Moroccan Grilled Chicken with Herby Lemon Olive Vinaigrette.
Moroccan Grilled Chicken with Herby Lemon Olive Vinaigrette! This quick marinated Moroccan grilled chicken takes chicken from boring and flavorless to exciting and beyond delicious. Served with a lemon and olive vinaigrette for a fresh pop of flavor and color and all made in just about 30 minutes. It doesn’t get easier or more delicious than this grilled chicken.

Hey, hi and welcome to the first official post of Super Simple Summer Thursdays!
After everyone’s response to last Thursday’s post, I decided to make super simple Thursday a thing for the summer! I think we can all agree that summer recipes should be quick, simple, and easy so that we can spend a little less time inside and so much more time outside. Summer is short, so we need to enjoy all of the warmth, sunshine, and long nights that we can.
So. Super Simple Summer Thursdays!
Here’s how super simple Thursdays will work. The recipes will use minimal ingredients, pantry staple ingredients, easy cooking methods, and well, just be all around SIMPLE. Sound good? OK. Cool.
If you guys have any requests or suggestions for super simple recipes, please let me know in the comments or shoot me an email!

OKAY. That’s the intro, on to today’s recipe.
Moroccan grilled chicken with an extra lemony olive vinaigrette. To simply put it? This chicken is addictingly good and fun too! Because um, hello? Everything on a stick is just that much more fun to eat. I don’t know why, but it’s true.
There’s simply nothing not to love about this easy grilled chicken. It’s seasoned with Moroccan spices and herbs, is tender, and so flavorful. I did a quick marinade (because I can never remember to marinate overnight), adding in Greek yogurt to help tenderize the chicken in a short amount of time. Using Greek yogurt is my secret ingredient for keeping chicken tender without having to let it sit in a marinade for hours and hours. Works like a charm.
While the chicken grills up, I made a quick vinaigrette, using pantry staples, to drizzle over the chicken. This provides yet another layer of flavor. The lemon vinaigrette is essential to this recipe…but then again you guys know how much I love a good sauce or salsa. They’re my favorite.
The vinaigrette provides freshness and color, just trust me, you need it.
Finish it off with some goat cheese or feta and DONE.
You see? Super simple!
It’s dinner in thirty minutes, it’s healthy, and it’s GOOD! I recommend serving the chicken with some quinoa or couscous (which takes just five minutes to make) and maybe grill up some veggies too. OR try adding the chicken to a salad full of your favorite greens, you’ve already got the vinaigrette all figured out.

Also? I can’t even believe this, but I’m already thinking about the 4th of July. Normally I’m not organized enough to be prepping 4th of July recipes this early into June, but with a big trip ahead of me in a couple of weeks (heading to the Caribbean for vacation and then NYC for work), I’ve had to force myself to get organized and think a little further in advance than usual. Enter this chicken. Perfect for an easy Thursday night dinner, but equally great for any and all summer cookouts, including the 4th of July!
I’ve already made this multiple times over the last two weeks. It’s becoming a bit of a staple on nights when I’m just not up for cooking a huge meal or I am running behind. It’s great because as long as you have a stocked spice cabinet, lemons, and chicken, you can make this dinner without even having to run to the grocery store.

If you make this Moroccan grilled chicken, please be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I love hearing from you guys and always do my best to respond to each and every one of you. Oh, and of course, if you do make this, don’t forget to also tag me on Instagram so I can see! Looking through the photos of recipes you all have made is my favorite!

Nutritional information is only an estimate. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed.
Moroccan Grilled Chicken with Herby Lemon Olive Vinaigrette
By halfbakedharvest
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Moroccan
Keyword: chicken dinner, chicken kebobs, grilled chicken
This quick marinated Moroccan grilled chicken takes chicken from boring and flavorless to exciting and beyond delicious. Served with a lemon and olive vinaigrette for a fresh pop of flavor and color and all made in just about 30 minutes. It doesn't get easier or more delicious than this grilled chicken.
