Description
Tender chicken breasts sautéed until golden and simmered with juicy tomatoes, briny olives, garlic, and herbs create a flavorful Mediterranean-inspired one-pan dinner. This easy and healthy recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or elegant enough for entertaining.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Tomato & Olive Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
- ½ cup chicken broth
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp dried basil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Season Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor before cooking.
- Heat Oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat, allowing the pan to become hot enough to sear the chicken.
- Sauté Chicken: Add the chicken breasts to the hot skillet and cook for 5–6 minutes on each side until they develop a golden brown crust. Remove the chicken and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté Garlic: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Cook Tomatoes: Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 3–4 minutes until they begin to soften and release their juices.
- Add Olives & Seasoning: Stir in the Kalamata olives, chicken broth, dried oregano, and dried basil, mixing well to combine all flavors.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture in the skillet to a gentle simmer to meld the flavors together.
- Return Chicken: Place the browned chicken breasts back into the skillet and spoon the tomato and olive mixture over the top.
- Cover & Cook: Cover the skillet and simmer for 8–10 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C), ensuring it is cooked through.
- Finish & Serve: Stir in lemon juice for brightness, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top, and serve warm with sides like rice, pasta, couscous, or crusty bread.
Notes
- Kalamata olives provide the best authentic Mediterranean flavor but can be substituted with black olives if unavailable.
- Add fresh spinach during the last few minutes of cooking for extra nutrition and color.
- Boneless chicken thighs can be used as an alternative to breasts for a juicier texture.
- Store leftovers in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
