Skillet Greek Chicken Recipe
Bursting with Mediterranean flavors, Skillet Greek Chicken is my secret weapon for effortless dinners that feel like a festive escape to the sun-dappled coast. This dish marries juicy chicken, punchy feta, briny olives, and fresh herbs in a one-pan wonder that’s as stunning on the table as it is irresistible on your fork. If you love meals that come together quickly, taste like you worked all day, and please everyone at the table, this Skillet Greek Chicken will instantly become a favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe pulls its own weight—from bright lemon juice and fragrant herbs to creamy feta and bold Kalamata olives. It’s this smart blend of essentials that gives Skillet Greek Chicken its irresistible character; think juicy, savory, tangy, and fresh in every single bite.
- Chicken breasts: Go for boneless, skinless for easy cooking and tender results every time.
- Olive oil: Brings richness and helps those seasonings cling beautifully to the chicken.
- Lemon juice: Adds sunny brightness and a little tang that keeps each bite lively.
- Garlic: Two minced cloves wake up the whole skillet with amazing aroma and savory dimension.
- Dried oregano: Classic Greek flavor that’s earthy and slightly minty—absolutely essential.
- Dried thyme: Deepens the herbal background with subtle, woodsy notes.
- Paprika: Just a touch for gentle warmth and lovely golden color.
- Salt: Brings all those Mediterranean notes into perfect harmony.
- Black pepper: Adds a mild heat that perks up every ingredient.
- Chicken broth: This splash deglazes the pan, making a quick, savory sauce.
- Feta cheese: Crumbled on top for creaminess, tang, and a burst of briny flavor.
- Kalamata olives: Their salty, robust pop is unmistakably Greek; slice and scatter liberally.
- Cherry tomatoes: Halved for juicy, glossy bursts of sweetness and color.
- Fresh parsley: Adds color and a refreshing finish to every plate.
- Lemon wedges: On the side, so everyone can give their chicken an extra citrusy zing at the table.
How to Make Skillet Greek Chicken
Step 1: Season the Chicken
Start by patting the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. This simple move helps the seasonings stick, ensuring every bite is flavor-packed. Sprinkle both sides with oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and black pepper—don’t be shy! This fragrant rub is the building block for the Skillet Greek Chicken’s signature taste.
Step 2: Brown the Chicken
Heat up the olive oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium-high. Once shimmering, lay in your seasoned chicken breasts. Let them cook undisturbed for 5 to 6 minutes per side, turning once, until they’re golden on the outside and juicy inside. Remove to a plate and tent loosely with foil to keep warm; you’re building flavors in the same pan next.
Step 3: Sauté Garlic and Deglaze
Don’t wipe out the skillet! Drop in your minced garlic, letting it sizzle for just 30 seconds—watch it closely so it doesn’t brown. Then pour in the chicken broth and fresh lemon juice, scraping up all those delicious browned bits. This creates a luscious, tangy sauce that lifts the whole dish.
Step 4: Return Chicken and Add Toppings
Nestle the browned chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning some of that lemony sauce over the top. Now comes my favorite part: shower the chicken with feta crumbles, scatter the Kalamata olive slices, and tuck in the pretty cherry tomato halves. Cover and let everything warm through for 2 to 3 minutes, just until the cheese softens and the tomatoes glisten.
Step 5: Garnish and Serve
Take the skillet off the heat and give your Skillet Greek Chicken a final sprinkle of fresh parsley. Serve hot, with lemon wedges on the side for that irresistible fresh-squeezed hit at the table. Marvel at how all those colors and aromas make dinner feel like an event!
How to Serve Skillet Greek Chicken
Garnishes
A handful of freshly chopped parsley is more than just a pretty accent—it instantly wakes up the flavors and contrasts beautifully with the creamy feta. Don’t forget those lemon wedges; a final squeeze elevates everything with a pop of zest and freshness that makes Skillet Greek Chicken sing on your palate.
Side Dishes
For a meal that feels straight from a Greek taverna, pair your chicken with fluffy basmati rice, lemony quinoa, or a warm stack of pillowy pita bread to soak up all that addictive sauce. A crisp Greek salad or orzo tossed with more cherry tomatoes and olive oil also makes for a fantastic, balanced plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Embrace the “one-pan dinner party” vibe by bringing the whole skillet to the table and letting everyone serve themselves—so inviting and impressive. Or, slice the chicken into strips for colorful wraps with extra veggies, a dollop of thick yogurt, and a handful of arugula. Leftovers also shine atop a Greek-inspired bowl with greens, grains, and whatever tangy-good toppings you crave.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your Skillet Greek Chicken to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually develop more overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch or dinner especially rewarding!
Freezing
While feta and tomatoes don’t freeze well, the cooked chicken itself can be frozen. Just slice or leave the breasts whole, wrap tightly, and freeze for up to 2 months. For best results, store toppings separate from the chicken and add them fresh when reheating.
Reheating
Warm leftover chicken gently in a covered skillet over low heat, adding a splash of broth if needed. If you microwaving, cover and use low power to prevent the chicken from drying out. Add a sprinkle of fresh parsley and squeeze of lemon after reheating to revive the Mediterranean magic.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are a wonderful swap here; they’re even juicier and less likely to dry out. Simply adjust the cooking time as they might need a couple of extra minutes in the pan.
Is Skillet Greek Chicken gluten-free?
Yes, as written this recipe is completely gluten-free. Just make sure your chicken broth is labeled gluten-free, and you’re good to go.
Can I marinate the chicken in advance?
Marinating is a fantastic way to add flavor and keep the chicken tender. Even 30 minutes in an olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herb marinade works wonders—if you have time, go for it!
What should I do if I don’t have Kalamata olives?
No worries! Any black or green olive with a hearty flavor can step in. Just be sure to pit and slice them before tossing on top of your Skillet Greek Chicken.
Can I make Skillet Greek Chicken dairy-free?
While feta adds a signature tang, you can absolutely skip it or use a plant-based feta substitute. The herbs, olives, and lemony sauce still ensure incredible flavor.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about Skillet Greek Chicken—it’s fast, it’s vibrant, and it delivers all the big, bold flavors you crave with Greek food. I can’t wait for you to try this one-pan wonder; let it bring a little Mediterranean sunshine to your table tonight!
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Skillet Greek Chicken Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This Skillet Greek Chicken recipe is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish that features tender chicken breasts topped with tangy feta cheese, olives, and cherry tomatoes. The Mediterranean-inspired flavors make it a perfect main course for a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken:
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Toppings:
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 1/3 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1/4 cup pitted Kalamata olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry and season with oregano, thyme, paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Cook Chicken: Heat olive oil in a skillet, cook chicken for 5-6 minutes on each side until cooked through. Remove and set aside.
- Prepare Toppings: In the same skillet, sauté garlic, deglaze with chicken broth and lemon juice. Return chicken to skillet, top with feta, olives, and tomatoes. Cover and cook for 2-3 minutes.
- Finish and Serve: Garnish with parsley and serve with lemon wedges.
Notes
- This dish pairs well with rice, quinoa, or warm pita bread.
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, garlic, and herbs for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- You can substitute chicken thighs for a juicier result.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with toppings
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 630 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 3 g
- Fiber: 1 g
- Protein: 36 g
- Cholesterol: 105 mg
