Made in just one skillet, this Mediterranean chicken recipe comes together in less than 30-minutes. It’s packed with my favorite flavors from childhood: garlicky seared chicken, briny olives, creamy feta, tomatoes, and parsley. Fewer dishes, less time, and more flavor—that’s what I call weeknight dinner done right!

4 pieces of mediterranean chicken with tomatoes and olives topped with feta in a large pot.
Photo Credits: Caitlin Bensel

Weeknights can be busy so I tend to lean toward simple skillet meals like this Mediterranean chicken recipe. 

It’s loaded with bright, fresh flavors thanks to the tomatoes, olives, and lemon—plus, like my one-pan Chicken and Asparagus recipe, cleanup is a snap. One skillet, a knife and a cutting board and you’re done! 

I usually serve this recipe as it is, but it’s easy to stretch to serve a larger family or a crowd, by serving it over pasta or rice. There is plenty of sauce to sop up so pairing this skillet chicken recipe with a piece of crusty bread or Rosemary Focaccia would also work. 

The best part? This recipe is so versatile! If you have spinach to use up, toss it in there just before serving. Have chicken thighs on hand instead of chicken breast? They’ll taste great! Wanting a dairy free chicken recipe? This Mediterranean chicken is flavorful and delicious with or without the feta.  

Table of Contents
  1. What You’ll Need to Make Mediterranean Chicken
  2. How to Make Mediterranean Chicken
  3. What To Serve With Mediterranean Chicken
  4. More Amazing Skillet Dinners
  5. Try our Private Reserve Extra Virgin Olive Oil!
  6. Mediterranean Chicken Recipe Recipe
ingredients for mediterranean chicken including chicken breasts, parsley, lemon, salt, pepper, garlic, oregano, olive oil, white wine, broth, red onion, tomatoes, olives and feta cheese.

What You’ll Need to Make Mediterranean Chicken

You probably have everything you need to make this skillet chicken recipe in your fridge or pantry. 

  • Boneless, skinless chicken breasts: I call for boneless, skinless chicken breasts because they’re so quick and easy to cook, but if you prefer the richness of bone in, skin on chicken breasts or even chicken thighs just give yourself some extra time. If you’re cooking with the skin on, make sure to start by rendering the skin in the hot pan until it’s crispy (about 7 minutes), then flip and brown the second side.
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil: A smooth, peppery olive oil–like our Private Reserve EVOO from Kyparissia, Greece–really draws out and elevates the flavor of this garlicky chicken. It’s so good I sometimes drizzle a little on top just before serving!
  • Flavor Makers: A combination of dried oregano and alliums like garlic and onion create the foundation of this dish. Salt just enhances the flavor of the other ingredients and pepper adds a little earthy warmth.  
  • Lemon juice: Acids like lemon juice or vinegar brighten the recipe and cut through any fat from the olive oil.  
  • Tomatoes: I used fresh tomatoes, but if tomatoes aren’t in season feel free to use 1 (15 oz) can of chopped tomatoes. 
  • Green olives: I love the punchiness of green olives for this recipe, but kalamata olives will also work. I love Castelvetrano olive so much I even turn them into Olive Salad, but if you don’t like olives, leave them out and substitute them with capers, or paper thin slices of fresh or preserved lemon.
  • White wine: Look for a dry white wine—it adds a nice acidity to balance the richness of the chicken. A good rule of thumb for cooking wine is to avoid wines aged in oak, like some chardonnays, as they tend to give a bitter flavor. If you don’t cook with alcohol you can use extra chicken stock instead.
  • Chicken stock: If you have homemade chicken stock go ahead and use it in this recipe to amp up the chicken flavor, but store bought will also work. 
  • Crumbled feta cheese: I love a creamy feta preserved in brine if you can get your hands on it (I just crumble the feta with my hands as I’m finishing the dish). 
  • Fresh parsley: I sprinkle it on at the end to add a pop of color and a light, fresh, herbal taste to the recipe. 
4 pieces of mediterranean chicken with tomatoes and olives topped with feta in a large pot.

