This grilled chicken tabbouleh recipe swaps traditional bulgur for hemp hearts, turning a classic Mediterranean side into a legitimate protein source. A quick lemon herb marinade keeps the chicken juicy on the grill, while fresh parsley, mint, and cucumber keep the tabbouleh bright instead of heavy. Because hemp hearts bring their own complete amino acid profile, this bowl hits 52 grams of protein without leaning on the chicken alone. For more Mediterranean-style, heart-healthy meals, see our heart-healthy recipe collection.
Serves: 2 | Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 12 mins
Ingredients
- The Protein: 2 Large chicken breasts (approx. 450g)
- The Marinade: 2 tbsp Olive oil, juice of 1 lemon, 3 cloves minced garlic, 1 tbsp fresh oregano.
- The “Power” Tabbouleh:
- 1 cup Fresh parsley, finely chopped
- ½ cup Fresh mint, finely chopped
- ½ cup Hemp hearts (for high protein/low carb)
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 1 Cucumber, finely diced
- The Topping: ¼ cup Crumbled sheep’s milk feta
Instructions
- Marinate: Toss the chicken in the olive oil, lemon, garlic, and oregano. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes (or up to 4 hours).
- Grill: Over medium-high heat, grill the chicken for 5–6 minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 74°C (165°F). Let it rest before slicing.
- Mix Tabbouleh: In a large bowl, combine the parsley, mint, hemp hearts, tomatoes, and cucumber. Toss with a squeeze of lemon and a splash of olive oil.
- Assemble: Plate the sliced chicken over a generous bed of the tabbouleh and top with crumbled feta.
Nutritional Profile of This Grilled Chicken Tabbouleh Recipe
This Mediterranean-inspired dish provides 52g of high-quality protein per serving, combining lean chicken breast with hemp hearts to deliver a complete amino acid profile essential for muscle repair. The meal contains 510 calories and is rich in heart-healthy fats, offering 28g of total fat primarily from omega-3-rich hemp seeds and monounsaturated olive oil. With only 8g of net carbohydrates and 5g of dietary fiber, it supports stable blood sugar levels while providing a dense concentration of micronutrients, including high levels of Vitamin C and iron, a mineral the National Institutes of Health notes is essential for oxygen transport, to support metabolic function and energy levels.
