Quick, flavorful meals are a weeknight staple, and nothing beats the vibrant taste of the Mediterranean. This easy Mediterranean chicken recipe, made in just one skillet, is packed with bright, fresh flavors and comes together in under 30 minutes. It’s a taste of the Mediterranean diet, right in your kitchen. Get ready to enjoy garlicky seared chicken with juicy tomatoes, briny olives, and creamy feta cheese – a simple yet satisfying dish perfect for any night of the week.
Weeknights often call for quick and easy dinner solutions. That’s where one-skillet meals, especially those inspired by Mediterranean Food Recipes, become your best friend. This Mediterranean chicken recipe is not only fast but also incredibly flavorful, minimizing cleanup while maximizing taste. Like other Mediterranean diet recipes, it focuses on fresh ingredients and simple cooking methods, making it a healthy and delicious choice.
The beauty of Mediterranean cuisine lies in its simplicity and fresh, wholesome ingredients. This recipe perfectly embodies those principles. The combination of tomatoes, olives, and lemon creates a bright and zesty sauce that complements the chicken beautifully. And just like our popular Chicken and Asparagus Skillet, cleanup is a breeze—just one skillet!
While this Mediterranean chicken is delicious on its own, it’s also versatile. Serving it over pasta, rice, or with crusty bread like Rosemary Focaccia transforms it into a heartier meal, perfect for stretching to feed a larger family or when you need something more substantial. The flavorful sauce is ideal for soaking up with your choice of grain or bread.
What’s even better is how adaptable this recipe is. Have some spinach on hand? Toss it in at the end for added greens. Prefer chicken thighs? They work wonderfully and add even more richness. Even without feta, this Mediterranean chicken is bursting with flavor, making it a great option for those seeking dairy-free Mediterranean food recipes.
What Makes This a Great Mediterranean Food Recipe?
This one-skillet chicken recipe isn’t just delicious; it aligns perfectly with the principles of Mediterranean food recipes and the Mediterranean diet. Let’s break down why it’s a fantastic choice:
- Lean Protein: Chicken breast is a lean protein source, a cornerstone of healthy Mediterranean meals.
- Healthy Fats: Extra virgin olive oil, a signature ingredient in Mediterranean cooking, provides healthy monounsaturated fats and rich flavor.
- Fresh Vegetables: Tomatoes and onions add essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
- Flavorful Herbs and Spices: Oregano, garlic, and parsley are key flavor enhancers in Mediterranean cuisine, adding depth and aroma without relying on excessive salt.
- Briny Olives: Olives contribute healthy fats and a distinctive Mediterranean flavor profile.
- Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice adds brightness and acidity, balancing the richness of the dish and reducing the need for extra salt.
By combining these elements, this Mediterranean chicken recipe offers a balanced, nutritious, and incredibly tasty meal that embodies the essence of Mediterranean food recipes.
Key Ingredients for Your Mediterranean Chicken Skillet
You likely have many of these staple ingredients in your kitchen already, making this an accessible recipe to whip up any night.
- Boneless, Skinless Chicken Breasts: Quick-cooking and lean, chicken breasts are ideal for this recipe. For richer flavor, bone-in, skin-on chicken can be used, just adjust cooking time to ensure it’s fully cooked, starting by crisping the skin in the skillet.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Choose a high-quality extra virgin olive oil, like a Greek EVOO, to truly enhance the Mediterranean flavors. Its fruity and peppery notes will elevate the garlic and other seasonings. Don’t hesitate to drizzle a bit extra at the end for added richness.
- Aromatic Flavor Base: Garlic and onion are essential building blocks for flavor. Dried oregano adds a classic Mediterranean herb note. Salt and pepper are crucial for seasoning and enhancing all the other flavors.
- Bright Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice is key to Mediterranean cooking. It brightens the dish and cuts through the richness of the olive oil and chicken.
- Juicy Tomatoes: Fresh, ripe tomatoes are best when in season. Out of season, a can of diced tomatoes (15 oz) works perfectly as a substitute.
- Pungent Green Olives: Green olives add a salty, briny punch that’s characteristic of Mediterranean dishes. Kalamata olives offer a milder, richer alternative. Castelvetrano olives, known for their mild, buttery flavor, are also a great choice. If olives aren’t your preference, capers or thinly sliced preserved lemon can provide a similar salty, tangy element.
- Dry White Wine: A dry white wine adds acidity and depth. Avoid oaky Chardonnays, which can become bitter when cooked. Chicken stock can be substituted for a non-alcoholic version.
- Chicken Stock: Homemade chicken stock will enhance the chicken flavor, but store-bought is perfectly fine for convenience.
- Creamy Feta Cheese: Crumbled feta adds a salty, tangy, and creamy finish. Look for feta preserved in brine for the best flavor and texture.
- Fresh Parsley: Fresh parsley, sprinkled at the end, provides a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous lift to the dish.
Step-by-Step Guide to Making One-Skillet Mediterranean Chicken
One-skillet recipes are loved for their ease of cooking and minimal cleanup. This Mediterranean chicken recipe is no exception, offering a delicious and stress-free meal.
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a good sear. Make shallow slits on each side of each chicken breast to help them cook evenly and absorb flavor.
- Season Generously: Rub minced garlic all over the chicken breasts, pressing some into the slits. Season generously with salt, pepper, and half of the dried oregano.
- Sear to Perfection: Heat olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the seasoned chicken breasts and sear on both sides until golden brown. Searing creates a flavorful crust and locks in juices.
