Mediterranean Chicken Skillet with Cherry Tomatoes, Olives, and Feta Recipe
Introduction
This Mediterranean Chicken recipe brings bright, savory flavors to your dinner table with juicy chicken cutlets topped with a vibrant sauce of tomatoes, olives, capers, and spinach. It’s a simple yet elegant dish perfect for any night of the week.
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 5 tablespoons kalamata olives (pitted)
- 1 tablespoon capers (drained)
- 2 1/2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 2/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Step 1: Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally to form four thin cutlets. Season each piece generously with salt, pepper, dried oregano, dried thyme, and onion powder.
- Step 2: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken cutlets for about 6 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Step 3: Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add chicken broth, cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, and capers. Let the mixture simmer for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften.
- Step 4: Stir in the fresh baby spinach and crumbled feta cheese. Return the chicken cutlets to the skillet along with any juices from the plate. Cook together just until the spinach wilts, about 1 to 2 minutes.
- Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve immediately for the best flavor and texture.
Tips & Variations
- For extra depth, add a splash of white wine to the sauce before simmering the tomatoes and olives.
- Swap baby spinach with fresh arugula or kale for a different leafy texture.
- Use boneless, skinless thighs if you prefer darker meat with more richness.
- Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil just before serving to brighten the dish.
Storage
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove over low heat to retain the texture of the chicken and avoid overcooking the spinach. This dish does not freeze well due to the fresh greens and feta.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use frozen chicken breasts for this recipe?
Yes, but be sure to fully thaw the chicken breasts before slicing and seasoning to ensure even cooking and proper texture.
What can I serve with Mediterranean Chicken?
This dish pairs beautifully with rice, couscous, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. A simple side salad also complements the fresh Mediterranean flavors well.
PrintMediterranean Chicken Skillet with Cherry Tomatoes, Olives, and Feta Recipe
This Mediterranean Chicken recipe features tender chicken cutlets seasoned with aromatic herbs, seared to perfection, and simmered in a flavorful sauce of garlic, cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, capers, fresh spinach, and tangy feta cheese. It’s a vibrant and wholesome dish inspired by Mediterranean flavors, perfect for a healthy and delicious weeknight dinner.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 2 large chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
Cooking and Sauce Ingredients
- 1 1/2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 5 tablespoons kalamata olives (pitted)
- 1 tablespoon capers (drained)
- 2 1/2 cups fresh baby spinach
- 2/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Season chicken: Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally to form four cutlets. Season each piece generously with salt, pepper, dried oregano, dried thyme, and onion powder, ensuring even coverage on all sides.
- Sear chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken cutlets and sear them for about 6 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F and develop a golden-brown crust. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside.
- Simmer sauce: Reduce the heat to medium and in the same skillet, add the minced garlic. Sauté for approximately 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Pour in the chicken broth, then add the halved cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, and capers. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften and the flavors meld together.
- Combine ingredients: Stir fresh baby spinach and crumbled feta cheese into the skillet. Return the seared chicken cutlets along with any accumulated juices from the plate back into the skillet. Cook everything together for 1 to 2 minutes until the spinach wilts and the chicken is heated through.
- Serve: Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed. Serve the Mediterranean chicken hot, spooning the flavorful sauce over the chicken to enjoy a vibrant and flavorful meal.
Notes
- For best results, use fresh baby spinach instead of mature spinach to ensure quicker wilting and a tender texture.
- Chicken breasts are sliced horizontally to create cutlets that cook evenly and quickly.
- Maintain medium-high heat when searing to get a good crust, but avoid burning the herbs and garlic.
- This dish pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, rice, or a light salad.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and gently reheated on the stovetop.
Keywords: Mediterranean Chicken, Chicken Cutlets, Garlic, Spinach, Feta Cheese, Kalamata Olives, Healthy Dinner, Easy Chicken Recipe
