Mediterranean Chicken
Mediterranean Chicken combines tender chicken breasts with a flavorful sauce of garlic, tomatoes, olives, and herbs, creating a savory dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or entertaining guests. The tangy vinegar and fresh ingredients highlight vibrant Mediterranean flavors that appeal to all palates.
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. margarine or butter ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, crushed ⓘ
- 1 small onion, chopped ⓘ
- 6 boneless, skinless chicken breast halves ⓘ
- 1/2 c. red wine vinegar ⓘ
- 2 tsp. chopped fresh thyme or 1/2 tsp. dried thyme leaves ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt ⓘ
- 1/4 tsp. pepper ⓘ
- 2 large tomatoes, chopped ⓘ
- 1 can (2 1/4 oz.) sliced ripe olives, drained ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat margarine in a 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat until melted.
- Cook garlic, onion, and chicken in margarine until the chicken is browned on both sides.
- Stir in the remaining ingredients; reduce heat.
- Cook for 10 to 15 minutes or until the juice of the chicken is no longer pink when the centers of the thickest pieces are cut.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the chicken in the red wine vinegar and thyme for a couple of hours before cooking. If you don't have margarine, butter works well as a substitute. Fresh herbs can elevate this dish, so feel free to use fresh thyme or experiment with oregano for a different twist. Pairing this dish with rice or crusty bread can help soak up the delicious juices.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Mediterranean Chicken with a side of couscous or a fresh green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette. This dish pairs beautifully with Cinnamon Rice And Lentils for a hearty meal. Garnish with additional fresh thyme or parsley for a pop of color and extra flavor. For a complete Mediterranean experience, consider serving with warm pita bread.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm the chicken gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to maintain moisture. You can also microwave it, covered, for a few minutes until heated through, but be careful not to overcook it.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mediterranean Chicken contains roughly 325 calories, with 7g protein, 40g carbohydrates, and 16g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (53% of the Daily Value), iron (27% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (20% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1659mg 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 other types of chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use bone-in chicken pieces or thighs instead of breast halves. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly, as bone-in cuts may take longer to cook through. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F for safety.
What can I substitute for red wine vinegar?
If red wine vinegar is unavailable, you can use white wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar as a substitute. Just keep in mind that it may slightly alter the flavor, but it will still provide the acidity needed for the dish.
How can I make this dish spicier?
To add some heat, consider incorporating crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne pepper into the dish while it cooks. You could also serve it with a side of spicy harissa or a hot sauce for those who enjoy an extra kick.
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).