Description
Tender chicken breasts are sautéed until golden and simmered with juicy tomatoes, briny olives, garlic, and herbs for a flavorful Mediterranean-inspired meal. This easy one-pan dinner is perfect for busy weeknights yet elegant enough for entertaining.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Cooking
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried basil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and black pepper to taste, ensuring both sides are covered for maximum flavor.
- Heat Oil: Warm the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, ready for sautéing the chicken.
- Sauté Chicken: Place the chicken breasts in the hot skillet and cook for 5 to 6 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and cook for about 30 seconds until fragrant, stirring constantly to prevent burning.
- Cook Tomatoes: Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until they begin to soften and release their juices.
- Add Olives and Herbs: Stir in the Kalamata olives, chicken broth, dried oregano, and dried basil to the skillet, combining all the flavors together.
- Simmer Sauce: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to slightly reduce.
- Return Chicken: Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning the tomato and olive mixture over the top to coat the chicken.
- Cover and Cook: Cover the skillet with a lid and cook for an additional 8 to 10 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is fully cooked and tender.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top. Serve the dish warm, accompanied by rice, pasta, couscous, or crusty bread as desired.
Notes
- Kalamata olives provide the best Mediterranean flavor, but black olives may be substituted if preferred.
- Add fresh spinach during the final few minutes of cooking for an extra boost of vegetables and nutrients.
- Boneless chicken thighs can be used instead of chicken breasts for a juicier alternative.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and reheated gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