How to Make Mediterranean Chicken

The best part about one-skillet dinners is how easy they are to make and how easy they are to clean up. Fewer dishes to do means more time with my family. 

  • Prep the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry. This helps skillet chicken get that nice golden-brown sear. Make three shallow slits on each side of the chicken breast. 
  • Season the chicken: Rub the garlic on both sides of the chicken, pushing some garlic into the slits you made. Season the chicken breasts all over with a heavy pinch of salt and pepper and 1/2 of the dried oregano.4 raw chicken breasts rubbed with garlic on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  • Sear the chicken: In a large cast iron skillet, heat the olive oil on medium-high until it shimmers. Add the chicken and sear on both sides, until you have a light golden color. 4 chicken breasts cooking in a pot.
  • Braise the chicken: Add the white wine and let reduce by half. Add the lemon juice and chicken broth. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of oregano on top and reduce the heat to medium. Cover with a lid or tightly with foil. Cook for 6 to 7 minutes on one side, then turn the chicken over and cook for another 6 minutes and cook until the thickest part of the chicken measures 165°F with an instant read thermometer. 
  • Finish the chicken and serve: Uncover and top with the chopped onions, tomatoes and olives. Cover again and cook for 3 minutes to soften the vegetables and bring all the flavors together. Finish with the parsley and feta cheese (if using). Enjoy!
sliced mediterranean chicken with tomatoes and olives on a bed of orzo on a plate.

What To Serve With Mediterranean Chicken

While this Mediterranean chicken recipe is delicious on its own, I love to serve it with a simple starch for soaking up the flavorful sauce.

I’m always looking for ways to add more vegetables to meal time. If that’s the case for you too then try my Mediterranean Couscous Salad, Italian Oven Roasted Vegetables or a simple Greek Green Bean Salad. 

 And if you’ve saved room for dessert, finish the night off with our Italian hot chocolate. It’s so rich and luxurious that a little goes a long way. 

More Amazing Skillet Dinners

Browse all Mediterranean recipes.

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Try our Private Reserve Extra Virgin Olive Oil!

This exquisite medium-intensity oil boasts hints of fresh green herbs, a mild bitterness and a peppery finish. We use it on a daily basis, both as a finishing oil and in cooking.

A bottle of extra virgin olive oil.
5 from 88 votes

Mediterranean Chicken Recipe

Suzy Karadsheh
4 pieces of mediterranean chicken with tomatoes and olives topped with feta in a large pot.
This easy Mediterranean chicken recipe requires little prep, and only 20 minutes to cook. It’s the perfect one skillet meal, plus, it's loaded with my favorite Mediterranean flavors.
Prep – 10 minutes
Cook – 15 minutes
Total – 25 minutes
Cuisine:
Mediterranean
Serves – 4
Course:
Entree

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
  • 1 large lemon, juiced
  • 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, stems removed, leaves chopped
  • Crumbled feta cheese (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Prep the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry. Make three shallow slits on each side of the chicken breast.
  • Season the chicken: Rub the garlic on both sides of the chicken, pushing some garlic into the slits you made. Season the chicken breasts on both sides with salt, pepper and 1/2 of the dried oregano.
  • Sear the chicken: In a large cast iron skillet, heat the olive oil on medium-high. Sear the chicken on both sides, then add the white wine and reduce by half.
  • Braise the chicken: Add the lemon juice and chicken broth. Sprinkle the remaining 1/2 tablespoon of oregano on top and turn the heat to medium. Cover with a lid or tightly with foil. Cook for about 5 to 6 minutes on one side, then turn the chicken over and cook for 5 to 6 additional minutes, or until the internal temperature of the chicken reaches 165°F.
  • Finish the chicken and serve: Uncover and top with chopped onions, tomatoes and olives. Cover again and cook for 3 minutes. Finish with the parsley and feta cheese (if using). Enjoy!

