If you are craving a vibrant, flavorful feast that’s as beautiful as it is delicious, the Greek Chicken & Olive Mezze Board – Easy Mediterranean Party Platter Recipe is your new go-to. Bursting with juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken alongside briny olives, creamy feta, and crisp vegetables, this platter is all about celebrating simple ingredients that sing with freshness and Mediterranean sunshine. Whether you’re hosting a casual get-together or simply want to bring a splash of the coast into your kitchen, this mezze board brings a wonderfully social, shareable experience that’s easy to prepare and impossible not to love.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays an essential role in building an irresistible balance of flavors, colors, and textures. The magic here lies in the harmony between fresh produce, savory chicken, and authentic Mediterranean staples.
- 500 g boneless, skinless chicken breast: Lean and tender, it’s the starring protein that soaks up the marinade beautifully.
- 3 tablespoons olive oil: Rich and fruity, it adds moisture and a subtle Mediterranean aroma to the chicken.
- Juice of 1 lemon: Bright and tangy, this wakes up the chicken and adds a zesty freshness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Classic and pungent, garlic delivers an irresistible savoriness.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Earthy and herbaceous, it’s a Greek staple that ties all the flavors together.
- ½ teaspoon paprika: Mild heat and smoky sweetness enhance the chicken’s depth.
- Salt and black pepper to taste: Simple seasonings that bring all components into perfect balance.
- 1 cup Kalamata olives: Deep purple and intensely flavorful, they add a briny pop.
- ½ cup green olives: Slightly milder and buttery, offering a nice contrast to the Kalamata.
- 100 g feta cheese, cubed: Creamy, tangy, and crumbly – feta is the ultimate Mediterranean cheese star.
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes: Juicy bursts of sweetness and vibrant red color.
- ½ cup cucumber slices: Crisp and refreshing, they provide a cooling crunch.
- ¼ cup roasted red peppers: Sweet and smoky, roasted peppers add a luscious texture and warm tone.
- Fresh parsley or oregano, for garnish: Bright green herbs give a fresh finish and aromatic lift.
- Pita bread or flatbread, warmed: Soft and warm, perfect for scooping up every delicious bite.
How to Make Greek Chicken & Olive Mezze Board – Easy Mediterranean Party Platter Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by mixing olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper in a bowl. This marinade is the secret to infusing the chicken with that unmistakable Mediterranean flavor that feels both bright and comforting.
Step 2: Marinate the Chicken
Add the sliced or cubed chicken breast to the marinade and toss well to coat every piece. Let it rest for at least 30 minutes — this step helps the chicken soak up all the zesty, herb-infused goodness, making each bite tender and flavorful.
Step 3: Cook the Chicken
Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat. Place the marinated chicken pieces on the hot pan and cook for about 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally so they brown evenly and cook through. The aroma at this stage is nothing short of amazing.
Step 4: Assemble the Mezze Board
On a large platter or wooden board, arrange the cooked chicken on one side. Surround it with sections of Kalamata and green olives, cubed feta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and roasted red peppers. This colorful arrangement not only looks stunning but invites guests to mix and match flavors.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Finish the board by sprinkling fresh parsley or oregano over the top for that bright herbal note. Serve everything with warm pita bread or flatbread to complete this irresistible medley that encourages sharing and savoring together.
How to Serve Greek Chicken & Olive Mezze Board – Easy Mediterranean Party Platter Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh herbs are key to elevating your mezze board, and a sprinkle of finely chopped parsley or oregano over the chicken and veggies adds not just color but a burst of fresh aroma. For an extra touch, drizzle a little high-quality extra virgin olive oil or a splash of lemon juice just before serving to brighten everything up even more.
Side Dishes
If you want to turn this mezze board into a fuller feast, consider pairing it with a simple Greek salad featuring tomatoes, cucumber, olives, and red onion dressed in lemon and olive oil. You might also add some hummus or tzatziki for creamy dips, giving guests even more delicious options to enjoy alongside the platter.
Creative Ways to Present
Presentation makes all the difference when entertaining. Use a large wooden board or a rustic stone platter to create a visually stunning spread. Group ingredients by color and texture to inspire your guests to explore every bite. Incorporating small bowls for olives or dips alongside the pita bread keeps things neat yet inviting.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Simply transfer any leftovers to airtight containers and store in the refrigerator. The chicken and vegetables will stay fresh for up to 3 days, making this platter a perfect next-day lunch or snack option.
