Mediterranean Chicken Skillet: Simple & Healthy Family Meal

Weeknight dinners just got a whole lot easier and tastier! This Mediterranean Chicken Skillet is a vibrant, flavorful, and incredibly healthy meal that comes together in under 30 minutes. Forget complicated recipes and endless cleanup; this one-pan wonder delivers on deliciousness without the fuss. Imagine tender chicken pieces simmering in a rich sauce bursting with sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and fragrant herbs. The juicy chicken is perfectly complemented by the sweet red bell pepper and the salty tang of feta cheese. This Mediterranean Chicken Skillet is a complete meal in itself, offering a satisfying and healthy option for the entire family. From busy weeknights to casual weekend gatherings, this recipe is your go-to for a quick, delicious, and healthy dinner that everyone will love. Let’s dive into the details and unlock the secrets to this Mediterranean masterpiece!

Mediterranean Chicken Skillet: Simple & Healthy Family Meal

A flavorful and easy one-pan Mediterranean chicken skillet, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. This healthy recipe is packed with fresh vegetables and herbs.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 30 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American, Mediterranean

Servings 4 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Equipment

• Large skillet

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs Boneless, skinless chicken breasts Cut into 1-inch pieces
• 1 tbsp Olive oil
• 1 Onion Medium, chopped
• 2 cloves Garlic Minced
• 1 Red bell pepper Chopped
• 1 14.5 oz can Diced tomatoes Undrained
• 1/2 cup Sun-dried tomatoes Oil-packed, drained and chopped
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives Pitted and halved
• 1/4 cup Feta cheese Crumbled
• 1 tsp Dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp Dried basil
• To taste Salt and pepper
• For garnish Fresh parsley Chopped

Instructions

 

Instructions

• Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through (about 6-8 minutes). Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
• Add onion and bell pepper to the skillet and cook until softened (about 5 minutes).
• Stir in minced garlic, oregano, and basil. Cook for 1 minute more.
• Add diced tomatoes (undrained), sun-dried tomatoes, and Kalamata olives to the skillet. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
• Return chicken to the skillet. Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
• Stir in crumbled feta cheese just before serving.
• Garnish with fresh parsley and serve hot.

Notes

For a spicier dish, add a pinch of red pepper flakes. You can also substitute other vegetables like zucchini or spinach. Serve over rice, quinoa, or couscous for a more complete meal.

Keyword chicken, easy, family meal, healthy, one-pan, quick, weeknight dinner

Why You’ll Love This Mediterranean Chicken Skillet Recipe

This Mediterranean Chicken Skillet recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. There are several reasons why this recipe will quickly become a family favorite:

• Speed and Simplicity: One pan, minimal cleanup! This recipe is designed for busy weeknights. Everything cooks together in a single skillet, saving you valuable time and effort.
• Flavor Explosion: The combination of sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, oregano, and basil creates a symphony of Mediterranean flavors that will tantalize your taste buds. Each bite is a burst of sunshine on a plate.
• Health Benefits: Packed with lean protein from the chicken, healthy fats from olive oil, and an abundance of vitamins and antioxidants from the vegetables, this skillet is a nutritional powerhouse.
• Versatility: Easily adaptable to your preferences! Add different vegetables, swap out herbs, or adjust the spices to create your own unique version. The possibilities are endless.
• Family-Friendly: This recipe appeals to a wide range of palates. Even picky eaters will likely find something to love in this colorful and flavorful skillet. Serve it with crusty bread for dipping into the delicious sauce!
• Cost-Effective: Utilizing readily available ingredients makes this a budget-friendly option without compromising on taste or quality.

Why You Should Try This Mediterranean Chicken Skillet Recipe

Beyond the ease and deliciousness, there are compelling reasons to give this Mediterranean Chicken Skillet a try:

• Experience Authentic Flavors: This recipe transports you to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean without leaving your kitchen. The bright, fresh flavors are perfect for a taste of adventure.
• Impress Your Guests: Serve this stunning skillet at your next gathering and watch your guests rave about the flavors. It’s a showstopper without the show-stopping effort.
• Boost Your Health: Enjoy a delicious meal that also contributes to your well-being. The nutritious ingredients provide essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants.
• Reduce Food Waste: This one-pan wonder minimizes food waste by using almost all ingredients in the cooking process.
• Master a New Culinary Skill: Expand your cooking repertoire with a recipe that’s both satisfying and surprisingly easy to master. It’s a great recipe for beginner cooks.
• Enjoy Quality Time: Spend less time cooking and more time enjoying a delicious meal with your loved ones. This recipe frees up your time for family and relaxation.

