If you’re looking for a dish that’s bursting with flavor, easy to make, and perfect for any weeknight dinner, you’ve just found your new favorite recipe! The Mediterranean Chicken Skillet is everything you want in a meal: juicy chicken, fresh vegetables, and a savory blend of herbs and spices. Imagine perfectly seared chicken, lightly crispy on the outside, juicy on the inside, all cooked in one pan with vibrant, colorful veggies and a zesty Mediterranean dressing. It’s a one-pan wonder that feels like a little getaway to the Mediterranean with every bite. Trust me, you’re going to love this one!
Why You’ll Love Mediterranean Chicken Skillet
This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating moments. Whether you’re cooking for a casual family dinner, hosting a gathering, or just making something special for yourself, this Mediterranean Chicken Skillet is versatile enough for any occasion. Here’s why it’s a keeper:
Versatile: Perfect for busy nights or when you’re entertaining. You can easily adjust the veggies and seasoning based on what you have on hand. If you’re craving extra veggies or want to change up the flavors, this dish can easily be customized.
Budget-Friendly: This meal is made with ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen. No need for fancy or hard-to-find ingredients here—just simple, wholesome food that’s packed with flavor.
Quick and Easy: The best part? It’s all cooked in one skillet, meaning less cleanup! The steps are simple, so even beginners can whip this up in no time.
Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite Mediterranean ingredients like olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or feta cheese. Want a little more heat? Add some red pepper flakes for an extra kick!
Crowd-Pleasing: This dish is a sure crowd-pleaser. It’s hearty and satisfying, making it a hit with everyone from kids to adults.
Ingredients
Let’s break down the ingredients that make this Mediterranean Chicken Skillet such a flavorful masterpiece:
Chicken Breasts: The star of the show! Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are perfect for this dish—they cook quickly and absorb all the tasty Mediterranean flavors.
Garlic: Fresh garlic adds depth and aroma to the dish. You’ll want that savory goodness in every bite.
Olives: Green or black, olives are a must for that authentic Mediterranean flair.
Cherry Tomatoes: These burst with sweetness and add a juicy pop of color to the dish.
Red Onion: Sweet and mild, red onion complements the chicken perfectly and adds crunch and flavor.
Bell Peppers: A splash of color and a mild sweetness that pairs beautifully with the savory chicken.
Olive Oil: For sautéing the chicken and veggies. It adds a rich, Mediterranean touch.
Lemon: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brings a zesty, refreshing tang that elevates all the other flavors.
Dried Oregano: A key herb in Mediterranean cooking, oregano adds a fragrant, earthy flavor.
Salt and Pepper: Essential to bring all the flavors together.
(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Now, let’s get cooking! This Mediterranean Chicken Skillet comes together in just a few simple steps:
Cook the Chicken: Start by heating a bit of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of dried oregano. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for about 6-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
Sauté the Veggies: In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Toss in the garlic, red onion, and bell peppers, and sauté for about 3-4 minutes until they soften and become fragrant. Add in the cherry tomatoes and olives, cooking for another 2 minutes until the tomatoes start to burst.
Combine Everything: Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it among the veggies. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over everything and sprinkle with more oregano, salt, and pepper to taste.
Finish Cooking: Cover the skillet and let everything simmer for another 3-4 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. The chicken should absorb all the wonderful aromas from the veggies and herbs.
Serve and Enjoy: Serve this Mediterranean Chicken Skillet warm, either on its own or with a side of rice, couscous, or fresh crusty bread to soak up all those delicious juices.
How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Skillet
This dish is perfect on its own, but here are a few ways you can elevate your meal:
Rice or Couscous: Serve it over a bed of fluffy rice or couscous to soak up all the Mediterranean flavors.
Fresh Salad: A crisp side salad with some greens, cucumbers, and a light vinaigrette will balance out the rich flavors of the skillet.
Pita or Flatbreads: Serve with warm pita bread for scooping up the chicken and veggies. A little tzatziki on the side wouldn’t hurt either!
Roasted Vegetables: Pair with some roasted veggies like zucchini, eggplant, or sweet potatoes to make it a truly Mediterranean feast.
As a Wrap: For a fun twist, wrap the chicken and veggies in a pita, drizzle with some yogurt or tzatziki, and enjoy a Mediterranean-inspired wrap.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to make sure your Mediterranean Chicken Skillet turns out perfectly:
Use Bone-In Chicken: If you prefer bone-in chicken, you can swap it out. Just make sure to adjust cooking times to ensure the chicken is fully cooked.
Prep Ahead: Chop all your veggies and garlic the night before. This makes the cooking process super quick and easy when you’re ready to dive in.
Spice It Up: Want to give it a little heat? Add some red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne for a spicy kick.
Dietary Adjustments: You can easily make this dish gluten-free or dairy-free. If you’re watching carbs, skip the bread and serve the chicken with extra veggies.
Storage Tips: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove for best texture.
Double the Batch: This recipe is great for leftovers. Make a double batch and have lunch or dinner for the next couple of days!
FAQ Section
Q1: Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless chicken breasts?
A1: Yes, you can! Just adjust the cooking time to make sure the chicken is cooked all the way through.
Q2: Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can prep the veggies and chicken ahead of time, then just cook everything when you’re ready to eat.
Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes, you can freeze the cooked chicken and veggies in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Just thaw and reheat when you’re ready to eat.
Q5: What should I serve this with?
A5: It pairs wonderfully with rice, couscous, or a fresh salad. You can also enjoy it with some pita or flatbreads.
Q6: Can I use frozen chicken?
A6: You can use frozen chicken, but you’ll need to adjust the cooking time. It’s best to thaw it beforehand for even cooking.
Q7: How do I make this dish spicier?
A7: Add red pepper flakes or a bit of cayenne pepper for extra heat!
Q8: Can I use other vegetables in this recipe?
A8: Definitely! You can add zucchini, spinach, or even artichoke hearts for a twist.
Q9: Can I add feta cheese?
A9: Absolutely! A sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese on top would add a nice creamy, tangy touch.
Q10: How do I make this dish more filling?
A10: Serve the chicken with a side of rice, quinoa, or a hearty grain to make the meal more filling.
Conclusion
And there you have it—Mediterranean Chicken Skillet that’s full of flavor, easy to make, and perfect for any occasion! Whether you’re serving it on a busy weeknight or making it for a special dinner, this dish is sure to impress. The combination of juicy chicken, vibrant veggies, and Mediterranean spices is irresistible, and it’s all cooked in one skillet, making cleanup a breeze. So, grab your ingredients and get cooking—you’ll be enjoying this Mediterranean feast in no time!
Print
Mediterranean Chicken Skillet
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet, Sautéing, Simmering
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
This Mediterranean Chicken Skillet features tender chicken breasts cooked with vibrant bell peppers, zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and Kalamata olives, all topped with crumbled feta cheese and fresh parsley. A simple, healthy, and flavorful one-pan dinner!
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken breasts with oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Add chicken to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from skillet and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add sliced bell peppers and zucchini. Sauté for 5-6 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Add Tomatoes and Olives: Add cherry tomatoes and olives to the skillet, cooking for an additional 2-3 minutes until tomatoes soften.
- Return Chicken: Place chicken back in the skillet, nestling it among the vegetables. Sprinkle crumbled feta over the top. Cover and cook for 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- Add Protein: Serve with quinoa or couscous to add extra protein and fiber.
- Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
- Make it Vegan: Replace chicken with grilled tofu or tempeh and use dairy-free cheese.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with vegetables
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 7g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70 mg