Freezing
While fresh ingredients like cucumbers and tomatoes do not freeze well, you can freeze the cooked marinated chicken separately in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating or adding to another mezze spread.
Reheating
Gently reheat the chicken in a skillet over medium heat or in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Avoid microwaving if possible to keep the chicken juicy and flavorful. Add fresh veggies and feta at serving time to preserve their crispness and creaminess.
FAQs
Can I use other types of olives in this Greek Chicken & Olive Mezze Board – Easy Mediterranean Party Platter Recipe?
Absolutely! While Kalamata and green olives are classic choices, feel free to mix in other Mediterranean olives such as Castelvetrano or Gaeta for different flavors and textures. Just make sure to balance the saltiness accordingly.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?
Yes! The chicken can be marinated and cooked in advance, then assembled on the day you plan to serve. Keep fresh vegetables and herbs separate until serving to keep everything crisp and vibrant.
Can I substitute the chicken with another protein?
Definitely. Grilled lamb, shrimp, or even falafel make excellent alternatives that pair well with the mezze board ingredients, allowing you to customize the platter to your preferences.
How do I make this dish vegan or vegetarian?
Skip the chicken and feta cheese, and instead add marinated grilled vegetables, roasted chickpeas, or plant-based feta alternatives to keep that flavorful Mediterranean vibe. Olives, peppers, cucumbers, and tomatoes are all naturally vegan-friendly and delicious!
What breads work best on a mezze board?
Soft pita bread or warm flatbreads are traditional for dipping and scooping. You can also offer crusty baguette slices or thin crispy crackers for added texture and variety.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend the Greek Chicken & Olive Mezze Board – Easy Mediterranean Party Platter Recipe enough. It’s a beautiful, vibrant celebration of Mediterranean flavors that’s simple to pull together yet makes a big impression. Whether you’re sharing it with friends or enjoying a laid-back dinner, this recipe brings warmth, color, and irresistible tastes right to your table. Give it a whirl—you’ll soon understand why it’s such a favorite in my kitchen!
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Greek Chicken & Olive Mezze Board – Easy Mediterranean Party Platter Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Halal
Description
This Greek Chicken & Olive Mezze Board is a vibrant and easy Mediterranean party platter perfect for sharing. Featuring juicy, marinated chicken breast grilled to perfection alongside a colorful assortment of Kalamata and green olives, creamy feta cheese, fresh cherry tomatoes, crisp cucumber slices, and roasted red peppers, all garnished with fresh herbs and served with warm pita or flatbread. It’s a delightful blend of flavors and textures ideal for casual gatherings or antipasto-style meals.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 500 g boneless, skinless chicken breast, sliced or cubed
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Mezze Board Accompaniments
- 1 cup Kalamata olives
- ½ cup green olives
- 100 g feta cheese, cubed
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes
- ½ cup cucumber slices
- ¼ cup roasted red peppers
- Fresh parsley or oregano, for garnish
- Pita bread or flatbread, warmed
Instructions
- Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, paprika, salt, and black pepper to create a flavorful marinade base.
- Marinate the chicken: Add the sliced or cubed chicken breast to the marinade and toss thoroughly to coat the pieces evenly. Allow the chicken to marinate for at least 30 minutes to absorb all the vibrant flavors.
- Cook the chicken: Heat a skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat and cook the marinated chicken for 6 to 8 minutes, turning occasionally until the chicken is golden brown and cooked through.
- Assemble the mezze board: Arrange the cooked chicken on one side of a large serving board or platter. On the remaining sections, arrange Kalamata olives, green olives, cubed feta cheese, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, and roasted red peppers separately to create a colorful presentation.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh parsley or oregano over the board for a fresh herbal touch. Serve the mezze board with warm pita bread or flatbread on the side for dipping and enjoying alongside the delicious Mediterranean flavors.
Notes
- For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes; overnight marinating will enhance the flavor even more.
- You can substitute chicken breast with thigh meat for a juicier option.
- Warm the pita or flatbread just before serving for a soft and fresh texture.
- Add a side of tzatziki or hummus for extra dipping options.
- Customize the vegetable selection with bell peppers or radishes for added crunch and color.
