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Are you craving a taste of the Mediterranean but don’t want to make a meal for an entire crew? Look no further! This single serving Mediterranean Chicken, cooked all in one pan, is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that transports your taste buds straight to the sunny shores of Greece. Simple to prepare and packed with delicious ingredients!
Indulge in the delightful flavors of our Mediterranean Chicken, perfectly paired with a variety of side options. Choose from creamy, buttery Mashed Potatoes, crispy, tender Sautéed Green Beans, or a fresh, zesty Greek Salad. Alternatively, enjoy it with fragrant, fluffy Rice for a satisfying meal. Each side brings its own unique taste and texture, complementing the chicken wonderfully.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simplicity: Cooking in one pan minimizes clean-up and makes the process hassle-free.
- Flavorful: The combination of artichoke hearts, olives, and feta cheese creates a rich, savory flavor profile.
- Adaptable: You can easily swap out ingredients to cater to your taste or dietary needs.
- Quick: It takes less than 30 minutes from start to finish – perfect for a fast meal.
- Healthy: Packed with protein and healthy fats, this dish aligns with a balanced diet.
What Is Mediterranean Chicken?
Mediterranean Chicken is a flavorful dish inspired by the ingredients and culinary traditions of the Mediterranean region. It typically features chicken cooked with aromatic herbs, healthy fats like olive oil, and a vibrant mix of vegetables and cheeses. This dish is not only a feast for the eyes but also a nourishing meal that aligns with the heart-healthy Mediterranean diet.
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Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this Mediterranean chicken recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder.
- Chicken: You can use breast instead of thigh if preferred. Thighs are usually juicier and more flavorful. If you’ve got a few extra pieces of chicken, consider using them in a Greek Chicken Bowl, Chicken and Rice Casserole, or Chicken Tagine.
- Olive Oil: A key ingredient in Mediterranean cooking, adds richness. Substitute with avocado oil if needed.
- Artichoke Hearts: Provide a unique texture. Canned or fresh both work.
- Red Onions: Add sweetness and bite. Shallots are a suitable alternative. Use leftover red onions on a Smoked Salmon Platter, or in a Mediterranean Quinoa Salad.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic adds depth. Garlic powder (1/4 tsp) can be used if fresh is not available.
- Dried Oregano: Imparts an earthy flavor typical of the Mediterranean. Fresh oregano or thyme can be used instead.
- Chicken Broth: Adds moisture and flavor. Substitute with vegetable broth or water for a lighter taste. Use leftover broth in a Mushroom Casserole, Tomato Soup, or Coq au Vin.
- Kalamata Olives: These olives add a salty tang but can be replaced with black or green olives. Extra olives can be added to a Spinach and Orzo Salad or Roasted Broccolini.
- Feta Cheese: Offers a creamy tanginess. Use any extra feta in a fabulous Roasted Garlic, Olives and Feta appetizer! Goat cheese is an excellent substitute.
This is just an overview of the ingredients I used and why I used them. For the full recipe please scroll down to the recipe box at the bottom of the post.
Recipe Variations
This dish offers versatility, and here are a few ways you can switch it up:
- Spicy Version: Add some red chili flakes or a spicy sausage.
- Mediterranean Seafood: Replace chicken with shrimp or fish and reduce the cooking time slightly.
- Creamy Mediterranean Chicken: Add a luxurious touch by incorporating a splash of heavy cream or coconut cream to the sauce. This variation creates a rich and creamy texture that pairs wonderfully with pasta or crusty bread.
How To Make Mediterranean Skillet Chicken
These step-by-step photos and instructions help you visualize how to make a skillet chicken dinner. See the recipe box below for ingredient amounts and full recipe instructions.
- Season both sides of the chicken thigh generously with salt and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat for about 30 seconds. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 4 minutes on each side, ensuring it’s thoroughly cooked. After cooking, move the chicken to a plate, cover it to keep warm, and set aside.
- If needed, add a bit more oil to the skillet. Then, add artichoke hearts and red onions. Stir them occasionally and cook for 2 minutes or until the onions become tender.
Pro Tip: If you’re using a non-stick skillet like I do, you won’t need extra oil. For those using regular pans, consider adding an additional 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Add garlic and oregano to the skillet. Stir them frequently and cook for 30 seconds.
- Place the chicken back into the skillet. Add broth and olives. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet and let it cook for 3 minutes.
- Uncover and continue simmering for 2 more minutes.
- Once done, transfer the chicken to a serving plate. Garnish it with crumbled feta cheese and serve.
Expert Tips
- Read Recipe First: Review the entire Mediterranean Chicken recipe before beginning to ensure a smooth cooking process.
