Mediterranean Chicken with Tomatoes and Olives: One-Skillet Wonder

There’s something magical about the way Mediterranean flavors come together in one pan. This Mediterranean Chicken with Tomatoes and Olives recipe brings the sunny tastes of the Mediterranean right to your dinner table with minimal cleanup required.

Picture this: tender, juicy chicken breasts seared to golden perfection, then braised with bright lemon juice, aromatic oregano, and finished with a colorful medley of fresh tomatoes, briny olives, and sharp red onions. It’s comfort food that happens to be incredibly healthy, and the best part? Everything cooks in just one skillet.

This one-skillet Mediterranean chicken is perfect for busy weeknights when you want something that tastes like you spent hours in the kitchen but actually takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish. The technique of making shallow cuts in the chicken and rubbing garlic directly into them ensures every bite is packed with flavor. For more amazing one-pan meals, check out this delicious cowboy butter chicken linguine that’s equally satisfying.

Why You’ll Love This Mediterranean Chicken Recipe

This Mediterranean chicken with tomatoes and olives hits all the right notes for a perfect weeknight dinner. The combination of garlic, oregano, and lemon creates that classic Mediterranean flavor profile we all crave, while the addition of white wine adds depth and richness to the sauce.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. You’re essentially building layers of flavor in one pan – first searing the chicken to lock in juices, then deglazing with wine, and finally braising everything together with the vegetables. It’s a technique that professional chefs use, but it’s completely accessible for home cooks.

Fresh ingredients make all the difference here. The tomatoes add sweetness and acidity, the olives bring that briny Mediterranean punch, and the red onions provide a subtle sharpness that balances everything perfectly. When you top it all with fresh parsley and feta cheese, you get a dish that’s both rustic and elegant.

Ingredients for Mediterranean Chicken

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons minced garlic or garlic paste
• Kosher salt
• Black pepper
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano, divided
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil

For the Mediterranean Sauce:

• 1/2 cup dry white wine
• 1 large lemon, juiced
• 1/2 cup chicken broth

For the Vegetables:

• 1 medium red onion, finely chopped
• 4 small tomatoes, diced, about 1 1/2 cups
• 1/4 cup sliced green olives
• Handful of fresh parsley, stems removed, leaves chopped
• Crumbled feta cheese (optional)

How to Make Mediterranean Chicken with Tomatoes and Olives

Step 1: Prep the Chicken

Start by patting the chicken breasts completely dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for getting a good sear. Using a sharp knife, make three shallow slits on each side of each chicken breast. These cuts serve two purposes: they help the chicken cook more evenly and create pockets for the garlic to penetrate.

Step 2: Season the Chicken

Rub the minced garlic thoroughly on both sides of each chicken breast, making sure to push some of the garlic into the slits you made. This technique ensures that every bite has that beautiful garlic flavor. Season generously with kosher salt, black pepper, and half of the dried oregano on both sides.

Step 3: Sear the Chicken

Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. When the oil shimmers and is hot, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the pan. Don’t move them for 3-4 minutes – let them develop a beautiful golden-brown crust.

Flip the chicken and sear the other side for another 3-4 minutes. The chicken won’t be fully cooked at this point, but that’s exactly what we want. Remove the chicken temporarily and add the white wine to the hot pan. Let it bubble and reduce by half, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

Step 4: Braise the Chicken

Return the chicken to the skillet and add the lemon juice and chicken broth. Sprinkle the remaining oregano over the top and reduce the heat to medium. Cover the skillet tightly with a lid or foil.

Cook for 5-6 minutes, then flip the chicken and cook for another 5-6 minutes. The internal temperature should reach 165°F when measured with a meat thermometer.

Step 5: Add the Mediterranean Vegetables

Uncover the skillet and top the chicken with the chopped red onions, diced tomatoes, and sliced green olives. Cover again and cook for 3 more minutes. This brief cooking time is perfect – it warms the vegetables through while keeping the tomatoes from becoming mushy.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Remove from heat and sprinkle with fresh parsley and crumbled feta cheese if using. Let it rest for 2-3 minutes before serving. The residual heat will warm the cheese slightly and allow all the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Tips for Perfect One-Skillet Mediterranean Chicken

Choose the right pan: A cast iron skillet is ideal because it retains heat well and gives you that perfect sear. If you don’t have cast iron, use a heavy-bottomed stainless steel pan.

