21 Mediterranean Chicken & Seafood Dishes Bursting with Flavor

Explore the vibrant world of Mediterranean cuisine with these 21 flavorful chicken and seafood dishes. Known for their rich flavors and healthy ingredients, these recipes capture the essence of Mediterranean cooking. Each dish is a celebration of fresh herbs, spices, and quality produce, ensuring a delicious experience.

1. Moroccan Chicken Tagine

In the heart of Morocco’s culinary traditions lies the iconic Chicken Tagine. This dish, cooked slowly in a conical clay pot, boasts succulent chicken infused with the flavors of olives and preserved lemons. As the aroma fills the air, the tender meat falls off the bone, mingling with the fragrant mix of saffron and coriander. Whether served with couscous or crusty bread, this dish promises a taste of Moroccan warmth. It’s a sensory delight, bringing the rich culture of North Africa to your table.

2. Greek Lemon Herb Grilled Chicken

Imagine a sunny Greek island where the sea breeze mingles with the scent of grilled chicken. This dish captures that essence with lemon-marinated chicken, perfectly grilled. The zesty lemon and aromatic herbs create a flavor explosion that’s both refreshing and hearty. Paired with a simple salad, it’s the epitome of Greek outdoor dining. Each bite transports you to a terrace overlooking azure waters, making it an unforgettable culinary journey.

3. Italian Seafood Risotto

In a quaint Italian village, the art of risotto-making is revered. This seafood risotto brims with the treasures of the sea. Prawns, mussels, and clams nestle into creamy Arborio rice, enriched with a splash of white wine. Finished with fresh parsley and a sprinkle of Parmesan, it’s a dish that speaks of love and tradition. The gentle stir of the spoon, the wafting aroma—each moment is a sensory delight, reminiscent of Italy’s coastal charm.

4. Spanish Paella de Mariscos

Paella de Mariscos is Spain’s coastal answer to rice dishes, a vibrant mix of seafood and saffron-infused rice. Shrimp, calamari, and mussels are nestled in golden grains, each bite a savory memory of beachside feasts. Cooked in a wide paella pan, this dish is a social affair, perfect for sharing under the Spanish sun. It’s a celebration of Spain’s culinary flair with every spoonful offering a taste of the sea.

5. Turkish Chicken Kebabs

In Turkey, kebabs are more than food; they are tradition. These chicken kebabs are marinated in yogurt and spices, grilled until tender and juicy. Served with warm flatbreads and a sprinkle of sumac, they embody the smoky flavors of Turkish street food. Each skewer tells a story of ancient culinary practices, inviting you to savor the vibrant spices and succulent textures.

6. French Bouillabaisse

A Marseille classic, Bouillabaisse is a rich, flavorful fish stew that reflects the bounty of the Mediterranean Sea. With a medley of fish, shellfish, and fragrant herbs, each spoonful offers a taste of the French coast. Served with a side of rouille-topped baguettes, it’s a dish steeped in tradition, evoking the bustling ports and serene beaches of Southern France. Truly, it’s a culinary masterpiece in a bowl.

7. Egyptian Molokhia with Chicken

In the heart of Egyptian homes, Molokhia is a beloved green stew that combines chicken with leafy molokhia leaves. Flavored with garlic and coriander, this dish is a staple of comfort and nourishment. The silky texture of the stew, combined with tender chicken, makes it a hearty meal. Often served with a side of rice, Molokhia is a celebration of Egypt’s rich culinary heritage.

8. Portuguese Chicken Piri Piri

Piri Piri chicken is Portugal’s fiery contribution to grilled poultry. Marinated with hot peppers and spices, the chicken is grilled to perfection, resulting in a spicy, smoky flavor. Paired with crispy potatoes or a fresh salad, it’s a dish that dances on the palate. Each bite carries a hint of Portugal’s zest for life, making it a favorite among spice lovers.

9. Lebanese Shish Tawook

Shish Tawook, a Lebanese delight, brings together marinated chicken and the warmth of family meals. The chicken is soaked in a mix of yogurt, lemon, and spices, then grilled to juicy perfection. Served with garlic sauce and pickles, it’s a dish rich in flavor and tradition. Each skewer is a journey to the bustling streets and vibrant culture of Lebanon.

