Delicious & Easy Mediterranean Food Recipes: Chicken in One Skillet

Mediterranean food is celebrated for its vibrant flavors, fresh ingredients, and health benefits. If you’re searching for a quick, flavorful, and wholesome meal, look no further than Mediterranean Food Recipes Chicken. This one-skillet Mediterranean chicken recipe is a weeknight winner, bringing together juicy chicken breasts with classic Mediterranean staples like tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, and fragrant herbs. In under 30 minutes, you can have a dinner that’s both satisfying and incredibly easy to clean up.

This recipe takes inspiration from the heart of the Mediterranean diet, known for its emphasis on lean proteins, healthy fats, and plenty of vegetables. It’s a perfect example of how mediterranean food recipes chicken can be both simple and deeply flavorful. Busy weeknights call for easy solutions, and this skillet chicken delivers without compromising on taste or nutrition. With just one pan to wash, you’ll have more time to relax and enjoy your delicious, home-cooked meal.

What makes this recipe a standout in the world of mediterranean food recipes chicken? It’s the combination of fresh, high-quality ingredients and the simple cooking method that allows the flavors to truly shine. The chicken is seared to golden perfection and then braised in a flavorful white wine and chicken broth sauce, infused with garlic, oregano, and lemon juice. The addition of ripe tomatoes, briny olives, and creamy feta cheese at the end adds layers of texture and taste that are quintessentially Mediterranean.

This versatile mediterranean food recipes chicken dish is perfect served on its own for a lighter meal, or you can easily stretch it further by serving it over pasta, rice, or crusty bread to soak up all the delicious sauce. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this recipe is guaranteed to become a new favorite in your rotation of mediterranean food recipes chicken.

What You Need for This Mediterranean Chicken Recipe

Before you start cooking this fantastic example of mediterranean food recipes chicken, gather your ingredients. The beauty of Mediterranean cuisine is its reliance on fresh, readily available items, many of which you might already have in your kitchen.

• Chicken Breasts: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal for this quick skillet recipe. They cook fast and evenly, making them perfect for weeknight meals. If you prefer a richer flavor, you can also use bone-in, skin-on chicken breasts or thighs, just be sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly to ensure they are cooked through.
• Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A cornerstone of Mediterranean cooking, high-quality extra virgin olive oil is essential. It not only adds flavor but also provides healthy fats. Choose a robust olive oil to enhance the garlicky notes of the chicken.
• Aromatic Flavor Base: Garlic and onion are the foundation of flavor in this dish. Freshly minced garlic and chopped onion create a savory base that complements the other Mediterranean ingredients perfectly. Dried oregano adds a classic Mediterranean herb note, while salt and pepper enhance all the flavors.
• Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice is crucial for brightening the dish and adding a touch of acidity that balances the richness of the olive oil and chicken.
• Fresh Tomatoes: Ripe, fresh tomatoes provide sweetness and juicy texture. If fresh tomatoes are not in season, you can substitute with canned diced tomatoes (about 15 ounces).
• Green Olives: Pitted green olives add a salty, briny punch that is characteristic of Mediterranean cuisine. Kalamata olives can also be used for a slightly different, more intense flavor. For olive lovers, Castelvetrano olives would be an excellent choice, known for their buttery and mild flavor. If olives aren’t your preference, capers or thinly sliced preserved lemon can offer a similar salty, tangy element.
• Dry White Wine: Dry white wine adds depth and acidity to the sauce. Avoid oaky wines like some Chardonnays, as they can become bitter when cooked down. A crisp Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc works beautifully. If you prefer to cook without alcohol, simply substitute with additional chicken broth.
• Chicken Broth: Chicken broth provides moisture for braising the chicken and adds another layer of chicken flavor. Homemade chicken stock is always a great option for deeper flavor, but store-bought works perfectly well for a quick weeknight meal.
• Feta Cheese: Creamy feta cheese, crumbled over the finished dish, adds a salty, tangy, and rich element that is quintessential in many mediterranean food recipes chicken. For the best flavor, opt for feta preserved in brine. For a dairy-free version, the dish is still incredibly flavorful without the feta.
• Fresh Parsley: Fresh parsley, chopped and sprinkled over the chicken just before serving, adds a pop of color and a fresh, herbaceous finish.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Mediterranean Chicken