Don’t skip the wine: The white wine adds incredible depth to the sauce. If you prefer not to use alcohol, substitute with additional chicken broth, but you’ll miss some of that complex flavor.

Fresh vs. dried herbs: While this recipe calls for dried oregano, you can substitute with 2 tablespoons of fresh oregano if you have it. Add fresh herbs at the end to preserve their bright flavor.

Olive quality matters: Use good quality green olives for the best flavor. Kalamata olives work beautifully too if you prefer a more robust taste.

What to Serve with Mediterranean Chicken

This Mediterranean chicken with tomatoes and olives is incredibly versatile. It pairs beautifully with fluffy rice pilaf, creamy polenta, or simple roasted potatoes. For a lighter option, serve it over a bed of orzo or with warm pita bread to soak up that delicious sauce.

A simple side salad with mixed greens, cucumber, and a light vinaigrette complements the rich flavors perfectly. If you’re looking for more Mediterranean-inspired sides, consider this fresh spring rolls recipe for a light and refreshing accompaniment.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This one-skillet Mediterranean chicken keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the chicken and vegetables together in an airtight container.

To reheat, place in a covered skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave, covered, for 1-2 minutes.

While this dish is best enjoyed fresh, you can prep components ahead of time. Season the chicken and store it covered in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours. Chop your vegetables and store them separately until ready to cook.

Variations and Substitutions

Protein swaps: This recipe works wonderfully with bone-in chicken thighs (increase cooking time to 25-30 minutes) or even white fish like cod or halibut (reduce cooking time to 8-10 minutes total).

Vegetable additions: Feel free to add bell peppers, zucchini, or artichoke hearts along with the tomatoes and onions for extra Mediterranean flair.

Herb variations: Try fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary instead of oregano for different flavor profiles.

Make it dairy-free: Simply omit the feta cheese or substitute with dairy-free alternatives.

Related Mediterranean Recipes You’ll Love

If you’re enjoying these Mediterranean flavors, you’ll definitely want to try these other crowd-pleasers from our collection:

• Classic Shrimp Scampi Recipe – Another one-pan wonder with garlic and white wine
• Traditional Mexican Birria – For when you want something with bold, complex flavors
• Italian Chopped Salad – Perfect as a fresh side dish

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use bone-in chicken breasts? No, this recipe specifically calls for boneless, skinless chicken breasts for ease of cooking and consistent results. The timing and technique are designed for boneless cuts.

What type of skillet is best? A large cast iron skillet is recommended, but any heavy-bottomed skillet will work. You need something that can go from stovetop searing to gentle braising.

Can I substitute the white wine? Yes, you can substitute with chicken broth or water, but the wine adds significant depth of flavor that’s hard to replicate.

How do I know when the chicken is cooked through? The internal temperature of the chicken should reach 165°F (74°C) when measured with an instant-read thermometer in the thickest part.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time? It’s best served fresh, but you can prepare the chicken and vegetables ahead of time and store them separately in the refrigerator. Combine and cook just before serving for best results.

Final Thoughts

This Mediterranean Chicken with Tomatoes and Olives proves that incredible flavor doesn’t require complicated techniques or endless ingredients. With just one skillet and about 30 minutes, you can create a restaurant-quality meal that brings the warmth and sunshine of the Mediterranean to your dinner table.

The combination of garlic-infused chicken, bright lemon, aromatic oregano, and fresh vegetables creates a balanced, satisfying meal that feels both comforting and sophisticated. It’s the kind of recipe that becomes a regular in your rotation because it’s reliable, delicious, and impressive enough for company but easy enough for a Tuesday night dinner.

Whether you’re new to one-skillet Mediterranean chicken recipes or you’re a seasoned cook looking for fresh inspiration, this dish delivers on all fronts. The flavors are bright and authentic, the technique builds confidence in the kitchen, and the cleanup is minimal – what more could you ask for in a weeknight dinner?

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