Video

Notes

  • Pro-Tip: If you're working with larger and thicker boneless chicken breasts, you might be okay using only two breasts and splitting them into cutlets. To do so, place the chicken breast flat on a cutting board. Place one hand on top to hold the breast. Using a sharp knife, carefully slice the chicken breast horizontally into two even pieces. It helps if you do this close to the edge of the cutting board.
  • Change it up: This is one skillet chicken breast recipe that you can certainly tweak to your liking. Add a handful of spinach, switch out the olives for capers, throw in some extra herbs—really make this dish your own!
  • Visit our shop to browse quality Mediterranean ingredients including olive oils, honey, jams and spices.

Nutrition

Calories: 413.6kcalCarbohydrates: 14.4gProtein: 50.5gFat: 14.6gSaturated Fat: 2.5gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1.9gMonounsaturated Fat: 7.8gTrans Fat: 0.03gCholesterol: 145.2mgSodium: 513.8mgPotassium: 1281.1mgFiber: 3.7gSugar: 5.7gVitamin A: 1154.6IUVitamin C: 38.3mgCalcium: 78.8mgIron: 2.2mg
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*This post has recently been updated with new information for readers’ benefit.

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I’m Suzy; born and bred right on the shores of the Mediterranean. I’m all about easy, healthy recipes with big Mediterranean flavors. Three values guide my cooking: eat with the seasons; use whole foods; and above all, share! So happy you’re here…
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5 from 88 votes (88 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. Gregory Smyth says:

    I’ve made this a few times and have made a couple of additions – a healthy two tablespoons of Dijon Mustard, sliced bell peppers (all colors), slivers of celery.

    1. TMD Team says:

      Ooo! Those are some tasty-sounding additions! Thanks for sharing!

  2. Mark says:

    Very good. Made it tonight with some really fresh cod. It’s a keepet

  3. Matilda Hicks says:

    5 stars
    5 stars my family enjoys this dish very easy to make. This is so delicious and filling

  4. Lisa says:

    5 stars
    I wish I could give this recipe more than 5 stars. This was hands down one of the best dishes I have ever made. My family LOVED it too! Even my picky eater cleaned his plate. Highly recommend!! I also want to thank Suzy for writing the recipes so well, with specifics for those of us who may or may not understand all cooking terms or processes. I also really appreciate the substitution options and the responsiveness to your readers when we ask a question. Thank you!

    1. TMD Team says:

      What an amazing review! Thanks so much, Lisa!!

  5. Brittany says:

    Have made this a couple times with modifications (either I was missing an ingredient or added some!) GREAT base to enjoy as directed or to build upon. I added kalamata olives at the end with the tomatoes, onion, etc, and served with quinoa, thinly sliced cucumbers, hummus, and harissa. YUM.

  6. Caroline Belle says:

    Apologies if this has already been asked. I am new to the Mediterranean Diet, it has been recommended to me for its anti inflammatory benefits. Can I swap the wine for something else?

    1. TMD Team says:

      Absolutely! We usually recommend just substituting the wine with a bit of broth in recipes.

  7. Barbara Davit says:

    5 stars
    Delicious! Can be made very quickly. My husband liked this recipe too.

  8. SK says:

    Is this recipe gluten free?

  9. Kiko says:

    Mmmmm..

  10. Jill says:

    5 stars
    This chicken was fantastic! I didn’t have green olives so I subbed kalamata. I put a generous sprinkling of feta on and served with rice and a salad. Very good and easy!

  11. Monk says:

    Great cooking. Love it!

  12. John says:

    5 stars
    Super easy and a crowd pleaser in my house. Many other very helpful recipes here as well. Yep, this page is bookmarked!

    1. TMD Team says:

      Wonderful, John! Thank you so much!

  13. Judy says:

    5 stars
    Tried it and loved it

  14. Marie says:

    5 stars
    Embarking on a dietary change and I’m all for Simple, Quick and Tasty.

    1. Devin Fuller says:

      Hi Marie, Devin here from The Mediterranean Dish team. You’ve come to the right place :)! Check out our Mediterranean Diet page for meal plans, recipe suggestions, resources and more. Happy cooking!

  15. Lois says:

    Soooo Damn Good.

  16. Sandy Gibbons says:

    I. Love these easy,,tasty recipes

    1. TMD Team says:

      Thanks, Sandy!!