If you are craving a delicious, wholesome, and vibrant dish packed with Mediterranean flavors, this Skillet Greek Chicken Recipe is an absolute winner. It brings together juicy, perfectly seasoned chicken with bright bursts of lemon, olives, and feta cheese that all come together in one skillet. Not only is it straightforward to prepare, but the combination of herbs, spices, and fresh ingredients transforms a simple chicken dinner into something spectacularly savory and comforting. Whether you’re cooking for your family or hosting friends, this recipe promises a memorable meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this Skillet Greek Chicken Recipe lies in its simplicity. Each ingredient is carefully chosen for its unique contribution—whether it’s enhancing the flavor, adding color, or lending a delightful texture. Together, they create a harmonious dish that feels both fresh and satisfying.
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts: Thighs offer more juiciness but breasts can be used for a leaner option.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: A classic Mediterranean staple that adds richness and helps crisp up the chicken.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: This fragrant herb embodies the essence of Greek cuisine and adds an earthy note.
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme: Brings a subtle woodsy flavor that complements the chicken beautifully.
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder: Infuses savory depth without overwhelming the other flavors.
- ½ teaspoon onion powder: Adds a gentle sweetness and complexity.
- ½ teaspoon salt: Essential for enhancing all the flavors.
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper: Provides just the right hint of heat.
- Juice of 1 lemon: This bright, tangy juice balances richness and lifts the whole dish.
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes (halved): Adds juicy bursts of sweetness and vibrant color.
- ¼ cup Kalamata olives (pitted and sliced): Brings a briny intensity that defines Greek flavors.
- ¼ cup red onion (thinly sliced): Offers mild pungency and crunch.
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese: Creamy, salty, and tangy, it’s the perfect finishing touch.
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous note and a pop of green.
How to Make Skillet Greek Chicken Recipe
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
Start by tossing your chicken in a large bowl with olive oil, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and fresh lemon juice. This marinade is simple yet powerful—it seals in moisture and saturates the chicken with Mediterranean flavors that are unmistakably delicious.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat your skillet over medium-high heat, then add the chicken. Cook it for about 5 to 6 minutes per side so it develops a golden brown crust while staying tender and juicy inside. Cooking it to an internal temperature of 165°F ensures safety without drying out your chicken. Once done, transfer the chicken to a plate and let it rest briefly, allowing those juices to redistribute beautifully.
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables and Olives
In that same skillet, no need to clean it out—the bits left behind are flavor gold. Add the halved cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and thinly sliced red onion. Sauté these just until they soften, about 2 to 3 minutes. This quick step lets their natural sweetness and briny tang mingle, building complexity in the dish.
Step 4: Bring It All Together
Return the rested chicken to the skillet so it can soak up the vegetable flavors. Then, sprinkle generous crumbles of feta cheese on top, letting its creaminess melt slightly against the warm chicken. Finish with a scattering of freshly chopped parsley which adds freshness and a beautiful finishing touch.
How to Serve Skillet Greek Chicken Recipe
Garnishes
For that extra pop of color and flavor, fresh herbs like parsley or even dill work wonderfully as garnishes. A light drizzle of olive oil or extra lemon juice can elevate the flavors even further. These little touches not only amp up presentation but also add brightness that balances the richness of the dish.
Side Dishes
This Skillet Greek Chicken pairs exquisitely with fluffy rice, light couscous, or warm pita bread to soak up all those flavorful juices. If you want to add veggies, a crisp Greek salad or steamed green beans bring freshness and complement the Mediterranean theme perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve this chicken over creamy mashed potatoes or alongside roasted cauliflower for a low-carb option. You could also assemble it as a wrap using warmed pita, adding extra veggies like cucumber and tzatziki sauce to create a handheld delight bursting with flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This dish keeps well for up to 3 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or quick dinners during busy weekdays.
Freezing
If you want to freeze leftovers, place the chicken and vegetables in a freezer-safe container or bag and store for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge for best results to preserve texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently on the stove over low to medium heat or in the microwave to avoid drying out the chicken. Adding a splash of water or broth can help keep the chicken moist while warming. Be sure to sprinkle on extra fresh parsley before serving to brighten the dish.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Absolutely! Chicken breasts work great in this Skillet Greek Chicken Recipe if you prefer leaner meat. Just be mindful to not overcook them as they can dry out faster than thighs.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, the recipe is naturally gluten-free as none of the ingredients contain gluten. Just be cautious with any sides you serve alongside to keep the entire meal gluten-free.
Can I add other vegetables to the skillet?
Definitely! Spinach, zucchini, or bell peppers are fantastic additions. Simply add them when sautéing the tomatoes, olives, and onions to incorporate extra nutrients and color.
What kind of olives should I use?
Kalamata olives are preferred for their bold, tangy flavor that complements the dish perfectly. If you can’t find them, other briny olives like Castelvetrano can work as an alternative, although the taste will vary slightly.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked perfectly?
Using a meat thermometer is ideal—the internal temperature should reach 165°F. Visually, the chicken should be golden brown on the outside and juices should run clear when pierced.
Final Thoughts
Your next dinner is about to get a Mediterranean makeover with this Skillet Greek Chicken Recipe. It’s a delightful blend of bold flavors, simple ingredients, and easy cooking that anyone can master. Trust me, once you try this, it’s going to become a go-to comfort meal that never fails to impress. So go ahead, gather those ingredients, and treat yourself to a dish that feels both wholesome and special!
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Skillet Greek Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Skillet Greek Chicken is a flavorful and healthy Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring tender chicken thighs or breasts cooked with herbs, lemon, and classic Greek ingredients like cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, red onion, and feta cheese. Prepared quickly on the stovetop, this one-pan recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners and pairs wonderfully with rice, couscous, or pita bread.
Ingredients
Chicken Marinade
- 1½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- juice of 1 lemon
Vegetables and Toppings
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- ¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
- ¼ cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a large bowl, combine the chicken thighs or breasts with olive oil, dried oregano, dried thyme, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Toss well to evenly coat the chicken with the marinade flavors.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the marinated chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes on each side until golden brown and fully cooked through, reaching an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add halved cherry tomatoes, sliced Kalamata olives, and thinly sliced red onion. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly, releasing their flavors.
- Combine and Finish: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet with the vegetables. Top the chicken with crumbled feta cheese and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley over the dish. Allow the cheese to warm slightly before serving.
- Serve: Serve the skillet Greek chicken warm alongside rice, couscous, or pita bread for a complete Mediterranean meal experience.
Notes
- This dish can be prepped ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for quick weeknight meals.
- For extra vegetables, add fresh spinach or sliced zucchini to the skillet when sautéing the tomatoes and olives.
- Using chicken thighs will give a juicier texture, while chicken breasts make it leaner.
- Ensure chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F for food safety.
