is packed with bold Moroccan flavor thanks to a green herb marinade made with parsley, cilantro, scallions, and warm spices.
It’s juicy, herbaceous, and incredibly easy to prepare.
Perfect for summer grilling or weekly meal prep, it’s naturally gluten-free, high in protein, and ideal for low-carb and Mediterranean-style diets.
⦁ 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
⦁ ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
⦁ ¼ cup chopped scallions (white part only)
⦁ ¼ cup chopped parsley
⦁ ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
⦁ 1 tbsp minced garlic
⦁ 2 tsp paprika
⦁ 2 tsp ground cumin
⦁ 1 tsp salt
⦁ ¼ tsp turmeric
⦁ ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
1. Make the Marinade
In a blender or food processor, combine olive oil, scallions, parsley, cilantro, garlic, and all spices. Blend into a smooth green marinade.
2. Marinate the Chicken
Place the chicken breasts in a shallow bowl and coat thoroughly with the herb marinade. Cover and let sit for 30 minutes (or refrigerate up to 4 hours).
3. Grill the Chicken
Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (200–230°C / 400–450°F). Grill chicken breasts for 8 minutes per side, or until fully cooked and golden.
4. Serve
Serve warm with grilled vegetables, couscous, or a green salad.
🛒 Choosing Ingredients
✔ Chicken Breasts – Choose boneless, skinless breasts; pound to even thickness for even grilling
✔ Olive Oil – High-quality extra virgin olive oil adds richness and helps coat the chicken evenly
✔ Fresh Herbs – Use flat-leaf parsley and fresh cilantro for the most vibrant flavor
✔ Scallions – Only the white part for a milder, sweeter onion bite
✔ Spices – Paprika, cumin, turmeric, and cayenne deliver classic Moroccan warmth
✔ Garlic – Freshly minced garlic adds aromatic depth
✔ Optional Add-ins – Add lemon juice or zest to brighten the marinade
👩🍳 Preparation
✔ Blend the Marinade – Use a food processor or blender to get a smooth, pourable consistency
✔ Marinate for Flavor – 30 minutes is minimum; 2–4 hours brings out the full depth
✔ Room Temp Chicken – Let chicken sit out 15–20 minutes before grilling to avoid uneven cooking
✔ Use a Shallow Dish or Zip Bag – Helps coat all surfaces of the chicken evenly
🔥 Cooking Techniques
✔ Preheat Grill – Ensure the grill is hot to sear the meat and lock in juices
✔ Grease the Grates – Prevents sticking and ensures clean grill marks
✔ Flip Only Once – Let the first side cook fully before flipping for best char
✔ Check Doneness – Internal temp should reach 165°F (74°C).
✔ Resting Time – Let grilled chicken rest for 5 minutes after cooking to lock in juices.
🍳 Balancing Flavors
✔ Adjust Heat – Use less cayenne if preferred, or sub in smoked paprika for smoky depth
✔ Acid Boost – Serve with lemon wedges or yogurt sauce for brightness
✔ Fresh Finish – Sprinkle with chopped herbs before serving for color and freshness
✔ Pair With Mild Sides – Couscous, quinoa, or grilled veg work best with bold spices
📦 Storage
✔ Fridge – Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days
✔ Freezer-Friendly – Freeze cooked chicken for up to 2 months; thaw overnight
✔ Meal Prep Tip – Slice chicken before storing for quick lunch salads or bowls
✔ Reheat Carefully – Use low heat on stove or microwave with a splash of water to retain moisture