Mediterranean Chicken with Olives and Mozzarella
This Mediterranean Chicken with Olives and Mozzarella is a delightful fusion of flavors, featuring tender chicken breasts baked to perfection in a rich sauce of garlic, flavorful olives, and savory spaghetti sauce, all topped with luscious, melted mozzarella cheese. Originating from The Blue Spruce Inn in Lander, Wyoming, this dish brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your table. It pairs wonderfully with a side of pasta or a fresh green salad, making it a perfect choice for family dinners or entertaining guests.
4
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Flour
1/4 cup (for coating)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (to mix with flour)
Olive Oil
1/4 cup (for frying)
Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts
4 (sliced into strips)
Garlic
1 clove (crushed)
Onion
1 medium (chopped finely)
Sliced Mushrooms
1 (8 ounce) can (drained)
Spaghetti Sauce
1 (14 ounce) jar (of your choice)
Oregano
1/2 teaspoon (dry or fresh)
Sliced Pimento Stuffed Olives
1/2 cup (drained)
Sliced Mozzarella Cheese
6 ounces (for topping)
Instructions
1
Preheat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
2
In a shallow dish, combine flour and salt. Dredge the chicken slices in the flour mixture, ensuring they are evenly coated.
3
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken slices, cooking for 3-5 minutes on each side or until golden brown. Remove and arrange the browned chicken in a 2-quart shallow baking dish.
4
In the same skillet, sauté the crushed garlic and chopped onion in the remaining oil until the onion is tender and translucent.
5
Stir in the sliced mushrooms, spaghetti sauce, oregano, and pimento-stuffed olives. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
6
Pour the tomato-olive sauce mixture over the arranged chicken breasts in the baking dish.
7
Top with sliced mozzarella cheese, covering the chicken evenly.
8
Bake in the preheated oven for 30 minutes, or until the cheese is melted and bubbly and the chicken is cooked through.
9
Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Chicken with Olives and Mozzarella?
It is a flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts baked in a sauce of garlic, olives, and spaghetti sauce, topped with melted mozzarella cheese.
What is the origin of this recipe?
This recipe originates from The Blue Spruce Inn in Lander, Wyoming.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe is designed to serve 4 people.
What temperature should the oven be set to?
The oven should be preheated to 350°F (175°C).
How should the chicken breasts be prepared?
The boneless skinless chicken breasts should be sliced into strips before cooking.
What is used to coat the chicken?
The chicken is dredged in a mixture of 1/4 cup flour and 1/4 teaspoon salt.
What type of oil is used for frying the chicken?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of olive oil for frying.
How long should the chicken be cooked in the skillet?
Cook the chicken for 3-5 minutes on each side or until it is golden brown.
What size baking dish is needed?
A 2-quart shallow baking dish is recommended for this recipe.
How should the garlic and onion be prepared?
The garlic should be crushed and the onion should be finely chopped.
What type of mushrooms are used?
The recipe uses one 8-ounce can of sliced mushrooms, drained.
What kind of sauce is included in the recipe?
One 14-ounce jar of your choice of spaghetti sauce is used.
What type of olives are best for this dish?
The recipe specifies 1/2 cup of drained, sliced pimento-stuffed olives.
What herb is used for seasoning the sauce?
1/2 teaspoon of either dry or fresh oregano is used.
How much mozzarella cheese is required?
You will need 6 ounces of sliced mozzarella cheese for the topping.
When do I add the garlic and onion?
Sauté them in the skillet after the chicken has been removed and placed in the baking dish.
How long does the dish bake in the oven?
Bake the dish for 30 minutes until the cheese is melted and bubbly.
What are some suggested side dishes for this meal?
It pairs wonderfully with pasta or a fresh green salad.
Is this recipe considered a one-pan meal?
Yes, it is often categorized as a one-pan meal because the components are combined in a single baking dish.
Can I use fresh oregano?
Yes, the recipe allows for either dry or fresh oregano.
How should the cheese be arranged?
The sliced mozzarella should be placed on top, covering the chicken evenly.
Do I need to drain the mushrooms?
Yes, the 8-ounce can of sliced mushrooms should be drained before being added to the sauce.
What is the texture of the chicken after baking?
The chicken becomes tender and is complemented by a luscious layer of melted cheese.
Is the onion sautéed until it is brown?
No, the onion should be sautéed until it is tender and translucent.
What tags describe this recipe?
Tags include chicken, Mediterranean, olives, mozzarella, baked chicken, comfort food, and easy dinner.
Is this a family-friendly recipe?
Yes, it is noted as a perfect choice for family dinners or entertaining guests.
What flavor profile does this dish have?
It has a savory, Mediterranean flavor profile with garlic, olives, and oregano.
Should the olives be sliced?
Yes, the recipe calls for sliced pimento-stuffed olives.
Can I use any brand of spaghetti sauce?
Yes, the recipe suggests using a 14-ounce jar of your favorite spaghetti sauce.
Is the garlic added whole?
No, the garlic clove should be crushed before sautéing.