Mediterranean Chicken Skillet

There’s something magical about how simple, vibrant ingredients come together in one sizzling skillet to create a meal that’s both comforting and exciting. This Mediterranean Chicken Skillet is a colorful blend of juicy chicken, fresh vegetables, and tangy feta, all cooked in one pan for effortless flavor and cleanup. Bright red and yellow bell peppers dance alongside tender zucchini, while briny Kalamata olives and drained diced tomatoes lend their sun-kissed essence. A sprinkle of dried oregano and a pinch of red pepper flakes add that classic Mediterranean warmth, and finishing it off with crumbled feta and fresh parsley transforms it from a humble stovetop dish into a dinner-table showstopper.

Cooking this skillet is like taking a quick trip along the shores of the Aegean Sea—without leaving your kitchen. In just 15 minutes of prep and 30 minutes of cooking, you can have a hearty lunch or dinner that feels restaurant-worthy yet costs a fraction of the price. At beginner difficulty and around 400 calories per serving, it’s a breeze for home cooks of all skill levels. Plus, the one-pan approach means less time scrubbing pots and more time enjoying every fragrant bite. Whether you’re feeding a family of four or meal-prepping for the week ahead, this vibrant dish delivers on flavor, color, and convenience.

KEY INGREDIENTS IN MEDITERRANEAN CHICKEN SKILLET

Before you heat up the skillet, let’s talk about the star players that make this dish shine. Each ingredient contributes its own personality, from tender chicken to tangy cheese, creating layers of flavor that are pure Mediterranean sunshine.

• Chicken breasts: The lean, juicy foundation of the dish. When seasoned properly and seared to a golden-brown crust, they hold up beautifully against the bold vegetables and olives.
• Salt: A fundamental seasoning that enhances the natural flavors of every component, ensuring the chicken and vegetables sing in harmony.
• Black pepper: Provides gentle heat and depth, balancing the sweetness of the bell peppers and the tang of feta.
• Olive oil: A high-quality extra-virgin olive oil brings authentic Mediterranean richness, helping with browning the chicken and sautéing the vegetables.
• Onion: Adds a mellow sweetness when sliced and cooked until translucent, forming the aromatic base of the skillet.
• Garlic: Minced garlic infuses every bite with a fragrant punch, tying together the savory and tangy elements.
• Red bell pepper: Brings vibrant color and a subtle sweetness that contrasts nicely with the olives’ brininess.
• Yellow bell pepper: Its gentle, fruity flavor complements the red pepper while adding an eye-catching pop of color.
• Zucchini: Absorbs the juices in the skillet, offering a tender bite and a mild, refreshing taste.
• Diced tomatoes: Drained to prevent excess moisture, they contribute juicy tomato notes and a hint of acidity to brighten the dish.
• Kalamata olives: Their deep, briny character lends a burst of umami and traditional Mediterranean flair.
• Dried oregano: A classic herb that ties all the components together with its warm, slightly minty aroma.
• Red pepper flakes (optional): For those who like a bit of heat, these flakes add a gentle kick without overpowering the other flavors.
• Feta cheese: Crumbled on top to introduce a creamy, tangy layer that slightly melts into the warm vegetables and chicken.
• Fresh parsley: Chopped parsley adds a final flourish of color and a fresh, herbaceous note just before serving.

HOW TO MAKE MEDITERRANEAN CHICKEN SKILLET

This one-pan wonder comes together quickly and easily, so gather your ingredients, preheat your skillet, and let’s dive into step-by-step instructions. You’ll use classic searing, sautéing, and simmering techniques to build layers of flavor in this colorful dish.

1. Season the chicken

Pat the chicken breasts dry and season both sides generously with salt and black pepper. This simple step ensures the chicken develops great flavor and helps create a savory crust when it hits the hot pan.

2. Sear the chicken

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Add the chicken breasts and cook undisturbed for about 7–8 minutes on each side, or until they’re cooked through and have a golden-brown crust. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.

3. Sauté onions and garlic

In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions are translucent and the garlic becomes fragrant but not burnt.

4. Cook the vegetables

Add the red bell pepper, yellow bell pepper, and zucchini. Continue to sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are just tender but still vibrant and slightly crisp.

5. Add tomatoes and olives

Stir in the drained diced tomatoes and Kalamata olives. Sprinkle the dried oregano and red pepper flakes (if using) over the mixture. Fold everything gently together to coat the vegetables in the herbs and tomato juices.

6. Combine chicken and vegetables

Nestle the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, tucking them among the vegetables. Lower the heat to medium, cover loosely, and let everything simmer for 5 minutes to meld the flavors.

7. Add the feta

Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly over the top of the chicken and vegetables. Return the cover and cook for an additional 2 minutes, allowing the cheese to soften and warm without completely melting away.

8. Finish and garnish

Remove the skillet from the heat. Sprinkle the freshly chopped parsley across the dish for a bright, herbal finish.

9. Serve hot

Bring the entire skillet to the table for a rustic presentation. Encourage everyone to dig in, scooping up chicken, veggies, briny olives, and melted feta in each delicious bite!

SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR MEDITERRANEAN CHICKEN SKILLET

Once your skillet is fragrant and bubbling, the fun part begins—serving this vibrant meal in a way that enhances its Mediterranean soul. Whether you’re hosting a casual weeknight dinner or impressing friends at a weekend gathering, these pairing ideas will elevate every forkful. Think beyond the skillet itself and consider sides, garnishes, and presentations that highlight the bold colors, fresh herbs, and tangy cheese. With the right accompaniments, this chicken skillet transforms into a feast that feels as though it was made on the sun-drenched shores of Greece, even if you’re miles away.