- Convenient Chicken Storage:
- Opt for frozen boneless, skinless chicken thighs for ease and readiness.
- Defrost by placing in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
- Alternative Chicken Option:
- Use a 4 to 6-ounce boneless, skinless chicken breast as a substitute.
- For thinner cutlets, slice the chicken breast horizontally into two equal parts on a cutting board, using a sharp knife for precision.
- Advance Preparation:
- Cook the chicken thigh a day ahead and refrigerate.
- For serving, bring the chicken to room temperature, prepare the sauce with broth and vegetables, and warm the chicken in the sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, as long as the chicken broth is gluten-free.
Yes, you can make this recipe ahead of time and then reheat it before serving.
Absolutely. If you’d like to make a second serving, double the ingredient amounts.
Ways To Use Leftover Ingredients
If you have any ingredients leftover from this recipe, check out our Leftover Ingredients Recipe Finder or you might like to consider using them in any of these single serving and small batch recipes:
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If you’ve tried this Mediterranean Chicken with Artichokes or any recipe on One Dish Kitchen please let me know how you liked it by rating the recipe and telling me about it in the comment section below.
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Mediterranean Chicken For One
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 (4-6 ounce) boneless skinless chicken thigh
- ⅛ teaspoon kosher salt
- ⅛ teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil , plus 1/2 tablespoon if necessary to cook the vegetables.
- 2 ounces artichoke hearts (2 large artichoke hearts), sliced in half lengthwise
- ¼ cup chopped red onions
- 1 clove garlic , minced
- ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ cup low sodium chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons pitted sliced kalamata olives
- 2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese
Instructions
- Season both sides of the chicken thigh with salt and black pepper.
- Heat olive oil in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat for about 30 seconds. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for 4 minutes on each side, ensuring it's thoroughly cooked. After cooking, move the chicken to a plate, cover it to keep warm, and set aside.
- If needed, add a bit more oil to the skillet. Then, add artichoke hearts and red onions. Stir them occasionally and cook for 2 minutes or until the onions become tender. Tip: If you're using a non-stick skillet, you probably won't need extra oil. For those using regular pans, consider adding an additional 1/2 tablespoon of olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Add garlic and oregano to the skillet. Stir them frequently and cook for 30 seconds.
- Place the chicken back into the skillet. Add broth and olives. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then lower the heat to maintain a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet and let it cook for 3 minutes.
- Uncover and continue simmering for 2 more minutes.
- Once done, transfer the chicken to a serving plate. Garnish it with crumbled feta cheese and serve.
Notes
- Read Recipe First: Review the entire Mediterranean Chicken recipe before beginning to ensure a smooth cooking process.
- Convenient Chicken Storage:
- Opt for frozen boneless, skinless chicken thighs for ease and readiness.
- Defrost by placing in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
- Alternative Chicken Option:
- Use a 4 to 6-ounce boneless, skinless chicken breast as a substitute.
- For thinner cutlets, slice the chicken breast horizontally into two equal parts on a cutting board, using a sharp knife for precision.
- Advance Preparation:
- Cook the chicken thigh a day ahead and refrigerate.
- For serving, bring the chicken to room temperature, prepare the sauce with broth and vegetables, and warm the chicken in the sauce.
Nutrition
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
I have made this so many times and every single time, it is like a symphony in my mouth. It is my absolute favorite of any Mediterranean recipe I have found online.
I am planning to make some of your slow cooker recipes, and own a 3qt Crockpot. Would that work, or do you recommend getting the 2qt size?
Thank you for your kind words! I’m so glad you love the Mediterranean chicken recipe—it’s wonderful to hear that it’s a favorite!
For our slow cooker recipes, we typically use a 1.5 or 2-quart slow cooker. If you find yourself cooking smaller portions often, a 2-quart size might be a better fit. I hope this helps, and I’d love to hear how the recipes turn out for you!
You’re very welcome. I will go ahead and get the 2 qt. Thanks so much for the advice. I will definitely let you know how they turn out.
If I found this recipe written for 4 or more servings, I’d want to scale it down to a single or double serving. I would have to fumble through rebalancing the flavors and seasonings, watching the time and temperature like a hawk, scribbling notes and hoping I’d be able to read them for next time. It is therefore quite delightful to have you do that work for us and make the recipe easily accessible for a small serving.
I made this as written. It came out great. It is yet another example that good ingredients and simple preparation are all we really need for a satisfying meal. I’m looking forward to more!
THIS IS WHAT I HAVE BEEN LOOKING FOR IN COOKING FOR MY DIABETIC HUSBAND WHO NEEDS MORE PROTEIN AND THE SPICES WHICH I CANNOT HAVE!