Mediterranean Chicken Thighs with Tomato, Olive, and Caper Sauce
Indulge in this succulent Mediterranean dish featuring tender boneless skinless chicken thighs simmered in a vibrant sauce of tomatoes, kalamata olives, and capers. Originally inspired by a Cooking Light recipe, this version boasts a richer sauce and robust flavors, making it perfect for a cozy dinner or a festive gathering. The dish is elevated with the freshness of minced garlic and chopped parsley, creating a delightful contrast to the savory notes of the olives and capers. Serve it over rice or alongside crusty bread to soak up every last drop of the incredible sauce.
N/A
Servings
400
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken thighs
8 (trimmed)
olive oil
1 teaspoon (for sautéing)
oregano
1/4 teaspoon (Greek if possible)
minced garlic
4 teaspoons (fresh)
pepper
1/2 teaspoon (to taste)
chopped fresh parsley
3/4 cup (for garnish)
chopped pitted kalamata olives
1/3 cup (chopped)
capers
2 teaspoons (drained)
canned diced tomatoes
22 ounces (undrained (about 1.5 14 oz cans))
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with pepper and oregano. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken to the pan and cook for about 4 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and keep warm on a plate, covered.
2
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, or until fragrant but not browned. Add the drained diced tomatoes (with juices), kalamata olives, and capers to the pan. Scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to release any flavorful browned bits.
3
Return the chicken thighs along with any accumulated juices back into the skillet. Lower the heat to a gentle simmer, allowing the chicken to heat through and absorb the flavors of the sauce for about 5 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally. Make sure the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
4
Before serving, sprinkle the chopped fresh parsley over the dish for added freshness and garnish.
Nutrition Information
17.5
Fat
12.5
Carbs
40
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Chicken Thighs with Tomato, Olive, and Caper Sauce?
This is a succulent Mediterranean dish featuring tender boneless skinless chicken thighs simmered in a vibrant sauce of tomatoes, kalamata olives, and capers.
How many calories are in one serving of this recipe?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but keep in mind that thighs are used here for their tenderness and ability to stay juicy while simmering.
What kind of olives are recommended?
The recipe specifically calls for chopped pitted kalamata olives for a robust flavor profile.
Are capers essential to the dish?
Capers provide a signature salty and tangy note that characterizes the Mediterranean flavor of this sauce.
Is this a one-pan meal?
Yes, this dish is prepared entirely in a single large skillet, making it an easy one-pan meal.
How much protein is in this Mediterranean chicken recipe?
There are 40 grams of protein per serving.
What is the total fat content per serving?
The total fat content is 17.5 grams per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this dish?
There are 12.5 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the target internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) to be fully cooked.
Do I need to drain the diced tomatoes?
No, the tomatoes should be used undrained with their juices to help form the sauce.
How long should I brown the chicken thighs?
Cook the chicken for about 4 minutes on each side or until golden brown.
What type of oregano should I use?
Greek oregano is recommended if possible for its aromatic quality.
How much garlic is needed for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 teaspoons of fresh minced garlic.
Can I use dried parsley instead of fresh?
While fresh parsley is preferred for garnish and flavor contrast, dried parsley can be used if fresh is unavailable.
What are the best serving suggestions for this chicken?
Serve it over rice or alongside crusty bread to soak up the tomato, olive, and caper sauce.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe and is high in protein with moderate calories.
How do I prepare the capers for the sauce?
The capers should be drained before being added to the pan.
Can I substitute the olive oil?
You can use other oils for sautéing, but olive oil is best for the Mediterranean flavor profile.
How much canned tomato is required?
You will need approximately 22 ounces of canned diced tomatoes, which is about 1.5 standard 14-ounce cans.
How long does the final simmer take?
The final simmer takes about 5 to 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the chicken to heat through.
Should I trim the chicken thighs?
Yes, the recipe suggests using 8 trimmed boneless skinless chicken thighs.
Is this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, based on the ingredients list, this recipe is dairy-free.
Can I use bone-in chicken thighs?
You can, but you will need to increase the browning and simmering times significantly to ensure they are cooked through.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Sauté the garlic for only 30 seconds until fragrant and immediately add the tomatoes to stop it from browning further.
Is this Mediterranean dish spicy?
No, the dish is savory and robust. If you prefer heat, you can add red pepper flakes during the sauce phase.
What initial seasonings are used on the chicken?
The chicken is seasoned with pepper and oregano before it is placed in the skillet.
How many servings does this recipe make?
While not explicitly stated, the 8 chicken thighs typically serve 4 to 8 people depending on portion size.
Why is fresh parsley added at the end?
It is added as a garnish to provide a fresh contrast to the savory notes of the olives and capers.
What is the source of the recipe inspiration?
This recipe was originally inspired by a Cooking Light recipe but modified for a richer sauce and more robust flavors.