Description
Mediterranean Chicken Skillet is a vibrant one-pan meal featuring juicy boneless chicken breasts cooked with fresh cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, Kalamata olives, spinach, aromatic herbs, and creamy plant-based cheese. This quick and easy recipe comes together in under 30 minutes and offers a colorful, flavorful, and satisfying Mediterranean-inspired dinner with minimal cleanup.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins
- 2 boneless chicken breasts, about 1 lb
Vegetables & Fruits
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
Herbs & Spices
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano (natural)
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme (natural)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Dairy & Sauces
- 1/2 cup plant-based cheese (plant-based), shredded or sliced
- 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural)
Other
- 1/2 teaspoon natural gelling agent (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the boneless chicken breasts generously with salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and thyme. Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the sliced bell peppers and halved cherry tomatoes, cooking until they soften but remain vibrant, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the Kalamata olives and fresh spinach leaves, allowing the spinach to wilt gently.
- Combine and Simmer: Return the cooked chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them among the vegetables. Pour in the vegetarian Worcestershire sauce (natural) and lemon juice. Sprinkle the plant-based cheese (plant-based) evenly over the top. Cover the skillet and let all the flavors meld together for 3-5 minutes until the cheese melts.
- Final Touches: If a thicker sauce is desired, sprinkle the natural gelling agent into the skillet and stir gently to incorporate. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or herbs as needed before serving.
Notes
- Use room temperature chicken to ensure even cooking and juicy results.
- Do not overcrowd the pan to allow vegetables to sauté properly rather than steam.
- Fresh herbs enhance the aroma and flavor, so use freshly chopped whenever possible.
- Lightly toast dried oregano and thyme before cooking to deepen their flavor.
- Allow the cooked chicken to rest for a few minutes for optimal texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 550mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: Mediterranean chicken, one-pan meal, plant-based cheese, quick dinner, healthy chicken skillet, fresh vegetables
