If you’re looking to bring the sunny flavors of the Mediterranean right to your kitchen, this Mediterranean Chicken recipe is a perfect choice. It’s a quick and simple meal that captures the essence of Greek cooking, offering a balanced blend of fresh ingredients and bold tastes. With just a few steps, you’ll create a vibrant dish that feels a bit fancy but is easy enough for any weeknight. The combination of juicy chicken, tangy olives, ripe tomatoes, and creamy feta makes every bite exciting and satisfying. This recipe invites you to enjoy a nutritious and colorful dinner in about 30 minutes.
Why You’ll Love This Mediterranean Chicken Recipe
You’re going to love this Mediterranean Chicken because it brings together classic flavors you recognize and adore from Greek cuisine. The juicy chicken breasts are seasoned perfectly, while the fresh baby spinach adds a bright touch that complements the salty olives and sharp capers. The garlic and oregano give it a warm aroma, and the feta cheese melts into the sauce, adding creaminess and depth. Plus, it’s a dish that’s easy to prepare and quick to cook, saving you time without sacrificing flavor. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe impresses with its freshness and simplicity.
Ingredients You Need for Mediterranean Chicken
- 2 large chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth (recommended instead of wine)
- 1 cup little tomatoes, such as grape or cherry, halved
- 1/3 cup Kalamata olives
- 1 tablespoon capers, drained
- 2 cups packed fresh baby spinach
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
How to Make Mediterranean Chicken
Start by slicing your chicken breasts in half lengthwise, giving you four thinner cutlets that cook faster and stay tender. Season both sides well with salt, pepper, dried oregano, and garlic powder, so each piece gets full flavor.
Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Place the chicken cutlets in the pan and cook them for about 5 to 6 minutes on each side, or until they reach an internal temperature of 165°F, ensuring they’re fully cooked and juicy. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and keep it warm.
Lower the heat to medium and add minced garlic to the same skillet. Stir it quickly to release its aroma without burning. Pour in the chicken broth, then add the halved tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and capers. Let this mixture cook for 3 to 4 minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften just enough to release their juices while keeping their shape. If the sauce starts to reduce too much, splash in a little more broth to keep it saucy.
Next, stir in the fresh baby spinach and crumbled feta cheese. The spinach will begin to wilt, and the feta will melt slightly, blending beautifully with the sauce. Return the chicken cutlets to the skillet along with any juices collected on the plate. Warm everything together for a minute or two so the flavors meld and the spinach softens fully. Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed. Serve immediately for the best experience.
How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken
This dish shines when served warm, right from the skillet. You can pair it with simple sides like steamed rice or warm pita bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. A light side salad with cucumbers and lemon vinaigrette complements the richness of the chicken and feta perfectly. For a heartier meal, roasted potatoes or couscous work wonderfully alongside. The colors on your plate — from the red tomatoes, dark olives, and bright green spinach — make this meal as pleasing to the eye as it is to the palate. Whether for a casual dinner or a special occasion, this chicken recipe delivers freshness and flair effortlessly.
Expert Tips for Perfect Mediterranean Chicken
To get the most from this recipe, consider these helpful tips. First, make sure your chicken breasts are even in thickness so they cook uniformly. You can pound them gently if needed. When cooking the chicken, avoid overcrowding the pan to ensure a nice sear and prevent steaming. If you prefer a milder garlic flavor, reduce the amount slightly or add it after the chicken is cooked.
If you don’t have Kalamata olives, feel free to use black olives, but keep the saltiness in mind when seasoning. Using chicken broth instead of wine keeps the dish accessible and flavorful without altering the taste drastically. Fresh baby spinach works best, but you can substitute with baby kale or arugula for a different twist. Lastly, don’t rush the sauce — letting the tomatoes soften just right balances the acidity and sweetness perfectly, giving you a luscious finish.
How to Store Mediterranean Chicken
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator within two hours of cooking. This meal stays fresh for up to three days when properly stored. To reheat, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat or microwave it covered, stirring occasionally to keep the sauce smooth and prevent drying out. Avoid freezing this dish because the fresh spinach and tomatoes can lose texture and become watery after thawing. Instead, plan to enjoy your Mediterranean Chicken within a few days for the best taste and texture.
Variations of Mediterranean Chicken
This recipe is versatile, so feel free to adjust it to suit your preferences. For a spicier kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes when cooking the garlic. You can swap out chicken breasts for thighs if you want a juicier, richer flavor. For a vegetarian twist, replace chicken with firm tofu or large portobello mushrooms, preparing them similarly with the seasonings.
Try adding different fresh herbs like parsley or dill to brighten the dish even more. You could also toss in some artichoke hearts or sun-dried tomatoes for extra Mediterranean flair. Another idea is to use different cheeses like grated Parmesan instead of feta for a milder, nutty flavor. No matter what variation you choose, the core combination of olives, capers, and fresh greens keeps this dish true to its Mediterranean roots.
Mediterranean Chicken FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely. Chicken thighs add more flavor and stay moist longer, but they take a bit more time to cook. Adjust cooking time accordingly and check for doneness.
What can I use instead of Kalamata olives?
Black olives are a good substitute, but they are milder in taste. Adjust salt and seasoning as olives add saltiness.
Is it necessary to use white wine in the recipe?
No. You can use chicken broth as a great alternative without affecting the taste much, keeping the dish family-friendly.
How long does this dish take to prepare and cook?
The total time is about 30 minutes — 10 minutes for prep and 20 minutes for cooking.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
You can prep the ingredients ahead, but it’s best to cook and serve fresh for the best flavor and texture.
Mediterranean Chicken
Equipment
- Skillet
Ingredients
- 2 large chicken breasts sliced in half lengthwise
- to taste salt and pepper
- 0.5 tsp dried oregano
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 0.5 cup chicken broth recommended instead of wine
- 1 cup little tomatoes halved (grape or cherry)
- 0.33 cup Kalamata olives
- 1 tbsp capers drained
- 2 cups fresh baby spinach packed
- 0.5 cup crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Slice chicken breasts in half lengthwise and season with salt, pepper, oregano, and garlic powder.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Cook chicken cutlets for 5 to 6 minutes on each side until fully cooked.
- Transfer chicken to a plate and keep warm.
- Lower heat to medium and add minced garlic to the skillet, stirring quickly. Pour in chicken broth, then add tomatoes, olives, and capers. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes.
- Stir in spinach and feta cheese, allowing spinach to wilt and feta to melt slightly. Return chicken to the skillet and warm together for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve immediately.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!