Embark on a culinary journey to the sun-drenched shores of the Mediterranean with this exquisite Greek Chicken Skillet recipe. Imagine tender, perfectly pan-seared chicken, infused with a vibrant Greek marinade, mingling with briny Kalamata olives, tangy artichoke hearts, and creamy feta cheese. This isn’t just another dinner; it’s an effortless one-pot meal designed to bring the authentic, rich flavors of Greece straight to your dining table. Ideal for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings, this dish is poised to become an indispensable part of your weekly meal rotation, promising an explosion of savory goodness with minimal fuss.
Are you yearning for more uncomplicated yet utterly delicious chicken dishes? Explore other favorites like our Creamy Chicken Alfredo Pasta Recipe for a rich and comforting classic, or warm up with a bowl of our bright and zesty Lemon Chicken Orzo Soup!
Why You’ll Adore This Greek Chicken Skillet Recipe
This Greek Chicken Skillet is more than just a meal; it’s a celebration of flavor, simplicity, and healthy eating. Here’s why it deserves a prime spot in your recipe collection:
- Unforgettable Greek Marinated Chicken: The secret to this dish lies in its phenomenal marinade. Crafted with zesty Dijon mustard, rich balsamic vinegar, fresh lemon juice, aromatic garlic, and a generous blend of classic Mediterranean herbs like oregano, it transforms ordinary chicken breasts into succulent, flavor-packed morsels. Each bite promises a burst of vibrant taste that perfectly balances tang, savoriness, and herbaceous notes. The marinade not only tenderizes the chicken but also infuses it with a depth of flavor that is simply irresistible.
- A Symphony of Mediterranean Flavors: Prepare your palate for a true Mediterranean feast! This skillet brings together iconic ingredients that define Greek cuisine. Briny Kalamata olives, tender marinated artichoke hearts, and crumbled salty feta cheese all play their part, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes. These ingredients don’t just add flavor; they contribute to the vibrant color and wholesome nature of the dish, making every spoonful a delightful experience reminiscent of a Greek island escape.
- Effortless One-Pot Meal: Say goodbye to piles of dirty dishes! This recipe is a dream come true for anyone seeking convenience without compromising on taste. Cooked entirely in a single oven-safe skillet, it minimizes cleanup and maximizes enjoyment. Made predominantly with readily available kitchen staples, you can whip up this impressive meal in no time, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you crave something extraordinary yet simple. It’s truly a testament to how easy and rewarding healthy home cooking can be.
- Healthy and Wholesome: Loaded with lean protein from the chicken, healthy fats from olive oil and olives, and nutrient-rich vegetables, this Greek Chicken Skillet is a wonderfully balanced meal. It’s naturally low in carbohydrates and rich in flavor, making it an excellent choice for those looking for nutritious and satisfying dinner options.
- Versatile and Customizable: While the recipe stands strong on its own, its inherent versatility allows for easy customization. Add extra vegetables, adjust the seasoning, or even switch up your protein – this skillet adapts beautifully to your preferences and what you have on hand.
Essential Ingredients for Your Greek Chicken Skillet
Gathering high-quality ingredients is the first step towards creating a truly memorable Greek Chicken Skillet. Here’s what you’ll need, along with a few tips for selection:
- Chicken: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are recommended for their lean protein and quick cooking time. Consider organic or free-range for best flavor.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential for basic seasoning and enhancing all other flavors. Freshly cracked black pepper makes a difference!
- Paprika: Adds a subtle warmth and a beautiful reddish hue to the chicken.
- Oregano: The quintessential Greek herb, providing an earthy, aromatic base. Dried oregano is perfectly fine here.
- Olive Oil: A cornerstone of Mediterranean cooking. Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for both searing and the marinade.
- Kalamata Olives: These dark, brine-cured olives offer a distinct fruity, salty, and slightly wine-like flavor. Pitted olives save preparation time.
- Feta Cheese: Crumbly, salty, and tangy, feta melts slightly in the skillet, adding a creamy, savory dimension. Opt for authentic Greek feta if possible.
- Marinated Artichoke Hearts: These add a lovely tang and tender texture. Look for quartered artichoke hearts packed in water or a light marinade.
Crafting the Perfect Greek Chicken Marinade
The marinade is the heart and soul of this Greek Chicken Skillet, infusing the chicken with unparalleled Mediterranean zest. Each ingredient plays a crucial role in creating a balanced and aromatic flavor profile:
Greek Marinade Ingredients:
- Chicken broth: Provides a savory liquid base for the marinade, ensuring the chicken stays juicy.
- Olive oil: Helps to tenderize the chicken and carries the fat-soluble flavors of the herbs and spices.
- Dijon mustard: Adds a piquant, slightly tangy depth that brightens the overall flavor.
- Balsamic vinegar: Contributes a sweet and tangy acidity, perfectly complementing the other rich flavors.
- Garlic: Minced garlic offers an indispensable aromatic foundation.