One of the best things about mediterranean food recipes chicken, especially this one-skillet version, is its simplicity. Follow these easy steps for a delicious and stress-free meal:

1. Prepare the Chicken: Begin by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This crucial step helps the chicken develop a beautiful golden-brown sear in the skillet. Make a few shallow slits on each side of the chicken breasts; this allows for better flavor penetration and even cooking.
2. Season the Chicken: Rub minced garlic or garlic paste all over both sides of the chicken breasts, pressing some garlic into the slits you made. Season generously with kosher salt, black pepper, and half of the dried oregano. Ensure both sides are well-seasoned for maximum flavor.
3. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers, indicating it’s hot enough for searing. Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side, until a light golden-brown crust forms. Searing locks in the juices and adds depth of flavor.

4. Braise the Chicken: Pour dry white wine into the skillet, allowing it to deglaze the pan by scraping up any browned bits from the bottom – this adds extra flavor to the sauce. Let the wine reduce by half, concentrating its flavors. Add fresh lemon juice and chicken broth to the skillet. Sprinkle the remaining oregano over the chicken and sauce. Reduce the heat to medium, cover the skillet with a lid or tightly with foil, and braise for 6-7 minutes. Flip the chicken breasts and continue to cook, covered, for another 6 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) when measured with an instant-read thermometer. Ensure the chicken is fully cooked for food safety and best texture.
5. Finish and Serve: Remove the lid or foil and add chopped red onion, diced tomatoes, and sliced green olives to the skillet around the chicken. Cover again and cook for an additional 3 minutes, allowing the vegetables to soften slightly and the flavors to meld together beautifully. Finally, remove from heat and sprinkle generously with fresh parsley and crumbled feta cheese (if using). Serve immediately and enjoy this delightful mediterranean food recipes chicken dish!

Serving Suggestions for Mediterranean Chicken

While this mediterranean food recipes chicken is incredibly satisfying on its own, it becomes even more versatile when paired with complementary side dishes. The flavorful sauce in the skillet begs to be soaked up, so consider these serving suggestions:

• Pasta or Rice: Serve over your favorite pasta, like spaghetti or penne, or fluffy rice, such as basmati rice. These starches are perfect for absorbing the delicious sauce from the Mediterranean chicken.
• Crusty Bread: A simple loaf of crusty bread, like Rosemary Focaccia, is ideal for mopping up every last bit of the flavorful skillet sauce.
• Mediterranean Couscous Salad: For a vibrant and healthy side, pair with a Mediterranean Couscous Salad. The light and refreshing salad complements the richness of the chicken beautifully.
• Italian Roasted Vegetables: Add more vegetables to your meal with Italian Oven Roasted Vegetables. The roasted vegetables provide a hearty and flavorful accompaniment.
• Greek Green Bean Salad: A Greek Green Bean Salad offers a fresh and crisp contrast to the savory chicken, adding another layer of Mediterranean flavors.

For a complete Mediterranean feast, consider starting with a simple salad and finishing with a light dessert. And if you have room for dessert, indulge in Italian hot chocolate for a rich and luxurious treat.

Variations to Explore

One of the great aspects of mediterranean food recipes chicken is its adaptability. Feel free to customize this recipe to your liking with these variations:

• Dairy-Free: Simply omit the feta cheese for a delicious dairy-free version that remains packed with flavor.
• Chicken Thighs: Substitute boneless, skinless chicken thighs for chicken breasts for a richer, more succulent flavor. Adjust cooking time as needed to ensure thighs are cooked through.
• Add Spinach: For extra greens, toss in a handful of fresh spinach during the last few minutes of cooking. It will wilt down and add a boost of nutrients and color.
• Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the seasoning for a touch of heat.
• Other Vegetables: Feel free to add other Mediterranean vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or artichoke hearts to the skillet along with the tomatoes and onions.
• Herb Variations: Experiment with different fresh herbs like dill, mint, or basil in addition to or instead of parsley for varied flavor profiles.

This one-skillet Mediterranean chicken recipe is a fantastic entry point into the world of flavorful and healthy mediterranean food recipes chicken. Its ease of preparation, combined with its vibrant Mediterranean flavors, makes it a perfect choice for any weeknight dinner. Enjoy the taste of the Mediterranean in your own kitchen!