🍋 Mediterranean Chicken with Olives & Tomatoes

🍋 Mediterranean Chicken with Olives & Tomatoes

 

🍗 Ingredients (Serves 4)

For the chicken:

  • 4 chicken thighs or breasts (bone-in or boneless)

  • 2 Tbsp olive oil

  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

  • 1 tsp paprika

  • ½ tsp dried oregano

  • ½ tsp dried thyme

For the sauce:

  • 2 Tbsp olive oil

  • 1 medium onion, chopped

  • 3–4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (or canned diced tomatoes)

  • ½ cup pitted Kalamata olives

  • 1 Tbsp capers (optional, for tang)

  • 1 tsp chili flakes (optional, for mild heat)

  • Juice of 1 lemon

  • ½ cup chicken broth or white wine

  • Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)


👩‍🍳 Instructions

Step 1. Season & sear the chicken

  1. Pat chicken dry with paper towels.

  2. Rub with paprika, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.

  3. Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat.

  4. Sear chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden (don’t cook through yet).

  5. Transfer to a plate and set aside.


Step 2. Build the Mediterranean sauce

  1. In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add a bit more olive oil if needed.

  2. Sauté onion for 3 minutes until soft.

  3. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.

  4. Stir in tomatoes, olives, capers, chili flakes, and lemon juice.

  5. Pour in broth or wine and scrape up any browned bits from the pan (flavor boost!).


Step 3. Simmer everything together

  1. Return the chicken to the pan, nestling it into the sauce.

  2. Cover with lid and simmer on low heat for 20–25 minutes, until chicken is tender and cooked through (internal temp 74°C / 165°F).

  3. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.


Step 4. Finish & serve

  • Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.

  • Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil before serving (optional).


🍽️ Serving Ideas

  • Serve over couscous, orzo pasta, rice, or crusty bread.

  • Pairs beautifully with Greek salad or roasted potatoes.


🌿 Chef’s Tips

  • For extra depth, add a splash of white wine before simmering.

  • Substitute chicken with fish (like cod or snapper) for a lighter version.

  • Make it meal-prep friendly — stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days.


❤️ Why It’s So Mediterranean

This dish combines hallmark ingredients of the region — olive oil, fresh herbs, citrus, tomatoes, and olives — all in one balanced, heart-healthy meal that’s both comforting and fresh.

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