Mediterranean Chicken Skillet Recipe

Introduction

Mediterranean Chicken Skillet is a vibrant and delicious one-pan dish that brings the fresh, bold flavors of the Mediterranean right to your dinner table. With succulent chicken breasts or thighs, fresh vegetables like tomatoes, olives, and bell peppers, and a zesty lemon-oregano dressing, this dish is a delightful blend of savory, tangy, and earthy flavors. It’s an easy, wholesome, and satisfying meal that’s perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or even serving guests at a special gathering.

This recipe is a great way to experience the deliciousness of Mediterranean cuisine without needing any complex techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. The simple yet flavorful combination of chicken, vegetables, and Mediterranean seasonings will make your taste buds sing. Whether you’re trying to eat healthier or looking for a new weeknight dinner idea, Mediterranean Chicken Skillet is both nutritious and easy to prepare. This guide will take you step by step through the preparation and cooking process, with helpful tips to ensure you get the best results.

Why You’ll Love Mediterranean Chicken Skillet

• Flavor-Packed: The combination of fresh vegetables, lemon, garlic, olives, and herbs creates a mouthwatering and zesty flavor profile that’s bursting with Mediterranean flair.
• One-Pan Meal: All the ingredients cook together in a single skillet, making it an easy cleanup dinner, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep.
• Healthy and Nutritious: This dish is rich in lean protein, healthy fats, and fiber, making it a balanced meal that’s both satisfying and good for you.
• Versatile: You can customize the vegetables and seasoning to suit your tastes. Feel free to swap in your favorite Mediterranean ingredients or add more variety to the dish.
• Quick and Easy: In just 30 minutes, you can have a full meal ready to enjoy. The recipe requires minimal prep work, making it ideal for anyone looking for a fast, flavorful dinner.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
• Servings: 4 servings
• Calories per Serving: Approximately 350-400 calories per serving, depending on ingredients and portion sizes.

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Calories: 350-400 kcal
• Fat: 15-18g
• Carbohydrates: 15-18g
• Protein: 35-40g
• Fiber: 3-4g
• Sugar: 5-6g

Ingredients

For the Mediterranean Chicken Skillet:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (or thighs, if preferred)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 medium red onion, sliced
• 1 medium yellow bell pepper, sliced
• 1 medium zucchini, sliced
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
• Optional: Crumbled feta cheese for topping

Special Equipment

While this recipe doesn’t require specialized tools, using the following will help ensure smooth preparation and the best results:

1. Large Skillet or Frying Pan: A large, heavy-bottomed skillet works best for cooking the chicken and vegetables together. A cast-iron skillet can help retain heat and ensure even cooking, but any large pan will work.
2. Tongs: Useful for flipping the chicken and stirring the vegetables, tongs allow you to keep everything in place and prevent burning.
3. Measuring Spoons: For accurate measurements of the oregano, garlic powder, paprika, and other seasonings.
4. Sharp Knife: A sharp knife will make slicing the chicken, vegetables, and garnishes much easier, ensuring even cooking.
5. Cutting Board: A stable, clean surface to slice your ingredients safely.
6. Lemon Juicer or Reamer: A lemon juicer or reamer helps extract juice efficiently, minimizing mess and maximizing yield from your lemon.

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Season the Chicken

Start by seasoning the chicken breasts or thighs. Place the chicken on a cutting board and drizzle olive oil over both sides. Sprinkle with dried oregano, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper. Use your hands to rub the seasonings into the chicken, ensuring each piece is well-coated with the spices. This step adds flavor to the chicken before it’s cooked and ensures a great crust during searing.

2. Cook the Chicken

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the seasoned chicken breasts (or thighs) to the skillet. Sear the chicken for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to ensure it’s fully cooked.

Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the skillet and set it aside on a plate. Keep the skillet on the heat, as you’ll be using the same pan to cook the vegetables.

3. Cook the Vegetables

In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced red onion, yellow bell pepper, zucchini, and halved cherry tomatoes to the pan. Stir the vegetables occasionally, cooking for about 5-7 minutes until they start to soften but still retain some texture.

