Chicken Athena is a flavorful and aromatic Mediterranean-inspired dish that combines tender chicken breasts with a savory blend of feta cheese, olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and spinach, all cooked in a light and zesty lemon-garlic sauce. This dish is named after Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom, and brings together traditional Greek flavors that are both wholesome and delicious. Chicken Athena is perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests, as it’s easy to prepare yet offers a sophisticated presentation. Serve it over a bed of orzo, rice, or alongside a fresh green salad for a complete and satisfying meal that’s sure to transport your taste buds to the sunny shores of Greece.
Ingredients:
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
- 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 2 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chicken:
- Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt and black pepper. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts to the skillet and sear for about 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Make the Sauce:
- In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice, stirring to combine. Add the dried oregano and bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Add the Vegetables and Feta:
- Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and chopped spinach. Cook for 2-3 minutes, or until the spinach is wilted. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the mixture.
- Combine and Simmer:
- Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce and vegetable mixture. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken. Reduce the heat to low, cover the skillet, and let everything simmer together for 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Serve:
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish the chicken with freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. Serve the Chicken Athena over a bed of orzo, rice, or alongside a salad.
Chicken Athena is a delightful dish that brings the flavors of the Mediterranean to your table. With its combination of tender chicken, tangy feta, briny olives, and sun-dried tomatoes, this dish offers a delicious and healthy option that’s perfect for any occasion.
