Description
This Mediterranean Chicken recipe features succulent boneless, skinless chicken breasts infused with garlic, oregano, and lemon, then seared and braised with white wine, chicken broth, fresh tomatoes, olives, and herbs for a vibrant, healthy one-skillet meal that’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or elegant gathering.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Seasonings
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons minced garlic or garlic paste
- Kosher salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano, divided
Cooking Liquids and Extras
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup dry white wine
- 1 large lemon, juiced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Vegetables and Toppings
- 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, stems removed, leaves chopped
- Crumbled feta cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Prep the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels and make three shallow slits on each side of each chicken breast to help the seasonings penetrate.
- Season the chicken: Rub the minced garlic all over both sides of the chicken breasts and inside the slits for maximum flavor. Then season both sides with kosher salt, black pepper, and half of the dried oregano evenly.
- Sear the chicken: Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear them on each side until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Deglaze the pan with the dry white wine, allowing it to reduce by half, concentrating the flavor.
- Braise the chicken: Add the freshly squeezed lemon juice and chicken broth to the skillet. Sprinkle the remaining dried oregano on top. Reduce the heat to medium, cover the skillet tightly with a lid or foil, and cook for 5 to 6 minutes on one side. Flip the chicken over carefully and cook for another 5 to 6 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is fully cooked and juicy.
- Finish the chicken and serve: Remove the cover and top the chicken with the chopped red onions, diced tomatoes, and sliced green olives. Cover again and cook for 3 more minutes to warm the toppings. Sprinkle with fresh parsley and crumbled feta cheese if using. Serve immediately and enjoy a flavorful Mediterranean meal.
Notes
- This recipe requires minimal prep and cooks in just about 20 minutes, making it ideal for quick weeknight dinners.
- Using a cast iron skillet helps achieve a perfect sear and even braising, but any heavy-bottomed skillet will work.
- Feel free to substitute fresh oregano if available for a brighter herbal taste.
- The feta cheese topping is optional but adds a creamy, salty dimension that complements the Mediterranean flavors beautifully.
- For a low-sodium version, reduce or omit added salt and use low-sodium chicken broth.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 414 kcal
- Sugar: 5.7 g
- Sodium: 514 mg
- Fat: 14.6 g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9.7 g
- Trans Fat: 0.03 g
- Carbohydrates: 14.4 g
- Fiber: 3.7 g
- Protein: 50.5 g
- Cholesterol: 145 mg