Ingredients
- 2 pound boneless skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite size chunks
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon fresh cilantro, chopped
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 3 cloves garlic, minced or grated
- 1 inch fresh ginger, grated
- kosher salt
Herby Lemon Olive Vinaigrette
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice + 2 teaspoons lemon zest
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup pitted green olives, torn
- 1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes
- kosher salt
- 1/3 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese
Instructions
-
1. In a gallon size zip top bag, combine the chicken, olive oil, yogurt, paprika, cilantro, cumin, garlic, ginger, and a large pinch of salt. Marinate for 15 minutes or up to overnight in the fridge.
2. Set your grill, grill pan or skillet to medium-high heat. Take skewers and thread the chicken pieces on.
4. Brush the chicken on the skewers lightly with olive oil. Grill the skewers until lightly charred and cooked through, turning them occasionally throughout cooking, about 10 to 12 minutes total.
5. To make the vinaigrette, combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, cilantro, olives, crushed red pepper flakes, and a pinch of salt in a bowl. Stir in the cheese.
6. Serve the skewers drizzled with vinaigrette. Enjoy!

YES. PLEASE.
Our Favorite Recipes
Strawberry Cornmeal Cake with Buttermilk Glaze.
oh i’m so hungry now
Thank you Ruth!
Wow Tieghan your Moroccan Grilled Chicken looks and sounds absolutely delicious! Perfect summer grilling recipe! And fabulous photos as usual! 🙂
Thank you so much Alia! I am so glad you like this!
These skewers are beautiful and are perfect for grilling this weekend!
Thank you so much Brittany!
I’m loving this. The flavors are all so wonderful (I love a lemon vinaigrette) and the recipe is so simple! This is perfect for a quick weeknight meal, or even to bring for lunch during the week. Love it!
Thank you so much Danielle!
Wow these look amazing! I can’t wait to try the recipe. Thanks for sharing <3
Thank you so much Ella!
Oh, yum! I’m making it this weekend!
I got my cookbook but can’t read it until Sunday night; this is my birthday present to me!
Now I have to up my pantry and include things I don’t have as staples. I’ve been buying a lotta lemons and am going to add them to my shrimp jambalaya, which I’ll make with the usual onion, green pep, celery but will add asparagus, and other vegetables rather than chicken and sausage.
I hope you absolutely love this Nan! Thank you so much!
So am making this tonight! Can’t thank you enough for getting my cooking juice so flowing again. Was in a rut after 30 years of makinag dinner…….. just love your style and your realistic and lovely view on food.
I also manage an independent bookstore in Laguna Beach and you and order a few of your cookbooks to sell from our wholsaler.
Thank you so much Lisa! Thank you!
Loved this Moroccan Chicken with Lemon olive vinaigrette.
Thank you Tina!
The flavor was unbelievable. This was such a delicious dish that I’m planning to make it again this week!
Thank you so much Annie!!
I made this yesterday and it was super easy and delicious. One question, is there a step# 3 in directions?
I LOVE that Super Simple Thursday is a thing now!!! This is definitely something I need in my life right now. I will DEFINITLEY be making this recipe. Thanks so much!
I made this last night and it was delicious! The chicken was so moist and flavorful. I kept the breasts whole and switched the olives and cheese for what I had – Castelvetrano (my favorite) and gorgonzola. Put it on a bed of mixed greens with tons of veggies and it was was fabulous. Have to have again to see if I prefer this or the chicken shawarma the best, lol. Thanks for another delicious recipe.
Thank you Rose! I am so glad you loved this recipe!!
I don’t have olives, can I leave them out in the vinaigrette?
Hi Seema, yes the olive can be left out of the vinaigrette. Please let me know if you have any other questions. Hope you love this recipe! Thanks!
Made this last night, very delicious! Definitely a keeper. Will try again real soon.
Thank you Annemarie!
