Chicken Or Shrimp Saganati
Chicken or shrimp saganaki is a flavorful Greek-inspired dish featuring tender meat or seafood simmered in a savory tomato sauce with herbs, olives, and feta cheese. Its vibrant flavors and fresh herbs make it perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a Mediterranean-inspired gathering.
Ingredients
- 4 skinless, boneless chicken breasts or 1 lb. shrimp, cleaned and shelled ⓘ
- 4 tsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 1/2 cup finely chopped onions
- 1 1/2 tsp. minced garlic
- 1 tsp. crushed dried oregano leaves ⓘ
- 1/4 cup ouzo or dry white wine ⓘ
- 1 cup chopped seeded tomatoes or 3/4 can tomato sauce style Del Monte tomatoes
- 2 Tbsp. chopped fresh dill or parsley ⓘ
- handful of chopped pitted black olives ⓘ
- 1/2 cup crumbled Feta cheese ⓘ
- 1/2 c. crumbled Feta cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- In 2 teaspoons of olive oil, cook onions until golden.
- Add garlic and cook for 2 minutes.
- Add oregano and cook for 2 minutes more.
- Add ouzo or white wine, then tomatoes; partially cover and simmer for 10 minutes.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the flavor, consider marinating the chicken or shrimp in olive oil, garlic, and oregano for an hour before cooking. If you don't have ouzo, dry white wine or even a splash of lemon juice can work well as substitutes. For a vegetarian twist, you can replace the protein with roasted eggplant or zucchini. Adding fresh herbs like basil or mint can also elevate the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Chicken or Shrimp Saganati with a side of rice or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A fresh Tomato And Mozzarella Summer Salad complements this dish well, providing a light and refreshing counterpoint. You can also pair it with a glass of chilled white wine for a complete Mediterranean experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. Avoid reheating in the microwave, as this can make the chicken or shrimp rubbery.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken Or Shrimp Saganati contains roughly 584 calories, with 10g protein, 75g carbohydrates, and 37g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (210% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (154% of the Daily Value), and calcium (125% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A and vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1854mg per serving (81% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen shrimp. Just make sure to thaw them completely before cooking. If you're short on time, placing them in a bowl of cold water for 15-20 minutes can help speed up the process.
What can I substitute for Feta cheese?
If you don't have Feta cheese, crumbled goat cheese or ricotta can be a good alternative, providing a similar creamy texture. For a dairy-free option, try using crumbled tofu mixed with a bit of lemon juice and salt.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely! Chicken or Shrimp Saganati holds up well for meal prep. Just follow the storage instructions and reheat as needed. It also tastes great the next day, allowing the flavors to meld together even more.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).