Get ready to fall in love with the easiest weeknight dinner ever; the Mediterranean Chicken Skillet. This one-pan Mediterranean Chicken Skillet brings together tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and Mediterranean flavors in about 30 minutes. Whether you're cooking for a busy family or meal prepping for the week, this Mediterranean Chicken Skillet delivers restaurant-quality results without the fuss. Best of all; every ingredient goes into one skillet; so cleanup is a breeze and you get more time to enjoy your delicious meal.
The beauty of a Mediterranean Chicken Skillet lies in its simplicity and flexibility. You can throw together this Mediterranean Chicken Skillet on any night of the week using ingredients you likely already have at home. The combination of juicy chicken, fresh vegetables, and Mediterranean seasonings makes this one-pan wonder a family favorite that even picky eaters will enjoy.
Why This Mediterranean Chicken Skillet Stands Out
The Mediterranean Chicken Skillet draws inspiration from the sun-soaked kitchens of Greece, Italy, and Spain where simple ingredients come together to create incredible flavors. This Mediterranean Chicken Skillet has become increasingly popular with health-conscious home cooks looking for nutritious meals that don't require hours in the kitchen. The one-pan cooking method means all the flavors meld together beautifully while the chicken absorbs all those amazing Mediterranean herbs and spices.
What makes this Mediterranean Chicken Skillet truly special is how it adapts to your preferences and dietary needs. You can use chicken breasts for a leaner option or chicken thighs for extra juiciness and flavor. This Mediterranean Chicken Skillet works wonderfully for meal prep; storing beautifully in the fridge and tasting even better the next day as the Mediterranean flavors continue to develop. It pairs perfectly with rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up every drop of that delicious sauce.
Jump to:
- Why This Mediterranean Chicken Skillet Stands Out
- Ingredients
- Instructions
- Expert Cooking Tips
- Recipe Variations and Substitutions
- Equipment Recommendations
- Storage and Meal Prep Tips
- Grandma's Secret That Changed Everything
- FAQ
- Ready to Cook Your Next Favorite Meal
- Related
- Pairing
- Mediterranean Chicken Skillet Recipe
Ingredients
Protein Base
- Chicken breasts or thighs; cut into bite-sized pieces
- Olive oil
Fresh Vegetables
- Redd bell pepper; diced
- Yellow bell pepper; diced
- Red onion; thinly sliced
- Cherry tomatoes; halved
- Baby spinach
Mediterranean Seasonings & Flavor Makers
- Garlic; minced
- Kalamata olives; pitted and halved
- Sun-dried tomatoes; chopped
- Crumbled feta cheese
- Fresh lemon juice
- Fresh basil; chopped
- Dried oregano
- Dried thyme
- Salt
- Black pepper
- Chicken broth or water
Optional Additions
- Fresh artichoke hearts; drained and halved
- Roasted red peppers from a jar
- Pine nuts for garnish
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
Step 1; Prepare Your Ingredients and Season the Chicken
- Gather all your ingredients and arrange them near your stove; this is called mise en place and makes cooking easier. 2. Pat your chicken pieces dry with paper towels; this helps them brown better in the skillet. 3. Sprinkle the chicken with salt; pepper; oregano; and thyme; making sure each piece gets seasoned on all sides. 4. Let the seasoned chicken sit for 5 minutes while you prepare your vegetables; this helps the flavors penetrate the meat.
Step 2; Sear the Chicken and Build Your Flavor Base
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. 2. Working in batches if necessary; place the chicken pieces in the hot skillet in a single layer without crowding. 3. Let the chicken cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until the bottom gets golden brown; then flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until both sides are browned. 4. Remove the cooked chicken to a plate and set aside; don't worry if it's not fully cooked inside yet. 5. Reduce heat to medium; add minced garlic to the same skillet; and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant and golden.
Step 3; Add Vegetables and Mediterranean Elements
- Add the sliced red onion to the skillet and cook for 2-3 minutes until it becomes soft and translucent. 2. Stir in the diced bell peppers and zucchini slices; cooking for about 5 minutes until they start to soften. 3. Add the cherry tomatoes; sun-dried tomatoes; and Kalamata olives; stirring everything together to combine. 4. Pour in the fresh lemon juice and chicken broth; scraping up any brown bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet; these bits are packed with flavor.
Step 4; Simmer Everything Together Until Perfect
- Return the chicken pieces to the skillet; nestling them among the vegetables. 2. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer everything together for 8-10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F. 3. Stir in the baby spinach and fresh basil; cooking just until the spinach wilts; about 1-2 minutes. 4. Top with crumbled feta cheese and adjust seasonings with salt and pepper if needed. 5. Serve immediately while everything is hot and the flavors are at their peak.
Expert Cooking Tips
Choosing the Right Cut of Chicken
Use chicken thighs if you prefer juicier, more flavorful results in your Mediterranean Chicken Skillet; they hold up better to longer cooking times and won't dry out as quickly as chicken breasts. Chicken breasts work fine too; just watch them closely to avoid overcooking. For the most even cooking in your Mediterranean Chicken Skillet; try to cut all pieces to roughly the same size.