- Oregano: The quintessential Greek herb, delivering a classic Mediterranean essence.
- Lemon: Freshly juiced lemon provides a crucial bright, citrusy note that cuts through richness and invigorates the chicken.
- Salt: Balances and enhances all the other flavors, making them pop.
For specific measurements and quantities, please refer to the comprehensive recipe card below. Combining these simple ingredients creates a powerful flavor enhancer that will elevate your chicken from good to extraordinary.
Simple Steps to Your Delicious Chicken Skillet
Making this Greek Chicken Skillet is refreshingly straightforward, designed for efficiency without sacrificing flavor. Follow these easy steps to bring this Mediterranean delight to life:
- Prepare the Greek Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together all the marinade ingredients until well combined. This is where all the vibrant Greek flavors come together, so ensure everything is thoroughly mixed. Set aside, allowing the flavors to meld while you prepare the chicken.
- Pan-Sear the Chicken: Season your chicken breasts liberally with salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano. Heat a sturdy, oven-safe skillet (cast iron or stainless steel works best) over medium-high heat with a couple of tablespoons of olive oil. Once shimmering, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the hot skillet. Sear for 3-4 minutes per side, just until a beautiful golden-brown crust forms. Remember, the goal here is to develop color and flavor, not to cook the chicken through completely, as it will finish cooking in the oven.
- Combine with Sauce and Mediterranean Goodness: After searing, remove the skillet from the heat. Distribute the Kalamata olives and marinated artichoke hearts evenly around the chicken in the pan. Pour the prepared Greek marinade over the chicken and vegetables, ensuring everything is well coated. The combination of these ingredients will create a fragrant and flavorful sauce as it cooks.
- Bake to Perfection: Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven set at 400°F (200°C). Bake for approximately 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken is thoroughly cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The marinade will thicken slightly, and the flavors will deepen beautifully. Once done, carefully remove the skillet from the oven.
- Garnish, Serve, and Savor: Before serving, sprinkle generously with crumbled feta cheese and a handful of fresh oregano or parsley for an extra pop of color and fresh herbaceousness. Serve this delightful Greek Chicken Skillet hot, alongside your favorite side dishes. Get ready to enjoy a healthy, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying meal!
Expert Recipe Notes and Tips for Success
Achieving a perfectly cooked and incredibly flavorful Greek Chicken Skillet is easy with these helpful tips and tricks:
- Preheat Your Oven: Always ensure your oven is fully preheated to the specified temperature (400°F/200°C) before placing the skillet inside. This ensures even cooking and prevents the chicken from drying out.
- Choose the Right Skillet: For seamless cooking and easy transfer from stovetop to oven, use an oven-safe skillet such as cast iron or stainless steel. If you don’t have one, you can sear the chicken in any skillet and then transfer it to a baking dish before adding the marinade and baking.
- Control Salt Content: If you’re mindful of your sodium intake, opt for low-sodium chicken broth in your marinade. This gives you more control over the overall saltiness of the dish, allowing you to season to your preference.
- Perfect Pan-Searing: Remember, the initial pan-searing step is primarily for developing a beautiful golden-brown color and a flavorful crust on the chicken. It doesn’t need to be cooked through at this stage, as it will finish cooking in the oven, ensuring tender, juicy results.
- Even Cooking is Key: To ensure your chicken cooks uniformly and thoroughly, slice larger chicken breasts in half lengthwise, creating thinner cutlets, or gently pound them to an even thickness using a meat mallet. This prevents uneven cooking, where thinner parts might dry out while thicker sections remain undercooked.
- Kalamata Olives Preference: While any black olives can work, pitted Kalamata olives are highly recommended. Their distinct flavor and texture are crucial for an authentic Greek taste experience.
- Fresh Herb Garnish: Elevate your dish with a garnish of fresh oregano or parsley just before serving. Not only do they add a vibrant pop of color, but their fresh, aromatic notes beautifully complement the cooked flavors, providing a delightful finishing touch.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: When searing chicken, avoid overcrowding the skillet. Cook in batches if necessary to ensure each piece gets a good sear and doesn’t steam.
- Rest the Chicken: After removing the skillet from the oven, allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving. This helps the juices redistribute, resulting in more tender and moist chicken.
Frequently Asked Questions About Greek Chicken Skillet
Do I have to bake the chicken?
No, baking is an option, but not strictly necessary! If you prefer not to use an oven, you can absolutely complete this dish on the stovetop. After searing the chicken, simply pour in the marinade, olives, and artichokes, then continue cooking on medium heat. Cover the skillet and let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through to 165°F (74°C) internal temperature. This method is quicker and still delivers fantastic results, perfect for when you’re short on time.
Can I incorporate other vegetables into this recipe?
