Easy One-Pan Mediterranean Chicken Recipe

Welcome to a truly simple yet incredibly flavorful easy weeknight meal! This Mediterranean chicken recipe brings together fresh, bold ingredients in a single pan, making cleanup a breeze. You will love how quickly this vibrant, healthy meal comes together. Get ready to make this delicious Mediterranean chicken your new go-to.

Why You’ll Love This Mediterranean Chicken Recipe

Busy parents and beginners, get ready to simplify dinner! This recipe hits all the marks for an easy, delicious meal.

• Fast: Have this incredible Mediterranean chicken dish on your table in under 30 minutes.
• Easy Cleanup: A single skillet means minimal washing up after dinner.
• Flavorful: Experience bright, savory, and herbaceous notes with every bite.
• Versatile: Easily adapt ingredients based on what you have on hand or prefer.
• Healthy: This chicken meal is packed with wholesome, fresh Mediterranean-inspired foods.

Ingredients for Mediterranean Chicken

Gather your ingredients for this delightful Mediterranean chicken! Fresh, simple components are key to its fantastic flavor.

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic or garlic paste
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano, divided
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1 large lemon, juiced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 medium red onion, finely chopped
• 4 small tomatoes, diced (about 1 1/2 cups)
• 1/4 cup sliced green olives
• Handful of fresh parsley, stems removed, leaves chopped
• Crumbled feta cheese (optional)

Notes & Substitutions

You have flexibility with many of these ingredients. For the chicken, you can easily use boneless, skinless chicken thighs or even bone-in cuts, just adjust cooking time. Always use a quality extra virgin olive oil for best flavor. If fresh tomatoes are out of season, canned diced tomatoes work wonderfully. Swap green olives for Kalamata olives or capers if you prefer. For a non-alcoholic option, replace white wine with an additional 1/4 cup chicken broth and a splash of white wine vinegar. Feel free to omit feta for a dairy-free version.

Equipment

You only need a few basic tools for this simple one-pan recipe.

• A large cast iron skillet (or a heavy-bottomed pan of similar size).
• A reliable meat thermometer ensures perfectly cooked chicken.
• A cutting board and a sharp knife for prep work.

How to Make Mediterranean Chicken (Step-by-Step)

Making this flavorful Mediterranean chicken is incredibly straightforward. Follow these steps for a delicious meal with minimal effort.

1. Prep the Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts thoroughly dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a good sear. Make three shallow slits on each side of the chicken breast. These slits help the seasonings penetrate and the chicken cook evenly.
2. Season the Chicken: Rub the minced garlic generously on both sides of the chicken. Make sure to push some of the garlic into the slits you created. Season both sides of the chicken breasts with kosher salt and black pepper to your taste. Sprinkle half of the dried oregano over the chicken, ensuring even coverage.
3. Sear the Chicken: In your large cast iron skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts into the hot skillet. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, until nicely browned. This browning adds depth of flavor. After searing, pour in the dry white wine and let it reduce by half, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
4. Braise the Chicken: Add the fresh lemon juice and chicken broth to the skillet. Sprinkle the remaining half tablespoon of dried oregano on top of the chicken and liquid. Reduce the heat to medium. Cover the skillet tightly with a lid or foil. Cook for about 5 to 6 minutes on one side, then carefully flip the chicken breasts. Continue cooking for an additional 5 to 6 minutes, or until the internal temperature of the thickest part of the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C) using your meat thermometer. This ensures juicy, safe-to-eat chicken.
5. Add Vegetables & Finish: Uncover the skillet. Scatter the finely chopped red onions, diced tomatoes, and sliced green olives around and over the chicken. Cover the skillet again and cook for just 3 more minutes. This gently warms the vegetables without overcooking them. Finally, uncover the skillet and stir in the fresh chopped parsley. If using, crumble the feta cheese generously over the top. Serve your freshly made Mediterranean chicken immediately and enjoy!

Pro Tips for Perfect Mediterranean Chicken

Ensure your Mediterranean chicken turns out perfect every time with these helpful tips.

• Dry Chicken: Always pat chicken breasts completely dry before seasoning and searing. This promotes a beautiful, golden-brown crust.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Give your chicken space in the pan. If necessary, sear the chicken in batches to avoid steaming it.
• Monitor Temperature: Use a meat thermometer to ensure the chicken reaches 165°F (74°C). This prevents dry, overcooked poultry.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste the sauce before adding the chicken and adjust salt or pepper as needed. A little extra lemon juice can brighten flavors.
• Handle Wine Carefully: When adding wine to a hot pan, be aware of the flash point. Remove the pan from heat briefly if needed, then return.

Serving Suggestions, Storage, & Variations

This versatile Mediterranean chicken dish pairs beautifully with many sides and stores well.

Serving Ideas

Enjoy this flavorful chicken in multiple ways. Serve it alone for a low-carb meal. Pair it with light pasta like orzo or spaghetti aglio e olio, allowing the sauce to coat the noodles. Basmati rice or brown rice also make excellent bases. Complement your meal with crusty bread, warm focaccia, a fresh couscous salad, roasted vegetables, or a simple green bean salad.

Storage & Make Ahead

Cooked Mediterranean chicken is excellent for meal prep. Refrigerate any leftovers promptly in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze the cooked chicken and sauce together in freezer-safe containers for up to 2-3 months. When ready to reheat, gently warm it on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed, or use the microwave until heated through.

Recipe Variations

Get creative with your Mediterranean chicken by trying these variations.

• Chicken Cuts: Use bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks for a richer flavor; just extend the cooking time until they reach 165°F.
• Vegetables: Add spinach, sliced bell peppers, or zucchini during the last 5-7 minutes of cooking.
• Herbs: Experiment with fresh dill or mint in addition to parsley for different aromatic notes.
• Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes adds a delightful warmth to the dish.

Mediterranean Chicken Nutrition

This wholesome Mediterranean chicken recipe is packed with protein and fresh ingredients, making it a nutritious choice for your family.

Frequently Asked Questions

Find quick answers to common questions about making this fantastic Mediterranean chicken.

• Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts? Yes, absolutely! Chicken thighs work wonderfully; simply adjust the cooking time as they may take a little longer to reach 165°F.
• What if I don’t have white wine? You can substitute the white wine with an equal amount of chicken broth plus a splash of white wine vinegar for acidity.
• Can I make this dairy-free? Yes, easily! Just omit the crumbled feta cheese at the end of the recipe.
• How do I prevent the wine from igniting? When adding wine to a hot pan, briefly remove the pan from the heat source. This reduces the risk of the alcohol flashing off too quickly.
• Can this recipe be meal-prepped? This Mediterranean chicken is perfect for meal prep! Store it in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Conclusion

You now have the perfect recipe for a quick, healthy, and incredibly flavorful one-pan meal. This Mediterranean chicken is a testament to how simple ingredients can create something truly special.

Research from Harvard’s Nutrition Source highlights that a Mediterranean diet supports cardiovascular health and increases lifespan.

Embracing the Mediterranean diet’s focus on fresh produce, lean protein, and healthy fats is both delicious and beneficial. We encourage you to whip up this incredible Mediterranean chicken tonight and discover how easy and satisfying healthy cooking can be. Enjoy your savory Mediterranean chicken meal!