Ah, the Mediterranean—a land of sun-kissed shores and flavors that dance on your taste buds. Imagine the aroma of garlic mingling with olive oil and lemon zest, painting a picture of a quaint seaside village. These easy Mediterranean chicken recipes are like a warm hug from an old friend, perfect for those evenings when you crave something both comforting and exotic.
Steps
- Prepare the Chicken: Dry the chicken breasts using paper towels and cut three shallow slits on each side. Rub minced garlic over both sides, ensuring some garlic gets into the slits. Season with salt, pepper, and half of the dried oregano.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the chicken on both sides, then pour in the white wine. Allow the wine to reduce by half.
- Braise the Chicken: Add lemon juice and chicken broth to the skillet. Sprinkle the remaining oregano over the chicken and cover with a lid or foil. Cook for 5 to 6 minutes on one side, flip, and cook for another 5 to 6 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.
- Add Vegetables and Finish: Uncover the skillet and add chopped onions, tomatoes, and olives on top of the chicken. Re-cover and cook for an additional 3 minutes. Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and feta cheese if using. Serve immediately.
Ingredients
- 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
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- Juice of 1 large lemon
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 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, leaves chopped (stems removed)
- Crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Nutritional Values
Calories: 1654.4kcal | Carbohydrates: 57.6g | Protein: 202g | Fat: 58.4g | Saturated Fat: 10g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 7.6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 31.2g | Trans Fat: 0.12g | Cholesterol: 580.8mg | Sodium: 2055.2mg | Potassium: 5124.4mg | Fiber: 14.8g | Sugar: 22.8g | Vitamin A: 4618.4IU | Vitamin C: 153.2mg | Calcium: 315.2mg | Iron: 8.8mg
FAQ
- Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts for this recipe?
- Absolutely! Chicken thighs can be used in place of chicken breasts and will add a richer flavor. Just allow a bit more cooking time, especially if they’re bone-in.
- What can I substitute for white wine in this dish?
- If you prefer not to use alcohol, you can substitute the white wine with additional chicken stock. This will still provide a delicious depth of flavor.
- Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?
- Yes, you can make this Mediterranean chicken recipe dairy-free by simply omitting the feta cheese. The dish will still be flavorful and enjoyable without it.
- What can I serve with Mediterranean Chicken?
- This dish pairs well with pasta or rice, which can help stretch it to feed more people. A piece of crusty bread or Rosemary Focaccia is also excellent for sopping up the sauce.
- Can I add other vegetables to the recipe?
- Certainly! Feel free to add vegetables like spinach just before serving, or swap olives for capers. You can also experiment with adding extra herbs to suit your taste.
Tips
- Optimize Cooking Time with Cutlets: If your chicken breasts are large and thick, consider slicing them in half horizontally to create thinner cutlets. This will help them cook more evenly and quickly.
- Adjust the Recipe to Your Preference: Feel free to modify the ingredients to suit your taste. You can add spinach, replace olives with capers, or include additional herbs for a personalized touch.
- Enhance the Flavor with Quality Ingredients: Use a high-quality extra virgin olive oil to elevate the dish’s flavors. Consider drizzling a little more on top just before serving for an added burst of taste.
- Accommodate Dietary Needs: For a dairy-free version, simply omit the feta cheese. The dish will still be delicious and flavorful without it.
Equipment
- Cast Iron Skillet – A large cast iron skillet is essential for searing and cooking the chicken.
- Garlic Press or Garlic Paste Tube – For mincing garlic efficiently or using prepared garlic paste.
- Chef’s Knife – A high-quality chef’s knife for chopping ingredients like onions and tomatoes.
- Cutting Board – A sturdy cutting board for preparing the chicken and vegetables.
- Juicer – A manual or electric juicer to extract juice from the lemon efficiently.
- Wine Opener – If using a bottle of dry white wine, a wine opener might be necessary.