Hi Tiegen, I made these amazing skewers for dinner last evening!! And OMG! They were incredible – the marinade for the chicken is what makes this dish so perfectly succulent and yum! I used Chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts as previously I’ve noticed chicken breast tends to get a bit dry.
I cant wait to try more!! XX
Thank you so much! I am so glad you loved this recipe and hope you love others!
This was a family effort last night! Mom got everything marinating while we were at work, dad grilled and i whipped up the vinaigrette. We paired it with some basmati rice and it was delicious! Super easy and the leftovers keep great for next day lunch!
Thank you so much Erika! I am so glad you and your family loved this recipe!
Would it be possible to see nutrition facts or an estimated calorie value?
Hi Theresa! I am working on adding these to my blog, but for now I do not have them! I am so sorry about that! I hope you love this recipe!
Trying this out tonight! Sounds so so so delish!
Thank you Lauren!
This sounds wonderful. What would you serve it with?
Thanks! I recommend serving it with couscous or wild rice! Please let me know if you have other questions. Hope you love this recipe! Thanks! 🙂
Let me tell you…. I’ve been cooking and grilling all my life and all the time and this has been the most delicious chicken ever. The chicken flavors combined with vinaigrette makes me wanna cry. Thank you!
Thank you so much Kristina!
i’m so hungry
Haha glad you like this!
These were delicious! I made them last week & already planning when I can make them again!! Another winner… thanks!
I am so glad you loved this! Thank you Shelley!
I’m all about the summer skewers and these look so good! The herby lemon olive vinaigrette sounds pretty much perfect with any meal!
Thank you so much Laura!
My kids loved this recipe and want me to make it again. Absolutely tasty and delicious!
Thank you so much Meliza!
this looks amazing! is there a substitute for the cilantro-haters?
I would use fresh parsley or basil! Please let me know if you have other questions. Hope you love this recipe! Thanks! 🙂
Would the marinade work without the yogurt for my dairy sensitive husband?
Yes, you can just omit the yogurt. The chicken will still be great! Please let me know if you have other questions. Hope you love this recipe! Thanks! 🙂
I made this 2 weeks ago and everyone LOVED it, my son requested it again tonight!!
Thank you Eileen! I am so happy to hear that!
MY MARINADE IS THICK, ALMOST A PASTE. IS IT SUPPOSED TO BE THIS THICK? THX!
HI! The marinade should not be thick. Maybe you use too many herbs? Did you change anything about the recipe?
Hi! This tastes amazing! I wonder if I can make this in advance, say a week, and just put it in the freezer until it’s time to cook it? The recipe states marinating overnight is okay. What if it takes more than that? Will it has a negative effect on the flavor?
HI! Yes, you can make ahead and freeze. That will be great! Just taw the chicken before cooking. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe. Thanks so much! x Tieghan
I recently discovered your IG and site and have loved the couple dishes I’ve made so far. We’re mostly dairy-free so I made this without the yogurt (subbed more olive oil) and cheese and it was awesome. Not wanting to grill in 7 degree weather, I used chicken thighs and used the same oven temp and timing from your sheet pan harissa chicken and loved it (425 for about 40 minutes). Even the kids had seconds!
That is so amazing! I am so glad you all loved this recipe, Meredith! Thank you!
Can this recipe be done in the baked or broiled?
HI! I recommend baking at 425 degrees for 30-45 minutes. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan
Any suggestions for replacing the yogurt to make this dairy-free?
HI! I recommend using coconut yogurt. Please let me know if you have any other questions. I hope you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan
Made this for a girls lunch at my house and everyone LOVED them, perfect with a big cous cous salad and easy for a big group! Thank you 🙂
Thank you so much Rhi! I am so glad you enjoyed this recipe so much! xTieghan
This was soooo good, and not too difficult to make. I was singing your praises between mouthfuls. It was pretty too, with the vinaigrette on top. I am sure to make this again, so satisfying. I used my Thermopop to pull it off the grill when the pieces were all about 155 F, then tented with foil for 10 mins. We made it with grilled onion kebabs for a side dish, and berries and whipped cream for dessert. Thanks for another winner winner chicken dinner!
