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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced - 3 cloves garlic, minced The main ingredients bring vibrant flavors to this dish. The chicken breasts provide a great protein base. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness, while Kalamata olives give a briny punch. Feta cheese adds creaminess and tang. Fresh red onion and garlic round out the flavor profile with a savory depth. - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon paprika - 2 tablespoons olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste Seasonings are key for taste. Oregano and paprika add warmth and aroma. Olive oil helps to cook the chicken and adds richness. Salt and pepper enhance all the flavors, bringing everything together. - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) Garnishing with parsley adds a fresh touch. It brightens the dish and gives a pop of color. Plus, it adds a hint of herbal taste. Use it right before serving for the best effect. {{ingredient_image_1}} Start by seasoning the chicken breasts. Use salt, pepper, oregano, and paprika. This will give the chicken great flavor. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the seasoned chicken. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes on each side. You want the chicken to turn golden brown. Make sure it is fully cooked through. After cooking, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside. In the same skillet, add the thinly sliced red onion. Cook it until it becomes soft and translucent. This should take about 3 to 4 minutes. Next, add minced garlic. Sauté the garlic for one more minute. This will fill your kitchen with a lovely aroma. The garlic adds a nice flavor to the dish. Now, stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and Kalamata olives. Cook this mixture for about 5 minutes. You want the tomatoes to soften and release their juices. After that, return the chicken to the skillet. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top. Cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes. This will warm the feta and heat the chicken through. When ready, remove from heat and garnish with chopped parsley. Serve immediately for a delightful meal! To ensure your chicken is fully cooked, use a meat thermometer. It should read 165°F in the thickest part. This way, you know it’s safe to eat. Cook the chicken for about 5-7 minutes on each side. Look for a golden color. Managing heat levels is key for a great dish. Start with medium heat to brown the chicken. If it cooks too fast, lower the heat. This helps the inside cook well without burning the outside. To infuse additional herbs, consider adding fresh basil or thyme. These herbs work well with the chicken and olives. Adding a bay leaf while cooking gives a nice flavor too. For dressings and extra toppings, drizzle some balsamic vinegar for a tangy taste. You can also add a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a hint of heat. These small changes can elevate your dish. Pair this dish with warm pita or couscous. Both absorb the flavors and add texture. A side salad with fresh greens complements the meal nicely. Garnishing techniques for presentation include using extra parsley. Chop it finely and sprinkle it over the dish. A drizzle of olive oil adds a shine and enhances the look. Serve the skillet hot, directly from the pan, to keep it inviting. Pro Tips Brine the Chicken: Soaking the chicken breasts in a solution of water and salt for 30 minutes before cooking will enhance their moisture and flavor. Fresh Herbs: Substitute dried oregano with fresh oregano for a more vibrant flavor. Use about three times the amount of fresh herbs as dried. Olive Oil Quality: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for cooking and drizzling, as it adds great depth of flavor to the dish. Rest the Chicken: Let the cooked chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to retain its juices and ensure it's tender. {{image_2}} You can switch out the chicken for turkey or tofu. Both options work well in this dish. Turkey has a similar taste and texture. Tofu adds a nice plant-based twist. For cheese, feta is fantastic, but you can try goat cheese or ricotta. Both bring a creamy texture and unique flavor to the skillet. If you're gluten-free, this recipe is already safe! All ingredients are gluten-free. Just double-check any packaged items for hidden gluten. For a dairy-free option, use a plant-based cheese instead of feta. Nutritional yeast can also add a cheesy flavor without dairy. Want more heat? Add red pepper flakes or chili powder. This will give your dish a spicy kick. You can also add other Mediterranean veggies. Try bell peppers, zucchini, or artichokes. They all blend well with the flavors in this skillet. To keep your Mediterranean chicken skillet fresh, let it cool first. Place it in a shallow dish. Cover it tightly with a lid or plastic wrap. This helps keep moisture in. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. Recommended storage containers are glass or plastic. Make sure they are airtight. This prevents any odors from other foods in your fridge. If you want to save leftovers, freezing works well. Let the dish cool completely before freezing it. Pack it in a freezer-safe container. Leave some space at the top, as the food may expand. To thaw, place the container in the fridge overnight. For quick thawing, use the microwave on defrost mode. When ready to eat, heat it on the stove over low heat. Stir often until it's hot throughout. In the fridge, your Mediterranean chicken skillet lasts for three days. If you freeze it, it can stay good for up to three months. Always check for any off smells or changes in color before eating. To check if your chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. The safe internal temperature for chicken is 165°F (75°C). Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the breast. If it reads 165°F, your chicken is ready. You can also cut into the chicken. The meat should be white, not pink, and the juices should run clear. This method ensures you serve safe, tasty chicken every time. Yes, you can make this dish ahead. Cook the chicken and veggies as directed. Let them cool down before storing. Use an airtight container for storage. This dish keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. When ready to eat, just reheat it in a skillet over low heat. This way, you save time and still enjoy a fresh meal. Absolutely! This Mediterranean Chicken Skillet is perfect for meal prep. Portion the cooked chicken and veggies into containers. You can store them separately or mix them together. This recipe makes four servings, so it's great for weekly meals. Just reheat your portions in the microwave or on the stovetop. Enjoy a quick and healthy meal whenever you need it! This blog post explored how to make a tasty chicken dish. We covered ingredients like chicken, fresh produce, olives, and cheese. You learned step-by-step cooking instructions and helpful tips. We also discussed variations for different diets and how to store leftovers properly. In closing, this meal is easy, flavorful, and perfect for any occasion. I hope you feel inspired to try it and make it your own. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Mediterranean Chicken Skillet with Olives and Feta

A flavorful chicken dish cooked in a skillet with olives, feta cheese, and fresh vegetables.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • to taste Salt and pepper
  • to taste Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions
 

  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, oregano, and paprika.
  • Once the skillet is hot, add the chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the sliced red onion and cook until soft and translucent (about 3-4 minutes). Add the minced garlic and sauté for another minute until fragrant.
  • Stir in the cherry tomatoes and olives, cooking for about 5 more minutes until the tomatoes soften and release their juices.
  • Return the chicken to the skillet and sprinkle the crumbled feta over the top. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the feta warms up and the chicken is heated through.
  • Remove from heat, garnish with chopped parsley, and serve immediately.

Notes

Serve the skillet hot, directly from the pan, garnished with extra parsley and a drizzle of olive oil for added flavor. Pair with warm pita or over a bed of couscous for a complete meal.
Keyword chicken, feta, Mediterranean, olives, skillet