Mediterranean 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
Scale
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
