Easy Mediterranean Chicken Recipe

Mediterranean Chicken is a delicious, healthy, and vibrant dish featuring the rich flavors of the Mediterranean. With ingredients like olives, tomatoes, garlic, and fresh herbs, this dish is loaded with bold flavors that come together to create a balanced and satisfying meal. It’s also incredibly simple to make and can be prepared in one pan for easy cleanup, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Marinade

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, dried oregano, paprika, red pepper flakes (if using), salt, and pepper. This marinade infuses the chicken with zesty, herby flavors.
2. Add Fresh Herbs: Stir in the chopped parsley for an extra layer of freshness.

Marinating the Chicken

3. Season the Chicken: Place the chicken breasts on a plate and season both sides with salt and black pepper.
4. Marinate: Add the chicken breasts to the bowl with the marinade, ensuring each piece is well-coated. Cover and let the chicken marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, ideally for 1-2 hours to maximize flavor.

Cooking the Mediterranean Chicken

5. Preheat the Pan: When you’re ready to cook, heat a large skillet or cast-iron pan over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
6. Sear the Chicken: Remove the chicken from the marinade (reserve the marinade) and place it in the hot skillet. Sear each side for 5-6 minutes, or until golden brown. Once the chicken is browned, remove it from the pan and set it aside.
7. Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add a bit more oil if needed. Add the sliced red onion and cook for 1-2 minutes until it starts to soften. Add the cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and sun-dried tomatoes. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes begin to soften and release their juices.
8. Return the Chicken and Add Marinade: Place the chicken back in the skillet with the vegetables. Pour any remaining marinade over the chicken to add flavor. Lower the heat to medium-low, cover, and cook for another 5-7 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Finishing Touches and Garnishing

9. Final Garnishes: Once the chicken is fully cooked, remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the dish with crumbled feta cheese, fresh basil, or parsley, adding a burst of flavor and color.
10. Serve: Slice the chicken and spoon the vegetables and sauce over each piece. Serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions

Mediterranean Chicken pairs well with various side dishes, adding to its versatility.

1. Rice or Quinoa: Serve the chicken over rice or quinoa to soak up the flavorful sauce.
2. Pasta: Mediterranean Chicken also pairs well with pasta for a heartier meal.
3. Crusty Bread: Use crusty bread to mop up the sauce for a simple yet satisfying pairing.
4. Greek Salad: A fresh Greek salad with cucumber, tomato, and feta complements the flavors in this dish.

Recipe Variations

This dish is versatile, allowing you to mix up the ingredients to create different variations based on your tastes and preferences.

1. Chicken Thighs: For juicier chicken, use boneless, skinless chicken thighs. They’ll add extra richness to the dish.
2. Add Vegetables: You can add additional vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach for extra color and nutrition.
3. Make it Spicy: For a spicier kick, add more red pepper flakes or diced chili peppers.
4. Dairy-Free Option: Skip the feta cheese for a dairy-free version, or use a dairy-free cheese alternative.
5. Make it a Casserole: Add everything to a baking dish and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked.

Tips for Success

• Don’t Overcook the Chicken: To keep the chicken juicy and tender, avoid overcooking. Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
• Let the Chicken Marinate: Marinating the chicken for at least 30 minutes helps the flavors penetrate and makes the meat more tender.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs bring out the vibrant Mediterranean flavors, so use them generously for garnish and in the marinade.
• Preheat the Skillet: Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the chicken. This ensures a nice golden sear and locks in the juices.

Conclusion

Easy Mediterranean Chicken is a delightful, flavorful dish that’s quick to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights. It combines tender, juicy chicken with vibrant Mediterranean ingredients for a well-rounded and satisfying meal. This recipe allows you to enjoy a taste of the Mediterranean at home, with options for customization and serving suggestions that make it versatile enough for any occasion.

Yield: 4

Easy Mediterranean Chicken Recipe

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Mediterranean Chicken is a delicious, healthy, and vibrant dish featuring the rich flavors of the Mediterranean. With ingredients like olives, tomatoes, garlic, and fresh herbs, this dish is loaded with bold flavors that come together to create a balanced and satisfying meal. It’s also incredibly simple to make and can be prepared in one pan for easy cleanup, making it an ideal choice for weeknight dinners.

Prep Time 10 minutes

Cook Time 25 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1 1/2 pounds)
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Season the Chicken:
   Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. In a small bowl, combine 2 tablespoons of olive oil, oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper. Rub this mixture evenly over both sides of the chicken breasts.
   
2. Cook the Chicken:
   In a large skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
   
3. Prepare the Mediterranean Topping:
   In the same skillet, add the garlic and cook for about 1 minute, until fragrant. Add the cherry tomatoes, olives, and lemon juice. Cook for 2-3 minutes, until the tomatoes start to soften.
   
4. Add Feta and Return the Chicken:
   Sprinkle the feta cheese over the tomato mixture, then return the chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon some of the Mediterranean topping over each chicken breast.
   
5. Serve:
   Garnish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve the Mediterranean chicken warm with your favorite sides, such as couscous, rice, or a fresh salad.

Notes

Optional Add-ins: For extra flavor, add artichoke hearts or capers to the tomato mixture.

Marinade Option: If time allows, marinate the chicken in the olive oil, herbs, and lemon juice mixture for 15-30 minutes before cooking for even more flavor.

Serving Tip: This dish pairs well with quinoa, roasted vegetables, or a side of pita bread for a full Mediterranean meal.