Mediterranean Chicken Skillet with Cherry Tomatoes, Olives, and Feta Recipe

Introduction

Mediterranean Chicken is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken cutlets simmered with fresh spinach, tangy feta, and briny olives. It’s a simple, wholesome meal that brings the sunny flavors of the Mediterranean right to your kitchen.

A black skillet holds four large, cooked chicken breasts seasoned with visible herbs and light browning on top. The chicken is partially submerged in a creamy, orange sauce with a smooth texture and small white cheese crumbles scattered throughout. Around and between the chicken pieces are several bright green spinach leaves, halves of red cherry tomatoes, and black olive slices, adding color contrast. The skillet's wooden handle is wrapped in a white cloth with a simple black grid pattern. The background features a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

  1. Step 1: Slice the chicken breasts in half horizontally to form four thin cutlets. Season each cutlet with salt, pepper, dried oregano, thyme, and onion powder.
  2. Step 2: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken cutlets for about 6 minutes per side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add chicken broth, cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, and capers to the skillet. Let the mixture simmer for 3 to 4 minutes until the tomatoes soften slightly.
  5. Step 5: Stir in the baby spinach and crumbled feta cheese. Return the chicken cutlets and any collected juices to the skillet. Warm everything together until the spinach wilts, about 1 to 2 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve the chicken immediately with the warm Mediterranean sauce spooned over top.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra flavor, marinate the chicken cutlets with the herbs and spices for 30 minutes before cooking.
  • Swap baby spinach for kale or arugula if you prefer a different leafy green.
  • Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice before serving for a bright, zesty touch.
  • Use low-sodium chicken broth to control saltiness in the sauce.

Storage

Store leftover Mediterranean Chicken in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat or in the microwave until warmed through. The sauce may thicken upon cooling; adding a splash of broth or water when reheating can help loosen it.

How to Serve

A close-up view of an orange creamy sauce with several cooked white chicken breast pieces, sprinkled with herbs and black pepper. There are bright red cherry tomato halves, dark black olive slices, and fresh green spinach leaves scattered on top and mixed into the sauce. The dish is served in a black pan, all placed on a white marbled surface. The sauce has a rich and slightly bubbly texture, giving a warm and hearty appearance. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs work well and stay juicy. Adjust cooking time accordingly, cooking thighs until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free chicken broth and check that the capers and olives have no added gluten ingredients.

Print

Mediterranean Chicken Skillet with Cherry Tomatoes, Olives, and Feta Recipe

This Mediterranean Chicken recipe features tender chicken cutlets seared to perfection and simmered with a delightful sauce of cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, capers, garlic, and fresh spinach, topped with creamy crumbled feta cheese for a flavorful and wholesome meal inspired by the Mediterranean diet.

  • Author: Clara
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 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

Sauce and Vegetables

  • 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

Topping

  • 2/3 cup crumbled feta cheese

Instructions

  1. Season chicken: Slice the chicken breasts horizontally in half to make four cutlets. Season each piece evenly with salt, pepper, dried oregano, thyme, and onion powder to infuse Mediterranean flavors into the chicken.
  2. Sear chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken cutlets into the hot oil and sear for approximately 6 minutes on each side, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F, ensuring juicy and fully cooked chicken. Remove from skillet and set aside on a plate.
  3. Simmer sauce: Reduce heat to medium. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth, then add halved cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, and drained capers. Allow the mixture to simmer gently for 3 to 4 minutes, letting the flavors meld and the tomatoes soften slightly.
  4. Combine ingredients: Stir in fresh baby spinach and crumbled feta cheese into the sauce. Return the seared chicken cutlets along with any accumulated juices to the skillet. Cook together just until the spinach wilts and everything is heated through, about 1 to 2 minutes.
  5. Serve: Taste the dish and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper if needed. Serve the Mediterranean chicken hot, garnished with the savory sauce and melted feta topping for a satisfying meal.

Notes

  • For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil and herbs for 1 hour before cooking.
  • Serve with crusty bread or over cooked couscous or rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
  • Use low-sodium chicken broth to reduce sodium content if desired.
  • Make sure not to overcook the spinach to keep its vibrant color and fresh taste.

Keywords: Mediterranean chicken, chicken cutlets, cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, feta cheese, spinach, quick chicken recipe, healthy dinner

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