Ingredients and Utensils for Your Mediterranean Chicken Skillet

Gathering the right ingredients and tools ensures a smooth cooking process and a delicious outcome. Let’s start with a detailed ingredient list:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces: Choose high-quality chicken breasts for optimal flavor and tenderness. Cutting them into smaller pieces ensures even cooking.
• 1 tbsp olive oil: Opt for extra virgin olive oil for its superior flavor and health benefits. Olive oil is a cornerstone of Mediterranean cuisine.
• 1 medium onion, chopped: Yellow or white onion works best here. Chopping the onion finely ensures it cooks evenly and doesn’t overpower the other flavors.
• 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic adds a pungent and aromatic punch to the dish. Mincing it finely helps release its flavor during cooking.
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped: The sweetness of the red bell pepper complements the savory chicken and other ingredients perfectly.
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained: Using undrained canned tomatoes adds extra liquid and intensifies the flavor of the sauce. Look for high-quality canned tomatoes with minimal added salt.
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained and chopped: Sun-dried tomatoes bring a concentrated tomato flavor and chewy texture. Draining them beforehand prevents an overly oily sauce.
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved: Kalamata olives add a briny, salty counterpoint to the sweetness of the bell pepper and sun-dried tomatoes. Pitting and halving them makes them easier to eat.
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese: Feta cheese adds a tangy, salty, and creamy element to the dish. Crumbling it allows for even distribution throughout the skillet.
• 1 tsp dried oregano: Oregano is a staple in Mediterranean cooking; it provides an earthy and slightly spicy flavor.
• 1/2 tsp dried basil: Basil adds a fresh, sweet, and slightly peppery note to the dish. Use Italian basil if possible.
• Salt and pepper to taste: Adjust seasoning to your liking throughout the cooking process.
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): A sprinkle of fresh parsley adds color and a bright, fresh herbaceous note to the finished dish.

Utensils You’ll Need:

• Large skillet (12-inch or larger) – A good quality, oven-safe skillet is ideal, but any large skillet will work.
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Garlic press (optional, but helpful)
• Measuring spoons and cups
• Wooden spoon or spatula for stirring
• Serving bowl

Detailed Recipe Steps for your Mediterranean Chicken Skillet

Follow these steps for a perfect Mediterranean Chicken Skillet:

1. Prepare the ingredients: Wash and chop the onion, garlic, and red bell pepper. Drain and chop the sun-dried tomatoes and halve the Kalamata olives. Cut the chicken breasts into 1-inch pieces. This prep work will make the cooking process much smoother.
2. Sear the chicken: Heat the olive oil in the large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and cook, stirring occasionally, until they are browned on all sides. **This step is crucial for developing flavor and texture.** Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the vegetables: Add the chopped onion to the skillet and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and red bell pepper and cook for another 2-3 minutes, until slightly softened. **Don’t overcook the vegetables; you want them to retain some crispness.**
4. Simmer the sauce: Add the canned diced tomatoes (undrained), sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, dried oregano, and dried basil to the skillet. Stir well to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low.
5. Add the chicken: Return the seared chicken to the skillet. Stir gently to coat the chicken in the sauce. Cover the skillet and simmer for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly. **Check the chicken’s internal temperature with a meat thermometer; it should reach 165°F (74°C).**
6. Stir in feta: Remove the skillet from the heat and stir in the crumbled feta cheese. The residual heat will melt the feta slightly and incorporate it into the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
7. Garnish and serve: Garnish the Mediterranean Chicken Skillet with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately. This skillet is delicious on its own, or you can serve it over rice, quinoa, couscous, or pasta.

Tips and Variations for Your Mediterranean Chicken Skillet

Experiment with these tips and variations to customize your Mediterranean Chicken Skillet:

• Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.
• Add more vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables such as zucchini, spinach, mushrooms, or artichoke hearts.
• Use different herbs: Experiment with fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or marjoram.
• Substitute the chicken: Use firm tofu or chickpeas for a vegetarian option. This recipe is easily adaptable to various diets.
• Lemon zest: Adding a little lemon zest can bring brightness to the dish.
• Different cheeses: Try goat cheese or a blend of Italian cheeses in place of feta.
• Creamy version: Stir in a dollop of Greek yogurt or crème fraîche at the end for a creamier sauce.
• Avoid Overcooking: Overcooked chicken will be dry. Make sure to use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches the correct internal temperature.
• Don’t rush the simmering: Allowing the sauce to simmer gently allows the flavors to meld and develop fully. This results in a richer and more complex flavor profile.

Nutritional Values and Benefits of Your Mediterranean Chicken Skillet

This Mediterranean Chicken Skillet is not only delicious but also incredibly nutritious. While exact nutritional values depend on the specific ingredients and quantities used, it generally offers:

• Lean protein: Chicken provides essential amino acids for muscle building and repair.
• Healthy fats: Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, which are beneficial for heart health.
• Vitamins and minerals: Tomatoes are a good source of Vitamin C and lycopene, a powerful antioxidant. Bell peppers are rich in Vitamin C and Vitamin A. Olives provide healthy fats and antioxidants.
• Fiber: Vegetables provide dietary fiber, which aids digestion and promotes gut health.
• Antioxidants: The abundance of colorful vegetables contributes to a high antioxidant intake, protecting your cells from damage.

Disclaimer: The nutritional information provided is an estimate and may vary based on the specific ingredients and portion sizes used. For precise nutritional information, it is recommended to use a nutrition calculator with your exact ingredient list.

FAQs

Conclusion

This Mediterranean Chicken Skillet is the perfect weeknight dinner solution: fast, flavorful, healthy, and incredibly satisfying. The vibrant colors and delicious Mediterranean flavors will impress your family and friends, making it a recipe you’ll return to again and again. Remember to adjust the spices and ingredients to your preferences; the beauty of this recipe lies in its adaptability. Don’t forget to check out our other delicious recipes on our website for more culinary inspiration! For even more recipe ideas, head over to our Pinterest page for some inspiration: Ovia Recipes Pinterest. We’d love to hear your feedback – share your experiences and any variations you try in the comments below! Happy cooking!

For other delicious and easy recipes, check out our Asparagus, Lemon & Basil Ricotta Stuffed Shells or our creamy Tortellini with Cream and Spinach and Shrimp. If you’re looking for something sweet, try our festive Cranberry Brie Pull-Apart Bread!