Chicken With Tomatoes, Olives & Cheese
A flavorful chicken dish simmered with tomatoes, olives, and cheese, blending bold spices and savory ingredients for a hearty, Mediterranean-inspired meal perfect for family dinners.
Ingredients
- 4 skinless chicken breasts ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. butter ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic ⓘ
- 1/4 c. chopped carrots ⓘ
- 2 c. canned diced tomatoes ⓘ
- 1 tsp. Hot Mexican Chili Powder ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 3/4 c. cut-up black olives ⓘ
- 1/2 c. flour ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. olive oil
- 1 c. chopped onions ⓘ
- 1/4 c. chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/2 c. white wine ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. black pepper ⓘ
- 1 c. shredded sharp cheese ⓘ
- cheddar cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Wash chicken breasts and pat dry.
- Dredge chicken in flour and shake off excess.
- Heat butter and olive oil together in a deep skillet or Dutch oven. Brown chicken well on all sides.
- Remove chicken from the pan.
- Lightly brown garlic, chopped onions, carrots, and chopped celery in the pan drippings.
- Add canned diced tomatoes and white wine to the vegetables in the pan.
- Add the seasonings: hot Mexican chili powder, salt, ground cumin, and black pepper. Stir well.
- Return the chicken to the sauce. Cover and simmer over low heat for 30 minutes or until the chicken is tender.
- Add chopped black olives and heat through.
- Sprinkle shredded sharp cheese and cheddar cheese on top and let melt before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the spices for a few hours before cooking. If you're out of black olives, green olives or capers can be good substitutes. You can also use fresh tomatoes instead of canned if they're in season. Adjust the chili powder to suit your heat preference, and feel free to add bell peppers or zucchini for additional veggies.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this dish over a bed of rice or with crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce. A simple side salad or steamed vegetables can complement the meal nicely. This chicken pairs beautifully with Mediterranean recipes like Chilled Avocado And Cucumber Soup for a refreshing contrast or a light pasta dish for a heartier meal.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the chicken in a skillet over medium heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying out. Cover the skillet to retain moisture and heat until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave in short intervals.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chicken With Tomatoes, Olives & Cheese contains roughly 1595 calories, with 47g protein, 129g carbohydrates, and 112g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), calcium (122% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (108% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1647mg per serving (72% 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 bone-in chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken pieces. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time as bone-in pieces may take longer to cook through. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (75°C) for safety.
What can I substitute for white wine?
If you prefer not to use white wine, chicken broth or vegetable broth can be excellent substitutes. You can also use a splash of lemon juice mixed with water for a similar acidity and flavor profile.
Can this recipe be made in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dish a day ahead and store it in the refrigerator. The flavors will meld together beautifully overnight. Just reheat gently before serving, and it will taste even better!
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).