Chicken is infused with lemon, garlic, and herbs. Combined with garlic and acidity from the capers and the artichoke hearts, this easy, flavorful meal will use up a lot of leftover ingredients in your fridge and be a great addition to your weeknight rotation. You can also add vegetables or orzo to create a full-flavored, one-pan Mediterranean Chicken Skillet.
What is great about this Mediterranean Chicken Skillet?
Mediterranean cuisine is known for its vibrant flavors. A chicken skillet meal typically includes juicy chicken, and you can add fresh vegetables like tomatoes, bell peppers, and zucchini if you like. There are also aromatic herbs like oregano and thyme and tangy elements like artichoke hearts, capers, sun-dried tomatoes, and lemon juice. These ingredients combine to create a well-balanced and savory taste experience.
The Mediterranean diet has long been associated with numerous health benefits. It emphasizes whole foods, lean proteins, healthy fats (such as olive oil), and plenty of fruits and vegetables. The chicken skillet meal incorporates these elements, making it a nutritious choice. It provides lean protein from chicken, essential vitamins and minerals from vegetables, and healthy fats from olive oil.
Tips
Add some brine of the olives and capers for those who want more sauce to increase the sauce, and for a richer, bold flavor. Be careful with the salt.
Rice is an excellent side to this dish, or you can add orzo to make a more complete meal.
Use boneless, skinless chicken: Opt for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for convenience and quicker cooking time. They are also leaner and healthier choices.
Marinate the chicken: To enhance the flavor and tenderness of the chicken, marinate it for at least 30 minutes or overnight in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, herbs like oregano and thyme, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This step adds depth to the dish.
Choose colorful vegetables: If you add vegetables, select a variety of vibrant vegetables like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant. They add color and provide a range of nutrients and flavors to the dish.
Mediterranean Chicken Skillet
Prep time: 30 minutes
Cook time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 Servings
Ingredients:
1.5 lbs. skinless chicken breasts
4 cloves garlic, minced
¼ cup fresh lemon juice, plus more for serving
6 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
1 tablespoon chopped fresh rosemary
2 teaspoons chopped fresh oregano
1 tablespoon chopped fresh thyme
1 medium onion, diced
1 cup of artichoke hearts
1 cup of sun-dried tomatoes, sliced
2 tablespoons of capers
1 cup of unsalted chicken broth
Salt and pepper to taste
Chopped fresh flat-leaf parsley for garnish, if desired
Directions:
1. Combine the chicken, lemon juice, rosemary, oregano, thyme, half the garlic, and 3 tablespoons of olive oil in a large zip-top plastic bag. Seal the bag and refrigerate for 25 to 30 minutes.
2. Remove chicken from the marinade and sprinkle evenly with salt and pepper. Heat 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Arrange the chicken in the pan; cook until browned and crispy, about 5-7 minutes. Flip and cook until browned on the other side, about 4 minutes. Transfer to a plate.
3. Add onion and the remainder of the garlic to the pan; stirring occasionally, cook over medium-high heat for about 5-7 minutes or until fragrant.
4. Add the remainder of the ingredients, put the chicken back in the pan along with the juices that have collected on the plate, and add the broth. If you are adding vegetables, add them with he remaining ingredients. If adding orzo, add 1 cup of orzo and another cup of broth. Bring to a boil, lower the heat to simmer, cover, and cook for another 5-7 minutes until the chicken is juicy and thoroughly cooked. Add another 5 minutes until the orzo is al dente.
5. Remove from heat; let stand for 5 minutes.
6. Garnish with parsley and squeeze lemon juice, if desired. You can also top it with some feta. Serve immediately.
Suggested Pairing
Pair with a Merlot or Pinot Noir.