Yes! So glad you absolutely loved this recipe, Julie! Thank you so much! xTieghan
Absolutely delicious! So quick and easy! Can’t wait to make it again!
Thank you so much Katie! So glad you loved this! xTieghan
Made it tonight, my husband and i loved it. The vinaigrette was amazing flavor on top of the chicken. Thank you!!
I am really glad you and your husband loved this recipe, Ash! Thank you! xTieghan
Hello!!! I made this for a family dinner and everyone LOVED it!! I really want to make it again for entertaining but it will be a rushed day. Any suggestions on cooking time if I were to keep the chicken breasts whole and baked them in my oven?
Hey Shawna! I would roast the chicken bread at 425 for 35-45 minutes, until cooked through. I think that will be so great!! Please let me know if you have any other questions. I am so glad you love this recipe! Thank you! xTieghan ??
Another win! Lots of flavor! In fact my peeps liked it just as well without the sauce, as there was tons of flavor in the marinade. I usually gravitate to your soups and salads because they are gorgeous and who doesn’t love a one-dish meal? It’s too cold for me to grill (OK it’s 50 degrees, but I’m a self-professed cold weather wimp, so there you have it), so I pulled cut-up chicken from marinade with tongs, browned in oven-proof skillet, then transferred to oven to finish. What put this in the “simple” category for me is having made the marinade and vinaigrette before work. Heated up some leftover rice and green beans, cooked the chicken, and dinner was served! Thank you for another home run.
Right?! So glad this one turned out so well for you Alison! Thank you! xTieghan
Found this recipe, loved it. Tried a few others and this is the one we keep going back to. Super easy, light and delicious!
Thank you so much Maria! xTieghan
I just want to thank you for all of the time and effort you put into your recipes. It’s clear that you take care to post a variety of recipes. My husband and I are physicians and, now more than ever, we need easy and quick (but tasty) recipes to come home to. Nowadays, I find it difficult to find recipes that are varied by technique and flavors that are still “doable” for the home cook. Your recipes check all the boxes. Your blog is fantastic and I can’t thank you enough.
Hi Karina! First of all, THANK YOU for all of the work you are doing during this tough time! I am really glad my recipes have been working out so well for the both of you! I hope you continue to enjoy them and stay safe! xTieghan
And I forgot to mention that this recipe specifically is fantastic. Great blend of flavors with some spice but not too much.
This has been one of my go to recipes for a year or so to impress guests or I make it when I’m in a flavor rut. This chicken recipe is so bright and amazing! Always a hit
Love that! I am so glad you have been enjoying this one, Christie! Thank you! xTieghan
My husband and I hate olives but I decided to try the recipe as is. I used Castelvetrano green olives and we loved it! I don’t know if those are milder or different but they totally work. Thought I’d share for anyone who might feel the same way about olives, 🙂 This is being added to the dinner rotation!
I am really glad this turned out so well for you both, Susan! Thank you so much! xTieghan
I made this for my family at our cottage this summer and it was a hit! I will definitely be making it again, and my mom has already asked for the recipe so she can make it as well!
I am so happy this turned out so well for you all, Mel! Thank you for trying it! xTieghan
Absolutely delicious! I used boneless chicken thighs on skewers and the outcome was just perfect. Will certainly be making this again!
That is so amazing to hear! Thank you Varsha! xTieghan
This was delicious! The whole family loved it, from the 3 year old to my husband. And I know it’s a good recipe when he asks me to make it again!
Hi Erin! I am really happy this recipe turned out so amazing for you both! xTieghan
Delicious!!! I only marinated for 20 minutes or so. I’m not a fan of olives so I left that out of the vinaigrette, but otherwise followed recipe. Huge hit and will definitely go in my rotation!
Hey Kristin,
Thanks so much for trying the recipe. That is so great the recipe was enjoyed! Happy New Year! xTieghan