Once the vegetables are tender, add the halved Kalamata olives to the skillet, stirring to incorporate them with the vegetables. Let everything cook together for an additional 2-3 minutes. The olives will release some of their brine, adding a salty, briny flavor to the vegetables, and the tomatoes will begin to break down slightly, creating a light sauce.

4. Add the Lemon and Balsamic Vinegar

Once the vegetables have softened, add the fresh lemon juice and balsamic vinegar to the pan. Stir everything together to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. These bits add a rich depth of flavor to the dish. The balsamic vinegar adds a tangy sweetness, while the lemon juice brightens the entire dish.

5. Return the Chicken to the Skillet

Place the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the vegetables. Spoon some of the vegetables and sauce over the chicken to keep it moist and infuse it with all the Mediterranean flavors. Let the chicken heat through for about 2-3 minutes. This step helps the flavors meld together, ensuring that the chicken absorbs some of the zesty sauce.

6. Garnish and Serve

Once everything is heated through, remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. If you like, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the dish for an extra layer of Mediterranean flavor.

Serve the Mediterranean Chicken Skillet hot, ensuring that each plate gets a portion of chicken and vegetables, along with a drizzle of the flavorful sauce from the skillet.

Tips for Perfect Mediterranean Chicken Skillet

• Use Bone-In Chicken for More Flavor: While boneless, skinless chicken breasts work well in this recipe, using bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs will yield a richer flavor. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly.
• Customize the Vegetables: Feel free to swap out any vegetables for others you prefer. For example, you could use eggplant, mushrooms, or spinach for different textures and flavors.
• Make it Spicy: If you enjoy a little heat, add some crushed red pepper flakes to the vegetables while cooking, or top the finished dish with a few slices of fresh chili peppers.
• Use Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh oregano, thyme, or basil, use them instead of dried herbs for even more aromatic flavor. Add fresh herbs near the end of the cooking process to preserve their flavor.
• Serve with a Side: This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of couscous, quinoa, or a simple green salad. You can also serve it with pita bread to soak up the delicious sauce.

Variations of Mediterranean Chicken Skillet

• Mediterranean Chicken Skillet with Hummus: For an extra layer of flavor, serve the chicken and vegetables with a scoop of hummus on the side. The creamy texture of the hummus complements the chicken perfectly.
• Mediterranean Chicken Skillet with Artichokes: Add canned or marinated artichoke hearts to the vegetables for a tangy, earthy twist that pairs beautifully with the chicken.
• Mediterranean Chicken Skillet with Olives and Capers: For an added salty and briny flavor, mix in some capers along with the olives. This variation will give the dish a sharper Mediterranean punch.
• Mediterranean Chicken Skillet with Tzatziki Sauce: For a cooling contrast, drizzle tzatziki sauce over the cooked chicken and vegetables before serving. The yogurt-based sauce adds a refreshing creaminess to the dish.

Storage and Shelf Life

Mediterranean Chicken Skillet is perfect for meal prepping or storing leftovers. Allow the dish to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store the leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, simply warm the dish in the microwave or reheat it in a skillet over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes.

If you want to freeze the dish, allow it to cool completely and then transfer it to a freezer-safe container. Frozen Mediterranean Chicken Skillet can last for up to 2-3 months. To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then heat in a skillet or microwave until warmed through.

Side Dishes and Pairings for Mediterranean Chicken Skillet

Pair Mediterranean Chicken Skillet with the following side dishes for a complete meal:

• Couscous or Quinoa: Both couscous and quinoa are perfect grain-based sides that soak up the delicious sauce from the skillet.
• Green Salad: A simple green salad with olive oil and lemon dressing balances the richness of the chicken and vegetables.
• Pita Bread: Serve with warm pita bread to scoop up the flavorful sauce and add a soft, chewy element to the meal.
• Roasted Potatoes: Crispy roasted potatoes are a great accompaniment to this dish, adding texture and a hearty element to your meal.

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Conclusion

Mediterranean Chicken Skillet is a healthy, flavorful, and easy-to-make one-pan dish that combines the best of Mediterranean flavors. With tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a zesty lemon-oregano sauce, this dish is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a light yet satisfying meal. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering, Mediterranean Chicken Skillet is sure to impress with its rich, tangy flavors and quick preparation. Enjoy the taste of the Mediterranean with this delicious and versatile dish!