Easy Mediterranean Chicken

Imagine tender, Easy Mediterranean Chicken with its aromatic blend of herbs and spices, simmering in a vibrant tomato sauce studded with olives and feta cheese. This simple yet impressive dish brings the sunshine flavors of the Mediterranean straight to your dinner table without complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients. Perfect for weeknight dinners but elegant enough for entertaining, this Easy Mediterranean Chicken transforms ordinary chicken breasts into a flavor-packed meal that will transport your taste buds to coastal Greece or Italy. You’ll learn how to create a restaurant-worthy dish that’s healthy, colorful, and bursting with Mediterranean flair in just one pan.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Easy Mediterranean Chicken recipe is destined to become a regular in your meal rotation for good reason. The combination of juicy chicken and bright Mediterranean flavors creates a perfect balance that’s both satisfying and light. The contrast between the tender chicken, creamy feta, and the slight crunch of bell peppers provides delightful texture variation in every bite.

What makes this recipe truly special is its versatility and simplicity. With just one pan and about 30 minutes, you’ll create a meal that tastes like it simmered all day. The sauce develops a beautiful depth of flavor as the chicken cooks, with the tomatoes breaking down and absorbing the oregano, thyme, and garlic.

Health-conscious cooks will appreciate that this Mediterranean chicken dish naturally aligns with heart-healthy eating patterns, featuring lean protein, vegetables, olive oil, and herbs. It’s a convenient way to incorporate the celebrated Mediterranean diet into your weekly menu without sacrificing flavor or spending hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

For this Easy Mediterranean Chicken recipe, you’ll need:

• 1½ pounds (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 3 tablespoons (45ml) extra virgin olive oil, divided
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
• 1 red bell pepper, cut into strips
• 1 yellow bell pepper, cut into strips
• 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
• ½ cup (80g) Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried thyme
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
• ½ cup (120ml) chicken broth
• 1 can (14.5oz/411g) diced tomatoes
• ½ cup (75g) crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

The quality of your olive oil matters in this Mediterranean chicken dish, so use a good extra virgin variety for authentic flavor. Fresh herbs can be substituted for dried (use three times the amount) if you have them on hand.

Pro Tips

Master your Easy Mediterranean Chicken with these game-changing techniques:

First, don’t skip the browning step for your chicken. Taking an extra 3-4 minutes to properly sear the chicken breasts creates a flavorful foundation through the Maillard reaction. This process caramelizes the surface of the meat, developing deep flavor compounds that enhance the entire dish. For even cooking, ensure your chicken pieces are similar in thickness; pound thicker parts gently if needed.

Second, build your flavors in layers. Add aromatics like garlic and onions first, letting them soften before adding peppers and tomatoes. This gradual layering allows each ingredient to release its flavors properly, creating complexity in your Mediterranean chicken sauce. Wait until the end to add the feta cheese so it retains its distinct texture and tangy bite.

Finally, allow the dish to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This resting period lets the flavors meld together and allows the chicken to reabsorb some of the juices it released during cooking. This single step elevates your Mediterranean chicken from good to exceptional, ensuring each bite delivers maximum flavor.

Instructions

Step 1

Season chicken breasts generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. The chicken doesn’t need to be fully cooked at this stage. Transfer to a plate and set aside.

Step 2

In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the red onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it begins to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.

Step 3

Add the bell pepper strips to the skillet and cook for 3-4 minutes until they begin to soften. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking. The peppers should still have some crispness to them.

Step 4

Pour in the chicken broth, scraping the bottom of the pan to release any browned bits – these contain amazing flavor! Add the diced tomatoes with their juice, cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, dried oregano, dried thyme, and red pepper flakes. Stir to combine all ingredients well.

Step 5

Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Reduce heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and simmer for 10-12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).

Step 6

Remove the skillet from heat. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish and sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese and chopped parsley. Let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving, allowing the cheese to slightly melt and the flavors to meld together perfectly.

Variations

Transform your Easy Mediterranean Chicken with these delicious variations that maintain the Mediterranean spirit while offering new flavor experiences:

For a Greek-inspired version, add 1 cup of fresh spinach during the last 2 minutes of cooking and increase the feta cheese to 3/4 cup. The spinach wilts perfectly into the warm sauce, adding color, nutrients, and a subtle earthy flavor that pairs beautifully with the tangy feta in this Mediterranean chicken dish.

Create an Italian twist by substituting the feta for 1/2 cup of shredded mozzarella and adding 1/4 cup of chopped sun-dried tomatoes along with 2 tablespoons of capers. Finish with fresh basil instead of parsley for an aromatic Mediterranean chicken that leans toward Sicilian flavors.

For a vegetarian adaptation, replace the chicken with 2 cans (15oz each) of drained and rinsed chickpeas. Add them when you would return the chicken to the skillet and simmer until heated through. This plant-based version of Mediterranean chicken retains all the signature flavors while providing plenty of protein and fiber.

Storage and Serving

This Easy Mediterranean Chicken stores beautifully, actually improving in flavor overnight as the ingredients meld together. Cool completely before transferring to an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before gently reheating on the stovetop or microwave until just heated through to prevent the chicken from becoming tough.

For an impressive presentation, serve this Mediterranean chicken over a bed of fluffy couscous or orzo pasta, which will absorb the flavorful sauce beautifully. Garnish with additional fresh herbs and a drizzle of high-quality olive oil just before serving.

Create a complete Mediterranean feast by pairing with a simple Greek salad and warm pita bread for scooping up the sauce. For a lighter option, serve alongside roasted lemon-garlic asparagus or steamed green beans with a squeeze of lemon juice. The bright vegetables complement the rich flavors of the Mediterranean chicken perfectly.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts for this Mediterranean chicken?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully and often result in even juicier meat. They typically require the same cooking time but are more forgiving if slightly overcooked.

How can I make this Easy Mediterranean Chicken spicier?
Increase the red pepper flakes to 1 teaspoon, or add 1-2 finely chopped fresh chili peppers with the bell peppers. You could also stir in a teaspoon of harissa paste for a North African twist.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes! This Mediterranean chicken reheats beautifully and flavors actually improve over 1-2 days. Portion into individual containers with couscous or rice for ready-to-go lunches.

Can I make this Easy Mediterranean Chicken in a slow cooker?
Yes, though you’ll lose some texture. Brown the chicken first, then combine all ingredients except feta and parsley in the slow cooker. Cook on low for 4-5 hours, then add feta and parsley before serving.

What can I substitute for feta cheese if I don’t have it?
Goat cheese provides similar tanginess, or try ricotta salata for a milder option. For a dairy-free Mediterranean chicken, simply omit the cheese or use a plant-based feta alternative.

Conclusion

This Easy Mediterranean Chicken is comfort food at its finest — vibrant, healthy, and bursting with sunshine flavors that bring warmth to your table any day of the week. It’s the kind of dish that proves impressive meals don’t require complicated techniques or hours in the kitchen. With its perfect balance of juicy chicken, tangy tomatoes, briny olives, and creamy feta, this one-pan wonder offers a mini-vacation to the Mediterranean coast with every bite. Whether you’re cooking for family on a busy weeknight or entertaining friends, this recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort, leaving everyone satisfied and asking for seconds.

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