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- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 onion, sliced - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 bell pepper (red or yellow), chopped - 1 zucchini, diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - ½ teaspoon salt - ¼ teaspoon black pepper - ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved - ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled - Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish) - Lemon wedges (to serve) This dish starts with chicken thighs. They stay juicy and tender. I love using boneless and skinless thighs for ease and flavor. Next, we have vibrant vegetables. Sliced onions bring sweetness, while bell peppers add crunch. Zucchini and cherry tomatoes provide color and freshness. The mix of flavors creates a beautiful dish. For seasonings, I use dried oregano and smoked paprika. These add depth and warmth. You’ll also need salt and black pepper to enhance the taste. Kalamata olives bring a briny bite, while crumbled feta cheese adds creaminess. Fresh parsley gives a pop of green, and lemon wedges add brightness at the end. Gather all these ingredients, and you’ll be ready to make a delicious Mediterranean chicken skillet. {{ingredient_image_1}} First, we need to season the chicken thighs. Take your four chicken thighs and sprinkle them with salt, black pepper, oregano, and smoked paprika. Make sure the spices cover each piece well. This step adds a lot of flavor. Next, heat two tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, place the seasoned chicken thighs in the skillet. Cook them for about 5-7 minutes on each side. You want them to be golden brown and cooked all the way through. The internal temperature should reach 165°F. After cooking, remove the chicken and set it aside. In the same skillet, we will sauté the onions and garlic. Add the sliced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Cook them for 2-3 minutes until the onion turns translucent. This will create a wonderful aroma. Now, it’s time to add the chopped bell pepper and diced zucchini. Cook these veggies for another 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. You want them to be tender but not mushy. Now we will add the cherry tomatoes and Kalamata olives. Stir them into the skillet and let them cook for about 3 minutes. The tomatoes should start to soften, adding a juicy flavor to the mix. Finally, return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Allow it to heat through with the vegetables for about 2 more minutes. This step helps the chicken soak up those delicious flavors! Once everything is well combined, sprinkle crumbled feta cheese over the top. Remove the skillet from the heat. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges for a bright, fresh finish. To get perfect chicken texture, choose thighs. They stay juicy and tender. Season your chicken well with salt and smoked paprika. This adds rich flavor. Cook the chicken on medium heat for even cooking. Aim for 5-7 minutes on each side. Use a meat thermometer. The chicken should reach 165°F to be safe. For sautéing vegetables, start with onion and garlic. Heat the olive oil first. Add the onion and garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion turns soft. Then add bell pepper and zucchini. Cook these for about 5 minutes. Stir occasionally for even cooking. This helps keep the veggies crunchy. Adjust the seasoning as you cook. Taste the dish before serving. If it needs more flavor, add salt or pepper. You can add a bit more oregano or smoked paprika too. To boost the Mediterranean flavors, consider adding fresh herbs. Basil or mint can add a nice touch. You might also try a splash of lemon juice. This brightens the dish and adds freshness. If you like a bit of heat, add red pepper flakes. This can give it a nice kick. Pro Tips Perfectly Cooked Chicken: Use a meat thermometer to ensure your chicken thighs reach an internal temperature of 165°F for optimal juiciness and safety. Vegetable Variations: Feel free to substitute or add any seasonal vegetables you have on hand, such as spinach or asparagus, to enhance the dish's flavor and nutrition. Olive Oil Flavor: For an extra layer of flavor, consider using infused olive oils, such as garlic or herb-infused, when cooking the chicken. Garnishing Tip: Always garnish with fresh herbs just before serving to preserve their bright color and fresh flavor, enhancing the overall presentation of the dish. {{image_2}} You can easily swap the chicken thighs for chicken breasts. Chicken breasts cook faster. They stay juicy if you don’t overcook them. Just keep an eye on the time. If you want a different protein, try fish. Salmon or cod works well. They cook quickly and absorb the flavors of the dish. You can also use tofu for a plant-based option. Firm tofu holds up well when cooked. Just remember to press it to remove extra water before cooking. Feel free to change the vegetables based on what is in season. Fresh asparagus, green beans, or eggplant can add great flavor. You can also mix in leafy greens like spinach or kale. They cook down nicely and add color. Herbs are another great addition. Fresh basil, dill, or mint can brighten up the dish. Add them at the end for the best flavor. Experimenting with different vegetables makes this dish fun and fresh each time you make it! To keep your Mediterranean chicken skillet fresh, follow these steps: - Cool down: Let the dish cool to room temperature before storing. - Use airtight containers: Choose containers that seal well to keep moisture in. - Refrigerate: Place the containers in the fridge. This dish lasts up to three days. When it's time to enjoy leftovers, use these methods: - Microwave: Place the dish on a microwave-safe plate. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps warm evenly. - Stove: Heat in a skillet over low heat. Add a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Stir often to prevent burning. To maintain the flavor, avoid reheating on high heat. Enjoy your meal! To check if the chicken is done, use a meat thermometer. The internal temperature should be 165°F. This ensures the chicken is safe to eat. If you don’t have a thermometer, cut into the thickest part. The meat should be white and juices should run clear. Yes, you can change the spices to fit your taste. Try adding cumin for warmth or coriander for a fresh twist. If you like heat, sprinkle in some red pepper flakes. Experiment with your favorite herbs, too. Fresh herbs like basil or thyme can add a nice touch. This dish is great for meal prep! Cooked chicken and veggies store well. Place them in airtight containers. Keep them in the fridge for up to four days. You can also freeze portions for up to three months. When ready to eat, just reheat in the microwave or on the stove. Enjoy your easy meal anytime! We explored how to make a tasty chicken thigh dish with fresh vegetables and seasonings. I shared step-by-step instructions on preparing the chicken and sautéing the veggies. You got tips for perfect texture and seasoning, plus ideas for variations. Remember, customizing the dish to your taste adds fun. Try different proteins and veggies, and store leftovers properly for best flavor. This meal is not just quick but also tasty and flexible, making it great for any day. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Mediterranean Chicken Skillet

A flavorful and healthy chicken dish cooked with Mediterranean vegetables and topped with feta cheese.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken thighs
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 piece onion, sliced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 piece bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 piece zucchini, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon salt
  • 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
  • 0.5 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • 0.25 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 piece lemon wedges, to serve

Instructions
 

  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, oregano, and smoked paprika.
  • Add the seasoned chicken thighs to the skillet and cook for about 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F). Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  • In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion becomes translucent.
  • Add the chopped bell pepper and diced zucchini to the skillet. Cook for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally until the vegetables are tender.
  • Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and Kalamata olives, cooking for another 3 minutes until the tomatoes begin to soften.
  • Return the cooked chicken to the skillet, allowing it to heat through and combine with the vegetables for 2 more minutes.
  • Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the chicken and vegetables, and remove from heat.
  • Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of flavor.

Notes

Serve with lemon wedges for added flavor.
Keyword chicken, healthy, Mediterranean, skillet