- Braise in Flavorful Broth: Pour in white wine and let it reduce by half, deglazing the skillet and adding depth. Add lemon juice and chicken broth. Sprinkle the remaining oregano over the chicken. Reduce heat to medium, cover the skillet tightly with a lid or foil, and braise for 6-7 minutes on one side. Flip the chicken and cook for another 6 minutes, or until a meat thermometer inserted into the thickest part registers 165°F (74°C).
- Finish with Mediterranean Flair: Uncover the skillet and scatter chopped red onion, diced tomatoes, and sliced green olives over the chicken. Cover again and cook for 3 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly and the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Serve and Garnish: Finish with a generous sprinkle of fresh parsley and crumbled feta cheese (if using). Serve immediately and enjoy the vibrant flavors of your homemade Mediterranean chicken.
Serving Suggestions for Mediterranean Chicken
While this Mediterranean chicken is delicious as a standalone dish, serving it with a simple side enhances the meal and allows you to soak up every bit of the flavorful sauce. Here are some perfect pairings:
- Grains: Serve over pasta, rice, couscous, or quinoa to absorb the delicious sauce. For a Mediterranean twist, try serving it with spaghetti aglio e olio or basmati rice.
- Bread: Crusty bread, pita bread, or Rosemary Focaccia are excellent for scooping up the sauce.
- Salads: A fresh salad complements the richness of the chicken. Consider a Mediterranean Couscous Salad or a simple Greek Green Bean Salad for a complete Mediterranean meal.
- Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like Italian Oven Roasted Vegetables or a side of steamed or grilled asparagus add extra nutrients and fiber.
And for dessert, why not continue the Mediterranean theme with fresh fruit or a light and refreshing treat?
Explore More Easy Mediterranean Food Recipes
If you love this one-skillet Mediterranean chicken, you’ll be thrilled to discover the vast world of easy and delicious Mediterranean food recipes. The Mediterranean diet offers a wealth of flavors and healthy options beyond chicken. Here are a few more skillet dinner ideas and recipe categories to explore:
More Skillet Dinners:
- Fish and Seafood: Mediterranean Lemon-Garlic Haddock with Artichoke Hearts offers another quick and flavorful skillet meal featuring lean protein.
- Shrimp Dishes: Mediterranean-Style Garlic Shrimp Recipe with Bell Peppers is a speedy and satisfying option perfect for weeknights.
- Other Poultry Dishes: Explore recipes like Garlic Dijon Chicken or Uncle Samy’s Skillet Onion Chicken for more skillet-based protein options.
Beyond Skillet Recipes: Dive Deeper into Mediterranean Cuisine
- Salads: Mediterranean salads are vibrant and packed with fresh vegetables, herbs, and healthy fats. Explore recipes like Greek salad, Fattoush, or Tabbouleh.
- Dips and Appetizers: Hummus, Baba Ghanoush, and Tzatziki are classic Mediterranean dips that are easy to make and perfect for snacks or appetizers.
- Vegetarian and Vegan Options: The Mediterranean diet is rich in plant-based dishes. Explore lentil soups, vegetarian stews, and roasted vegetable dishes.
Browse all Mediterranean recipes for even more inspiration.
This one-skillet Mediterranean chicken recipe is just the beginning. Embrace the flavors and health benefits of Mediterranean food recipes and bring the taste of the Mediterranean to your table tonight!
Mediterranean Chicken Recipe
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By Suzy Karadsheh
This one-pan Mediterranean chicken recipe is quick, easy, and bursting with authentic Mediterranean flavors. Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s perfect for a healthy and delicious weeknight dinner.
Prep time: 10 minutes
Cook time: 15 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4
Course: Entree
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic or garlic paste
- Kosher salt to taste
- Black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano, divided
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- ½ cup dry white wine
- 1 large lemon, juiced
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 medium red onion, finely chopped
- 4 small tomatoes, diced (about 1 ½ cups)
- ¼ cup sliced green olives
- Handful of fresh parsley, stems removed, leaves chopped
- Crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the chicken: Pat chicken breasts dry and make shallow slits on each side.
- Season the chicken: Rub garlic on both sides of chicken, pushing some into slits. Season with salt, pepper, and half the oregano.
- Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear chicken on both sides until golden, then add white wine and reduce by half.
- Braise the chicken: Add lemon juice and chicken broth. Sprinkle remaining oregano. Cover and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until chicken reaches 165°F.
- Finish and serve: Uncover, top with onion, tomatoes, and olives. Cover and cook for 3 minutes. Garnish with parsley and feta (if using). Serve hot.
Recipe Notes
- Pro-Tip: For thicker chicken breasts, consider butterflying them into cutlets for even cooking.
- Variations: Customize this recipe by adding spinach, capers, or extra herbs to your liking.
- Shop Mediterranean Ingredients: Visit our shop for high-quality olive oils, spices, and other Mediterranean staples.
Nutrition Information
Calories: 413.6kcal
Carbohydrates: 14.4g
Protein: 50.5g
Fat: 14.6g
Saturated Fat: 2.5g
Polyunsaturated Fat: 1.9g
Monounsaturated Fat: 7.8g
Trans Fat: 0.03g
Cholesterol: 145.2mg
Sodium: 513.8mg
Potassium: 1281.1mg
Fiber: 3.7g
Sugar: 5.7g
Vitamin A: 1154.6IU
Vitamin C: 38.3mg
Calcium: 78.8mg
Iron: 2.2mg
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*Updated with new information for reader benefit.
