Welcome to your new favorite weeknight savior: the Mediterranean Diet Easy Dinner. This vibrant skillet brings together juicy chicken, briny kalamata olives, sweet cherry tomatoes, and creamy feta cheese in a garlicky, herb-kissed sauce that tastes like a trip to the Greek islands—but comes together in just 30 minutes from start to finish.
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Inspired by the heart-healthy Mediterranean diet, this meal is packed with lean protein, colorful vegetables, and healthy fats from olive oil and olives. It's naturally low-carb and gluten-free, making it a versatile choice for many eating styles. And because everything cooks in one skillet, cleanup is a breeze—perfect for busy evenings.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
About the Ingredients
1 1/2 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
Chicken breasts are a lean protein. For juicier results, use chicken thighs; they also work well and stay moist.
2 tablespoons (30ml) extra-virgin olive oil
Use a good-quality extra-virgin olive oil for flavor. If you're out, you can substitute avocado oil.
1 medium yellow onion, diced
Yellow onion adds a sweet, savory base. A shallot or red onion would also work.
4 cloves garlic, minced
Fresh garlic is best. In a pinch, use 1 teaspoon garlic powder.
1 pint (300g) cherry tomatoes, halved
Cherry tomatoes are sweeter and hold their shape. Grape tomatoes or diced Roma tomatoes are fine substitutes.
1/2 cup (75g) kalamata olives, pitted and halved
Kalamata olives add briny depth. Black olives or green olives can be used, but taste will vary.
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Dried oregano is classic. Fresh oregano: use 1 tablespoon, chopped.
1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
Thyme complements the other herbs. You can omit if you don't have it.
1/2 cup (120ml) low-sodium chicken broth
Broth creates a light sauce. Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version (see variations).
1/2 cup (75g) crumbled feta cheese
Feta adds creamy tang. Goat cheese is a good substitute.
2 tablespoons (30g) fresh parsley, chopped
Fresh parsley brightens the dish. Fresh basil or dill also work.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Sea salt or kosher salt preferred. Adjust to your preference.
Tips & Tricks
Tip 1
Cut chicken into uniform pieces for even cooking. If pieces are different sizes, some will be overcooked while others are still raw.
Tip 2
Don't overcrowd the skillet when searing the chicken. Work in batches if needed; overcrowding causes steaming instead of browning.
Tip 3
The tomatoes should burst and release their juices, creating a light sauce. If they don't burst after 2-3 minutes, gently press them with a spoon.
Pro Tips
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Season and Sear Chicken
Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (375°F/190°C). Add chicken in a single layer and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C). Transfer to a plate and set aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics
In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium (325°F/160°C). Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
3. Add Tomatoes and Olives
Stir in halved cherry tomatoes and kalamata olives. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes start to soften and release their juices. The mixture should look slightly saucy.
4. Incorporate Herbs and Broth
Sprinkle in dried oregano and thyme. Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
5. Return Chicken to Skillet
Add the seared chicken back into the skillet along with any accumulated juices. Stir to coat the chicken with the sauce. Let everything simmer together for 3-4 minutes, until the chicken is heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
6. Finish with Feta and Parsley
Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh parsley over the top. The residual heat will slightly soften the feta without melting it completely.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Serve immediately, spooning the sauce and toppings over the chicken. Pair with crusty bread, rice, or a side salad for a complete meal.
Delicious Variations
Vegetarian Option
Replace chicken with 1 can of chickpeas (drained and rinsed) or firm tofu cubes. Add them with the tomatoes and simmer until heated through.
Add More Veggies
Stir in a handful of baby spinach or chopped zucchini during the last 2 minutes of cooking for extra greens.
Different Protein
Use shrimp or salmon instead of chicken. Adjust cooking time accordingly (shrimp 3-4 minutes, salmon 5-6 minutes).
How to Store Mediterranean Diet Easy Dinner
Refrigerator
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezer
Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of broth or water to loosen the sauce, or microwave in 30-second intervals until hot.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this Mediterranean diet easy dinner ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare this dish up to 2 days in advance. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave.
Q: What can I serve with this Mediterranean chicken skillet?
This dish pairs well with couscous, quinoa, orzo, or a simple green salad. For a low-carb option, serve with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles.
Q: Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as written, this recipe is gluten-free. Just ensure your chicken broth is certified gluten-free if you have celiac disease.
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely. Chicken thighs are more forgiving and stay juicy. Adjust cooking time to ensure they reach 165°F (74°C).
Q: How do I store and reheat this dish?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth to keep it moist.
If you loved this Mediterranean Diet Easy Dinner, don't forget to share it with friends and family! Leave a comment below and let us know how it turned out. Happy cooking!
Mediterranean Diet Easy Dinner
Mediterranean Diet Easy Dinner: a quick, one-pan skillet with chicken, olives, and tomatoes, ready in 30 minutes for a healthy weeknight.
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs (680g) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into 1-inch pieces
- 2 tablespoons (30ml) extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pint (300g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup (75g) kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 cup (120ml) low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/2 cup (75g) crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons (30g) fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
📋 Instructions
- 1Season and Sear Chicken — Pat chicken pieces dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (375°F/190°C). Add chicken in a single layer and cook for 5-7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown on all sides and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F/74°C). Transfer to a plate and set aside.
- 2Sauté Aromatics — In the same skillet, reduce heat to medium (325°F/160°C). Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds more, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic.
- 3Add Tomatoes and Olives — Stir in halved cherry tomatoes and kalamata olives. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tomatoes start to soften and release their juices. The mixture should look slightly saucy.
- 4Incorporate Herbs and Broth — Sprinkle in dried oregano and thyme. Pour in chicken broth and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet. Bring to a simmer and let cook for 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
- 5Return Chicken to Skillet — Add the seared chicken back into the skillet along with any accumulated juices. Stir to coat the chicken with the sauce. Let everything simmer together for 3-4 minutes, until the chicken is heated through and the sauce has thickened slightly.
- 6Finish with Feta and Parsley — Remove the skillet from heat. Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh parsley over the top. The residual heat will slightly soften the feta without melting it completely.
- 7Serve and Enjoy — Serve immediately, spooning the sauce and toppings over the chicken. Pair with crusty bread, rice, or a side salad for a complete meal.