Perfecting the Sear
Don't move the chicken around too much while it's cooking; let it sit undisturbed for several minutes to develop that beautiful golden-brown crust. Pat your chicken completely dry before searing; moisture is the enemy of a good brown crust. Make sure your skillet is truly hot before adding the chicken; the oil should shimmer and move easily.
Vegetable Preparation
Cut your vegetables into similar-sized pieces so they cook at the same rate; this prevents some from being mushy while others are still crunchy. Feel free to add or swap vegetables based on what you have available; artichoke hearts; sun-dried tomatoes; and roasted red peppers work beautifully. Fresh vegetables will give you better texture and flavor than frozen options for this particular dish.
Lemon and Acid Balance
Fresh lemon juice brightens all the Mediterranean flavors and prevents the dish from tasting heavy or one-dimensional. You can adjust the amount based on how much tang you prefer; some people love extra lemon juice while others prefer less.
Recipe Variations and Substitutions
Dietary Adaptations
- Gluten-Free Option: This Mediterranean Chicken Skillet is naturally gluten-free when served alone. Simply pair it with gluten-free grains or skip grains entirely for a low-carb version. Most store-bought chicken broth contains gluten; so check labels carefully or use homemade broth.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the chicken with chickpeas or firm tofu cut into bite-sized pieces for a hearty vegetarian Mediterranean Chicken Skillet alternative. Use vegetable broth instead of chicken broth and add an extra tablespoon of lemon juice for brightness.
- Low-Carb and Keto: This Mediterranean Chicken Skillet is already quite low in carbs; but you can make it even lower by removing the sun-dried tomatoes and adding more low-carb vegetables like mushrooms or cauliflower rice. The combination of healthy fats from olive oil and protein from chicken makes this perfect for keto diets.
Protein Swaps
- Shrimp Version: Use large shrimp instead of chicken; adjusting the cooking time to just 3-4 minutes per side. The shrimp will cook much faster; so add it after the vegetables are partially cooked.
- Turkey Option: Ground turkey or turkey breast pieces work wonderfully and cook slightly faster than chicken. Brown the ground turkey first and proceed as normal.
Flavor Variations
- Greek-Style: Add a tablespoon of dried oregano; increase the feta cheese; and serve with warm pita bread and extra olives for an authentic Greek spin on your Mediterranean Chicken Skillet.
- Italian Twist: Use fresh basil instead of dried; add a splash of balsamic vinegar; and finish with fresh mozzarella instead of feta for an Italian Mediterranean Chicken Skillet variation.
- Spanish Influence: Incorporate roasted red peppers; saffron; and smoked paprika for a Spanish-inspired Mediterranean Chicken Skillet that's warming and aromatic.
Equipment Recommendations
A large skillet remains the star of this Mediterranean Chicken Skillet; preferably 12 inches wide to give everything enough room. Cast iron skillets distribute heat evenly and create excellent browning for your Mediterranean Chicken Skillet. Stainless steel works well too and offers easier cleanup; while nonstick skillets make it simpler to handle the chicken without sticking.
You'll also want a sharp chef's knife for prepping vegetables quickly and efficiently. A meat thermometer takes the guesswork out of doneness; ensuring your chicken reaches exactly 165°F without any overcooking. Wooden spoons or silicone spatulas won't scratch your skillet and work great for stirring. A cutting board dedicated to raw chicken prevents cross-contamination with your vegetables.
Storage and Meal Prep Tips
Refrigerator Storage
Store leftover Mediterranean Chicken Skillet in an airtight glass container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve as they meld together overnight; making this a perfect candidate for meal prep. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat; stirring occasionally and adding a splash of chicken broth if it seems dry.
Freezing Guidelines
This Mediterranean Chicken Skillet freezes beautifully for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers. Leave a little headspace at the top for expansion during freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating; or reheat directly from frozen on the stovetop over low heat; stirring frequently and allowing extra time for it to warm through.
Meal Prep Strategy
Prepare this Mediterranean Chicken Skillet on Sunday and divide into 4-5 containers for grab-and-go lunches throughout the week. Pair each container with a different side dish to prevent boredom; such as rice one day; pasta another; and crusty bread on a third. The chicken stays moist and flavorful; making this one of the best Mediterranean Chicken Skillet meal prep options available.
Make-Ahead Tips
Chop all your vegetables the night before and store them in separate containers; this cuts weeknight cooking time in half. Season your chicken pieces ahead of time; or prepare the sauce components separately and combine everything when you're ready to cook. You can even brown the chicken a few hours early and finish cooking it right before serving.
Grandma's Secret That Changed Everything
The real secret to an unforgettable Mediterranean Chicken Skillet lies in letting your ingredients sit together for just a minute before serving. After you turn off the heat; cover the skillet and let everything rest for 2-3 minutes so the chicken reabsorbs all those delicious juices and Mediterranean flavors settle into every bite. This simple step transforms a good Mediterranean Chicken Skillet into an absolutely incredible one.
