Description
Enjoy a Mediterranean Chicken Skillet packed with vibrant flavors! This easy one-pan dish features juicy chicken, sun-ripened tomatoes, briny olives, and fresh herbs, creating a rich and aromatic meal.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Chicken and Marinade:
- 2 to 2.5 lbs bone-in chicken thighs (skinless or with skin, as preferred)
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 3 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt to taste
- Pepper to taste
For the Skillet Vegetables:
- 1 medium red onion (sliced)
- 1 medium zucchini (sliced into half-moons)
- 1 large bell pepper (any color, sliced)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 can (15 oz) artichoke hearts (drained and halved, optional)
For the Topping:
- 1 cup feta cheese (crumbled)
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives (pitted and halved)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Optional Ingredients and Variations:
- Protein Alternatives: Feel free to substitute the chicken thighs with boneless chicken breast or even turkey. For a vegetarian option, replace chicken with chickpeas or tofu.
- Additional Seasonings: To give the dish a bit more spice, consider adding red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper when marinating the chicken.
- Different Vegetables: Outside of the suggested vegetables, you can also use eggplant, asparagus, or spinach, depending on your preference or seasonal availability.
- Herb Substitutes: Fresh herbs can elevate the dish further. Swap dried oregano and thyme for 1 tablespoon each of fresh if available, or incorporate basil for an aromatic twist.
- Lemon Zest: Adding a teaspoon of lemon zest can enhance the citrus flavor, complementing the other Mediterranean elements beautifully.
Instructions
- Gather Your Ingredients
Start by collecting all the necessary ingredients. You will need chicken breasts, olive oil, garlic, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, olives, fresh herbs, and spices. Make sure everything is fresh to enhance the flavors. - Prep the Chicken
Begin by trimming the chicken breasts of any excess fat. Rinse them under cold water and pat dry with paper towels. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces for even cooking. - Season the Chicken
In a mixing bowl, combine salt, pepper, and your chosen spices like oregano and paprika. Sprinkle this seasoning generously over the chicken pieces, coating them thoroughly. - Heat the Olive Oil
Take a large skillet and place it over medium-high heat. Add two tablespoons of olive oil. Allow the oil to heat until it shimmers but does not smoke. - Cook the Chicken
Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the skillet in a single layer. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes until they are golden brown and cooked through. Use a spatula to turn them occasionally for even browning. - Add Aromatics
Once the chicken is browned, add minced garlic to the skillet. Stir for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Be careful not to let the garlic burn as it can turn bitter. - Incorporate Vegetables
Next, toss in sliced bell peppers and halved cherry tomatoes. Stir everything together and let it cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the vegetables soften. - Add Olives and Herbs
Stir in pitted olives and freshly chopped herbs like parsley or basil. Cook for another minute to warm through the olives and release the herb’s aroma. - Serve the Dish
Remove the skillet from heat. Plate your Mediterranean chicken skillet and garnish with more herbs if desired. Serve hot, accompanied by rice or crusty bread for a complete meal.
Enjoy your flavorful Mediterranean Chicken Skillet!
Notes
Cool Before Storing:
First, allow your dish to cool down to room temperature. Avoid leaving it out for more than two hours to prevent bacterial growth. Transfer the chicken skillet to a shallow container for faster cooling.
- Prep Time: 10minutes
- Cook Time: 25minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Calories: 236kcal
- Fat: 9g
- Carbohydrates: 13g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 27g
- Cholesterol: 73mg