🍋 Mediterranean Chicken with Olives & Tomatoes
🍗 Ingredients (Serves 4)
For the chicken:
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4 chicken thighs or breasts (bone-in or boneless)
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2 Tbsp olive oil
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Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
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1 tsp paprika
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½ tsp dried oregano
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½ tsp dried thyme
For the sauce:
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2 Tbsp olive oil
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1 medium onion, chopped
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3–4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved (or canned diced tomatoes)
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½ cup pitted Kalamata olives
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1 Tbsp capers (optional, for tang)
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1 tsp chili flakes (optional, for mild heat)
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Juice of 1 lemon
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½ cup chicken broth or white wine
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Fresh parsley or basil, chopped (for garnish)
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1. Season & sear the chicken
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Pat chicken dry with paper towels.
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Rub with paprika, oregano, thyme, salt, and pepper.
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Heat olive oil in a large skillet or pan over medium-high heat.
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Sear chicken 3–4 minutes per side until golden (don’t cook through yet).
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Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Step 2. Build the Mediterranean sauce
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In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add a bit more olive oil if needed.
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Sauté onion for 3 minutes until soft.
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Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
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Stir in tomatoes, olives, capers, chili flakes, and lemon juice.
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Pour in broth or wine and scrape up any browned bits from the pan (flavor boost!).
Step 3. Simmer everything together
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Return the chicken to the pan, nestling it into the sauce.
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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).
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Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
Step 4. Finish & serve
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Garnish with fresh parsley or basil.
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Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil before serving (optional).
🍽️ Serving Ideas
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Serve over couscous, orzo pasta, rice, or crusty bread.
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Pairs beautifully with Greek salad or roasted potatoes.
🌿 Chef’s Tips
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For extra depth, add a splash of white wine before simmering.
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Substitute chicken with fish (like cod or snapper) for a lighter version.
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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.