Another game-changing tip; use fresh lemon juice instead of bottled whenever possible. Fresh lemon brightens the entire dish and makes the Mediterranean flavors pop in ways that bottled juice simply cannot match. Your Mediterranean Chicken Skillet will taste noticeably brighter; fresher; and more vibrant with this small adjustment.
FAQ
How long can you cook chicken in a skillet?
Most chicken pieces in a Mediterranean Chicken Skillet cook through in 8-15 minutes depending on thickness and size. Once the internal temperature reaches 165°F; your chicken is done and should be removed from heat immediately to prevent drying out. Thicker pieces naturally take longer; so try to cut everything roughly the same size for even cooking throughout your Mediterranean Chicken Skillet.
What do you season Mediterranean Chicken with?
Your Mediterranean Chicken Skillet benefits from classic Mediterranean seasonings including dried oregano; thyme; garlic; fresh lemon juice; and olive oil as the foundation. Add fresh basil and parsley for brightness; plus salty elements like Kalamata olives; feta cheese; and anchovies if you like that umami depth. Don't forget fresh cracked pepper and good quality sea salt; which make a surprising difference in how delicious your Mediterranean Chicken Skillet tastes.
What sides go with Mediterranean Chicken?
Mediterranean Chicken Skillet pairs beautifully with fluffy white or brown rice; creamy risotto; or hearty couscous that soaks up all the delicious pan sauce. Fresh green salads with lemon vinaigrette; roasted vegetables; or crusty bread for dipping work wonderfully alongside your Mediterranean Chicken Skillet. Some people love serving it over pasta; particularly orzo or penne; for a more filling meal.
How to keep chicken moist when cooking in a skillet?
Pound your chicken to an even thickness before cooking so every piece cooks at the same rate in your Mediterranean Chicken Skillet. Don't skip the searing step; browning creates a flavorful crust that helps seal in moisture while cooking. Use a meat thermometer to avoid overcooking; and remove your Mediterranean Chicken Skillet from heat as soon as it reaches 165°F internally; not a degree higher.
Ready to Cook Your Next Favorite Meal
The Mediterranean Chicken Skillet stands as one of the easiest; most impressive dinners you can make at home; bringing restaurant-quality flavors to your table in under 45 minutes. This one-pan Mediterranean Chicken Skillet works for busy weeknights; special occasion dinners; and everything in between; making it incredibly versatile for any kitchen. Once you master this Mediterranean Chicken Skillet recipe; try the Mediterranean Chickpea Feta Salad Recipe for a light lunch option or the Mediterranean Chicken Recipe for another delicious variation.
Whether you're cooking for your family tonight or prepping meals for the entire week; the Mediterranean Chicken Skillet delivers consistent results that everyone loves. The fresh vegetables; tender chicken; and bold Mediterranean flavors make this dish something you'll want to make again and again. Start cooking today and discover why so many home cooks have made this Mediterranean Chicken Skillet their go-to weeknight dinner solution.
With love from my kitchen to yours,
Ashley Johnson
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Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this Mediterranean Chicken Skillet recipe:
Mediterranean Chicken Skillet Recipe
Equipment
- Large skillet (12-inch) Cast iron or stainless steel works best
- Chef’s knife For chopping vegetables and chicken
- Cutting board Use separate boards for chicken and vegetables
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula For stirring
- Meat thermometer To ensure chicken reaches 165°F
Ingredients
- 1 lb Chicken breasts or thighs Cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoon Olive oil Extra virgin preferred
- 1 Red bell pepper Diced
- 1 Yellow bell pepper Diced
- 1 Large red onion Thinly sliced
- 2 Zucchini Sliced into half-moons
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes Halved
- 2 cups Baby spinach Fresh
- 4 cloves Garlic Minced
- 0.5 cup Kalamata olives Pitted and halved
- 0.5 cup Sun-dried tomatoes Chopped
- 0.5 cup Feta cheese Crumbled
- 0.25 cup Lemon juice Freshly squeezed
- 0.25 cup Fresh basil Chopped
- 2 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt To taste
- 0.25 teaspoon Black pepper Freshly ground
- 0.25 cup Chicken broth Or water
- Artichoke hearts Optional, drained and halved
- Roasted red peppers Optional, for added flavor
- Pine nuts Optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Pat chicken dry, season with salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme.
- Sear Chicken: Heat olive oil, cook chicken until golden on both sides, then remove.
- Cook Vegetables: Add onion, bell peppers, and zucchini; sauté until softened.
- Add Flavor: Stir in garlic, tomatoes, olives, lemon juice, and broth; deglaze the pan.
- Simmer Together: Return chicken; cook until fully done and sauce thickens.
- Finish: Add spinach, basil, and feta; stir until spinach wilts and cheese melts slightly.
- Serve: Let rest 2–3 minutes before serving for best flavor absorption.
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