• Serve with warm crusty bread

Offer slices of a hearty baguette or ciabatta straight from the oven. The bread soaks up the flavorful juices and melted feta, ensuring none of the delicious tomato-olive sauce goes to waste.

• Pair with light couscous

Fluff cooked couscous with a fork and season it lightly with olive oil, lemon zest, and parsley. Its delicate texture allows the robust flavors of the skillet to shine alongside it.

• Garnish with lemon wedges

Provide fresh lemon wedges for squeezing over each portion. The citrus brightness cuts through the richness and adds an irresistible pop of freshness to every bite.

• Drizzle extra-virgin olive oil and herbs

Just before serving, finish with a drizzle of high-quality olive oil and a sprinkling of fresh rosemary or thyme. The additional herbal notes and fruit-forward oil take the dish to the next level.

HOW TO STORE MEDITERRANEAN CHICKEN SKILLET

This Mediterranean Chicken Skillet is not only perfect for tonight’s dinner but also makes for delightful leftovers. Storing it correctly means you’ll preserve all those vibrant flavors, juicy textures, and creamy feta tang. Whether you’re planning to enjoy it over the next few days or pack it for tomorrow’s lunch, the right storage method keeps the chicken moist, the vegetables tender-crisp, and the olives and feta in peak condition. Follow these best practices to ensure that reheating this one-pan wonder tastes just as fresh and bright as the moment you first served it.

• Airtight refrigeration

Transfer cooled leftovers into a shallow, airtight container. Refrigerate within two hours of cooking and consume within 3–4 days. This method maintains flavor without drying out the chicken or soggying the vegetables.

• Freezer-friendly portions

For longer storage, divide the dish into individual freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove as much air as possible, label with the date, and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

• Gentle reheating

Reheat portions over medium-low heat on the stovetop, adding a splash of water or olive oil to loosen the sauce. Alternatively, heat in the microwave in 1-minute bursts, stirring in between to ensure even warming without overcooking the chicken.

• Avoid repeated reheating

To preserve quality and food safety, only reheat the exact portion you plan to eat. Repeated cycles of cooling and reheating can degrade texture and taste while increasing the risk of spoilage.

CONCLUSION

Bringing together tender, well-seasoned chicken breasts with a rainbow of sautéed vegetables, savory Kalamata olives, and creamy feta, this Mediterranean Chicken Skillet offers a vibrant, one-pan meal that’s as easy to make as it is delicious. From the first step of seasoning the chicken with salt and pepper to the final garnish of fresh parsley, each action builds layers of flavor that capture the essence of Mediterranean cuisine. With only 15 minutes of prep, 30 minutes of cooking, and a brief 5-minute rest, you’ll have a wholesome dish ready for lunch or dinner—no fuss, no mess, just spectacular taste. And at approximately 400 calories per serving and beginner-friendly instructions, it’s ideal for home cooks seeking a healthy, satisfying meal.

Feel free to print this article and save it for future reference—you’ll find the clear section headings make it easy to jump back in whenever you need a quick, flavorful dinner solution. As you cook along, remember that you can find an FAQ below to answer any lingering questions about ingredient swaps, cooking times, or storage tips. If you give this recipe a try, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment if you experimented with different vegetables or added your own twist, ask any questions if you ran into a hiccup, or share feedback so we can all continue to enjoy the vibrant flavors of Mediterranean cooking together. Happy cooking!

Print Recipe

Mediterranean Chicken Skillet

Author: Laura Mitchell Courses: Dinner

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 15 mins Cook Time 30 mins Rest Time 5 mins Total Time 50 mins

Calories: 400

Description

This Mediterranean Chicken Skillet is a colorful blend of juicy chicken, fresh vegetables, and tangy feta, all cooked in one pan for effortless flavor and cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

1/2x 1x 2x 3x

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (about 1.5 lbs)

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon black pepper

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

• 1 medium onion, sliced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 red bell pepper, sliced

• 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced

• 1 zucchini, sliced

• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, drained

• 1 cup pitted Kalamata olives, halved

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• ¹⁄₂ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• ¹⁄₂ cup crumbled feta cheese

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions

1. Season the chicken breasts with salt and black pepper on both sides.
2. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add chicken breasts. Cook for about 7-8 minutes on each side, or until chicken is thoroughly cooked and has a nice golden-brown crust. Remove chicken from skillet and set aside.
3. In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and garlic. Sauté until the onions are translucent and the garlic is fragrant, about 3 minutes.
4. Add the red and yellow bell peppers and zucchini to the skillet. Cook for about 5 minutes until vegetables are just tender.
5. Stir in the drained diced tomatoes and Kalamata olives. Season with oregano and red pepper flakes, if using.
6. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them among the vegetables. Lower the heat to medium and simmer for an additional 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
7. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the chicken and vegetables. Continue to cook for another 2 minutes until the cheese is slightly melted.
8. Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
9. Serve hot, directly from the skillet for a rustic touch.

Note

• This dish pairs wonderfully with warm crusty bread or a side of couscous.
• For a more robust flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic for an hour before cooking.
• The red pepper flakes add a nice heat but can be omitted for a milder dish.
• Feel free to use other vegetables such as eggplant or spinach as substitutes or additions.
• This dish is ideal for meal prep, as the flavors become even more pronounced when reheated.

Keywords: Mediterranean chicken, skillet recipes, healthy dinner, easy meals, one-pan dishes, feta cheese