Mediterranean Chicken Skillet

This Mediterranean Chicken Skillet is a vibrant and flavorful one-pan dish that combines tender chicken with the fresh, zesty flavors of the Mediterranean. Juicy cherry tomatoes, briny olives, and creamy feta cheese create a harmonious balance of tang and richness, while garlic, oregano, and lemon juice add depth to the dish. It’s a quick, healthy, and satisfying recipe perfect for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining. Serve it as is or pair with crusty bread, rice, or a simple salad for a complete meal.

Ingredients:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1/4 cup chicken broth or white wine
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, oregano, and paprika on both sides.
2. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and nearly cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Cook the aromatics: In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
4. Build the sauce: Add the cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, chicken broth or white wine, and lemon juice to the skillet. Stir to combine and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the tomatoes begin to soften.
5. Return the chicken: Place the chicken breasts back into the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon some of the sauce over the chicken. Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature of 165°F).
6. Finish and serve: Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and fresh parsley over the skillet. Serve warm, directly from the pan, with your choice of side.

Enjoy the comforting and refreshing flavors of the Mediterranean in every bite!