Greek Chicken & Olive Mezze Board Recipe

If you’re craving a vibrant, shareable feast full of Mediterranean charm, the Greek Chicken & Olive Mezze Board is exactly what you need. This colorful spread brings together juicy, lemony grilled chicken, briny olives, tangy pickled vegetables, and creamy dips with crunchy pita and nuts, creating a delightful balance of flavors and textures that feels both rustic and elegant. Whether you’re entertaining friends or simply want a fun way to enjoy a wholesome meal, this Greek Chicken & Olive Mezze Board offers a perfect combination that will brighten any table and make every bite an exciting experience.

this Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

Keeping things simple with fresh, high-quality ingredients is the secret to the success of this Greek Chicken & Olive Mezze Board. Each item plays an essential role—brightening the flavors, adding color contrast, and providing different textures for a perfectly balanced bite every time.

• Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs: Choose thighs for extra juiciness or breasts for lean protein, both soak up the marinade beautifully.
• Olive oil: A staple that tenderizes the chicken and adds richness.
• Garlic: Minced fresh garlic imparts a pungent, savory aroma that wakes up the palate.
• Fresh lemon juice and lemon zest: The dynamic duo brings bright acidity and fragrant citrus notes.
• Dried oregano: Classic Mediterranean herb that gives warmth and authenticity.
• Paprika: Adds subtle smokiness and vibrant color to the chicken.
• Salt & black pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance every bite.
• Kalamata olives and green olives: The star briny bites that add complexity and a salty pop.
• Pickled red onions and roasted red peppers: Tangy and sweet pickled items provide a delicious zing and softness.
• Cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, radishes, and fresh parsley: Crisp, fresh vegetables and herbs bring crunch and bright greens.
• Crumbled feta cheese: Salty and creamy, it’s a must-have for that authentic Mediterranean touch.
• Tzatziki and hummus: Classic Greek dips, creamy and full of flavor, perfect for dipping or spreading.
• Warm pita breads and pita chips: The essential vehicles for scooping or stacking all your favorite toppings.
• Toasted almonds: Add a delightful nutty crunch to contrast the soft cheeses and dips.

How to Make Greek Chicken & Olive Mezze Board

Step 1: Marinate the Chicken

Start by whisking together olive oil, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice and zest, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Coat your chicken breasts or thighs thoroughly in this flavorful marinade. This allows the citrus and herbs to infuse the meat, making it juicy and bursting with Mediterranean aromas. Let it sit for at least 20 to 30 minutes so the flavors really soak in.

Step 2: Cook the Chicken

Once marinated, grill or pan-sear the chicken over medium-high heat. Cook it for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side, until you get that gorgeous golden crust and the inside reaches 165°F (74°C). Rest the chicken for a few minutes after cooking—this helps keep it tender and moist. Slice it into bite-sized pieces or strips that are perfect for piling onto the board.

Step 3: Prepare the Mezze Board

Grab a large serving board or platter and set out small bowls filled with creamy tzatziki, hummus, and crumbled feta cheese. Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the dips and sprinkle a pinch of oregano or paprika on top for a pretty accent and extra flavor.

Step 4: Arrange the Components

Now comes the fun part—arranging the star ingredients around the dips. Place the sliced chicken, Kalamata and green olives, pickled red onions, and roasted red peppers beautifully around the platters. Add fresh cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, radishes, and sprinkle fresh parsley across the board. Don’t forget to add warm pita bread slices, pita chips, and toasted almonds to balance out the soft and savory elements with some crunch.

How to Serve Greek Chicken & Olive Mezze Board

Garnishes

Fresh parsley and lemon wedges are essential garnishes that add a bright, herbal lift to the entire board. The lemon wedges encourage everyone to add a splash of zesty brightness to their bites, while the parsley ties all the fresh flavors together with its vibrant color and subtle earthiness.

Side Dishes

Though this mezze board is a meal in itself, it pairs beautifully with light Greek salads, warm roasted vegetables, or even a glass of crisp white wine or retsina. Consider serving alongside pita-stuffed falafel or grilled halloumi cheese to amp up the Mediterranean vibe further.

Creative Ways to Present

For a unique twist, try serving the Greek Chicken & Olive Mezze Board family-style so everyone can help themselves. You could also offer smaller individual boards or plates plated elegantly with mini pita stacks and portions of olives and dips, perfect for a festive party or casual dinner where everyone can mix and match flavors as they please.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Any leftover chicken and components from your Greek Chicken & Olive Mezze Board can be stored in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keep dips separate to maintain their freshness. The chicken tastes great cold or gently reheated, making it a wonderful quick lunch option.

Freezing

While the chicken can be frozen cooked, the fresh vegetables, dips, and pita chips do not freeze well and are best enjoyed fresh. If freezing chicken, wrap it tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

To bring leftover Greek chicken back to life, gently reheat it in a skillet over low heat or microwave it in short bursts to avoid drying out. Freshen up the board by adding new pita slices and fresh vegetables, and don’t forget to serve cold dips straight from the fridge.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a great choice for this Greek Chicken & Olive Mezze Board if you prefer a juicier, more flavorful cut. They hold up well during grilling and soak up the marinade beautifully.

What can I substitute if I don’t have Kalamata olives?

Green olives or any other briny Mediterranean-style olive will work fine, although Kalamata olives add a unique, fruity depth that is classic to Greek dishes. Just choose olives with pits removed for easier eating on the board.

Is this dish gluten-free?

The main components of the chicken and vegetables are gluten-free, but you’d need to omit pita bread and pita chips or substitute with gluten-free crackers to keep the entire mezze board free of gluten.

How long does the marinade improve the chicken’s flavor?

Marinating for 20 to 30 minutes is sufficient for great flavor infusion, but if you have time, letting it rest for a few hours or overnight will deepen the lemon and herb notes even more.

Can I prepare this board for a large group?

Definitely! The Greek Chicken & Olive Mezze Board scales up easily. Just multiply the ingredients accordingly and use large platters to create an impressive, abundant spread that encourages sharing and conversation.

Final Thoughts

Sharing a Greek Chicken & Olive Mezze Board feels like inviting a bit of the sun-filled Mediterranean into your home. It’s fun, flavorful, and perfect for bringing people together around the table. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, this dish never fails to impress and satisfy — so go ahead and give it a try. I promise, once you taste it, this board will become one of your favorite go-to meals for any occasion!