Absolutely! This is a wonderfully versatile dish that welcomes additional vegetables, allowing you to boost its nutritional value and make it even more filling. The key is to choose quick-cooking vegetables that will be done within the 10-15 minute baking time or stovetop simmering. Excellent choices include sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, or green), halved grape tomatoes, diced zucchini, broccoli florets, or even yellow squash. Add them to the skillet along with the olives and artichokes before baking or simmering.
How do I know when my chicken is cooked through?
For perfect chicken every time, the most reliable method is to use an instant-read meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the chicken breast, making sure not to touch any bones. Once it registers an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), your chicken is fully cooked, safe to eat, and will be wonderfully juicy. Avoid guessing to prevent undercooked or overcooked dry chicken.
Can I prepare the Greek Chicken Skillet ahead of time?
Yes, you can certainly do some prep work in advance! The Greek marinade can be mixed and stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. You can also marinate the chicken in the prepared sauce for a few hours or even overnight (up to 24 hours) in the fridge, which will deepen the flavors even further. For best texture, it’s recommended to sear and bake/simmer the chicken just before serving.
What are good side dishes to serve with this skillet?
This Greek Chicken Skillet pairs beautifully with a variety of simple side dishes. Some fantastic options include fluffy rice (especially lemon-herb rice), quinoa, couscous, a fresh Greek salad with extra cucumbers and tomatoes, roasted potatoes, or even warm pita bread for soaking up all the delicious sauce. For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice or a simple side of steamed green beans would be excellent.
Explore More Delicious Chicken Recipes
If you’ve enjoyed the flavors of this Greek Chicken Skillet, you’ll love these other chicken-centric dishes:
- BBQ Teriyaki Chicken Skewers
- Buffalo Chicken Mac and Cheese
- Cashew Chicken
- Cheesy Sundried Tomato Stuffed Chicken
- Crispy Buffalo Chicken Wrap
We genuinely hope you find immense joy in every recipe we share, and this Greek Chicken Skillet recipe is no exception. We encourage you to try it, savor every bite, and share your experience with those you cherish! Your feedback truly inspires us.
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Greek Chicken Skillet Recipe
Ingredients
Chicken
- 2 large chicken breast, skinless
- 1/2 tsp. black pepper, fresh cracked
- 3/4 tsp. paprika
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 1/2 tsp. oregano, dry
- 2 tbsps. olive oil, for searing not marinade
Greek Marinade
- 3/4 cup chicken broth, low sodium
- 2 tbsps. olive oil
- 1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp. balsamic vinegar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3/4 tsp. oregano, dry
- 1 whole lemon, juiced, about 1/4 cup
- 1/4 tsp. salt
Other Ingredients
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
- 4 oz. feta cheese, cubed
- 14 oz. marinated artichoke hearts, quartered, in water
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a medium bowl, thoroughly mix all the Greek marinade ingredients and set aside.
- If your chicken breasts are thick, slice them in half lengthwise or use a meat mallet to beat them to an even 1-inch thickness. This ensures uniform cooking.
- Season both sides of the chicken breasts generously with the salt, black pepper, paprika, and oregano listed under the “Chicken” ingredients.
- Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a nonstick, oven-safe skillet (cast iron or stainless steel are ideal) over medium-high heat. If you don’t have an oven-safe skillet, prepare a baking dish for later transfer.
- Once the oil is shimmering, carefully place the seasoned chicken breasts in the skillet. Pan-sear for 3-4 minutes per side until they develop a beautiful golden-brown color. Remember, the chicken does not need to be cooked through at this stage.
- Remove the skillet from the heat. Evenly distribute the Kalamata olives and quartered artichoke hearts around the chicken. Pour the prepared Greek marinade over the chicken and vegetables. If you’re using a separate baking dish, transfer the chicken and other ingredients into it now before adding the marinade. Note: If you prefer not to use an oven, you can simply pour in the marinade and continue cooking on the stovetop over medium heat for about 5-7 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through.
- Place the skillet (or baking dish) into the preheated 400°F (200°C) oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
- Once baked, remove from the oven. Garnish generously with crumbled feta cheese and fresh oregano or parsley. Serve immediately and enjoy your delicious Greek Chicken Skillet!
Video
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Notes
- Ensure your oven is preheated for even cooking results.
- An oven-safe stainless steel or cast iron skillet is recommended for ease of cooking.
- Use low-sodium chicken broth to better manage the salt content of your dish.
- The initial pan-searing of the chicken is for developing color and flavor, not to cook it through entirely.
- To promote even cooking, gently pound chicken breasts to a uniform thickness.
- Pitted Kalamata olives are highly recommended for their superior flavor.
- Garnish with fresh oregano or parsley for enhanced flavor and visual appeal.
Nutrition
Carbohydrates: 11g |
Protein: 30g |
Fat: 34g |
Saturated Fat: 7g |
Cholesterol: 91mg |
Sodium: 1305mg |
Potassium: 514mg |
Fiber: 4g |
Sugar: 3g |
Vitamin A: 1653IU |
Vitamin C: 23mg |
Calcium: 172mg |
Iron: 2mg