10. Israeli Chraime Fish

Chraime is a spicy North-African fish dish cherished in Israeli homes. Fish fillets simmer in a rich tomato sauce spiced with paprika and cumin, creating a bold, flavorful experience. Served with crusty challah bread, it’s a dish that evokes warmth and tradition. Perfect for sharing, Chraime brings a spicy kick to your Mediterranean feast, reflecting the diverse culinary tapestry of Israel.

11. Cypriot Sheftalia

In Cyprus, Sheftalia is a beloved sausage that captures the spirit of island grilling. Made with minced pork and lamb, wrapped in caul fat, these sausages are grilled to perfection. Served with pita and fresh salad, Sheftalia offers a taste of Cypriot hospitality. Each bite reveals a blend of flavors that tell the story of family gatherings and seaside barbecues.

12. Tunisian Brik with Egg

Brik is Tunisia’s crispy, heartwarming street food. Thin pastry is stuffed with egg, tuna, and herbs, then fried until golden. The first bite reveals a delightful crunch, followed by a rich, savory filling. Served with a squeeze of lemon, brik is a perfect snack, bringing a taste of Tunisia’s vibrant street life to your plate.

13. Croatian Brodetto

Brodetto is a beloved seafood stew from Croatia’s coastal regions. With an array of fish and shellfish simmered in a tomato-based broth, it offers a hearty, flavorful experience. Served with crusty bread, this dish is a celebration of the sea’s bounty. Each spoonful is a tribute to Croatia’s maritime heritage and its love for seafood.

14. Syrian Chicken Shawarma

Syrian Chicken Shawarma is a beloved street food that tantalizes the senses. Marinated in a blend of spices, yogurt, and lemon, the chicken is roasted on a spit, absorbing rich flavors. Sliced and served with flatbreads, it’s a dish that embodies the vibrant culinary scene of Syria. Each bite is a journey through the bustling streets and rich traditions of the Middle East.

15. Algerian Chicken Couscous

In Algeria, chicken couscous is more than a meal; it’s a symbol of hospitality. Tender chicken is cooked with vegetables and spices, served atop fluffy couscous. Each mouthful is a harmonious blend of flavors, reflecting Algeria’s rich culinary heritage. With the warmth of family gatherings and the aroma of spices, it’s a dish that tells a story of community and tradition.

16. Maltese Stuffat tal-Fenek

Stuffat tal-Fenek, or rabbit stew, is Malta’s national dish, celebrated for its rich flavors. Rabbit is slow-cooked with vegetables and wine, creating a hearty, savory stew. Served with crusty bread, it’s a dish that embodies Malta’s rustic charm and culinary history. Each spoonful is a comforting taste of Maltese tradition, perfect for family gatherings.

17. Bosnian Chicken Sogan-dolma

Sogan-dolma is a traditional Bosnian dish that highlights stuffed onions as its star. Filled with a mix of chicken, rice, and spices, these onions are baked to tender perfection. Each bite reveals a balance of flavors and textures, reflecting Bosnia’s rich culinary tapestry. It’s a comforting dish, perfect for sharing with loved ones, bringing warmth and tradition to any table.

18. Moroccan Fish Chermoula

Chermoula is a vibrant Moroccan marinade that transforms fish into a flavorful delight. Marinated with a mix of herbs and spices, the fish is grilled to perfection, exuding aromatic richness. Served with couscous, it’s a dish that captures the essence of Moroccan coastal cuisine. Each bite is a taste of the sea, infused with the warmth of North African spices.

19. Turkish Hamsi Tava

Hamsi Tava is a Turkish delight, celebrating the humble anchovy. Coated in cornmeal and fried until crispy, these small fish offer a burst of savory flavor. Served with lemon and fresh salad, they’re a taste of Turkey’s Black Sea region. Each crispy bite is a tribute to traditional Turkish seaside dining, perfect for sharing with friends.

20. Sicilian Swordfish Involtini

In Sicily, Swordfish Involtini is a cherished dish that embodies the island’s love for seafood. Thin swordfish slices are rolled with breadcrumbs and herbs, then grilled to perfection. Served with caponata, it’s a dish that captures the vibrant flavors of Sicilian cuisine. Each bite tells a story of sun-soaked days and Mediterranean breezes.

21. Greek Saganaki Shrimp

Saganaki Shrimp is a Greek favorite, combining plump shrimp with a rich tomato and feta sauce. Cooked in a sizzling pan, the flavors meld together, creating a vibrant, savory experience. Served with crusty bread, it’s a dish that transports you to a Greek taverna by the sea. Each bite is a taste of the ocean, infused with Greek zest for life.