Mediterranean Style Chicken
Mediterranean-style chicken simmered in a savory tomato and wine sauce, infused with basil and garlic, perfect for a hearty, flavorful meal over spaghetti. Ideal for family dinners.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Rinse chicken pieces and pat dry.
- Spray a 10-inch skillet with nonstick spray coating.
- Preheat the skillet over medium heat.
- Add chicken pieces and brown for 10 to 15 minutes, turning to brown evenly.
- Add undrained tomatoes, wine, basil, garlic, and bay leaf to the skillet.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to simmer.
- Cover and simmer for about 35 minutes or until the chicken is tender.
- Remove chicken from skillet and keep warm.
- In a small bowl, stir together water and cornstarch.
- Stir the cornstarch mixture into the tomato sauce in the skillet.
- Cook and stir for 2 minutes to thicken the sauce.
- Serve the chicken and sauce over cooked spaghetti.
- Garnish with olives if desired.
Tips & Substitutions
For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in the red wine and crushed basil for a few hours before cooking. If you don't have dry red wine, a splash of balsamic vinegar can work as a substitute. To save time, you can use rotisserie chicken; just add it to the sauce at the end to warm through. For a gluten-free option, serve the dish over zucchini noodles instead of spaghetti.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Mediterranean style chicken over spaghetti for a hearty meal. It pairs beautifully with a side of Mediterranean Chicken Salad for a refreshing crunch. Consider adding garlic bread or a light Chilled Fresh Tomato Soup as a starter. For an extra touch, garnish with sliced olives and fresh basil before serving.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. To reheat, place the chicken and sauce in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. If the sauce thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up. You can also microwave individual portions for quick meals.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Mediterranean Style Chicken contains roughly 145 calories, with 4g protein, 28g carbohydrates, and 2g fat. It is a good source of vitamin C (16% 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 boneless chicken for this recipe?
Yes, boneless chicken works well in this recipe. Just adjust the cooking time to about 20-25 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through. This will reduce the overall cooking time while still allowing the flavors to meld perfectly.
What kind of tomatoes should I use?
Using a can of diced tomatoes is perfect for this recipe, but you can also use crushed tomatoes for a smoother sauce. If you prefer fresh tomatoes, use about 4-5 medium ripe tomatoes, chopped, but you may need to adjust the cooking time slightly.
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce a day in advance. Simply reheat gently before serving. This dish often tastes even better the next day as the flavors have more time to develop. Just remember to cook the spaghetti fresh when you're ready to serve.
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).