Mediterranean Chicken with Olives and Sun-Drenched Tomatoes
This delectable Mediterranean Chicken with Olives and Sun-Drenched Tomatoes is inspired by a delightful dining experience reminiscent of coastal Mediterranean cuisine. Tender, juicy chicken breasts are seared to perfection and then simmered in a vibrant sauce brimming with crushed tomatoes, savory olives, and aromatic herbs. The addition of capers and zesty lemon peel brings a refreshing brightness to the dish. Perfectly served over a bed of couscous or your favorite grain, this recipe is not only easy to prepare but also guaranteed to be a hit at your family dinner table or dinner parties. Enjoy the warm, inviting flavors of the Mediterranean with each succulent bite!
N/A
Servings
180
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
boneless skinless chicken breast halves
4 (approximately 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 lbs total)
olive oil
2 tablespoons (for browning the chicken)
medium onion
1 (sliced)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
crushed tomatoes
15 ounces (1 can)
sliced pitted green olives
5 3/4 ounces (1 jar, drained)
sliced pitted black olives
2 1/4 ounces (1 can, drained)
capers
1 1/2-2 tablespoons (drained)
finely shredded lemon peel
2 tablespoons (zest from fresh lemons)
dried oregano
1 teaspoon (crushed)
fresh Italian parsley
3 tablespoons (snipped, for garnish)
Instructions
1
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breast halves and brown them for approximately 5 minutes on each side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
2
In the same skillet, add the sliced onion and sauté over medium heat for 8-10 minutes, or until it becomes tender and lightly browned. Stir occasionally to ensure even cooking, and add the minced garlic during the last minute to avoid burning.
3
Next, stir in the crushed tomatoes, drained sliced green and black olives, capers, finely shredded lemon peel, and crushed oregano into the onion mixture. Mix well to combine all the flavors.
4
Return the browned chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the tomato-olive mixture. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat and cover the skillet. Allow it to simmer for 13-15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and no longer pink in the center (internal temperature should reach 170°F).
5
Once cooked, transfer the chicken to a serving platter. Taste the tomato mixture and season it with salt and black pepper as desired. Spoon the vibrant tomato-olive sauce generously over the chicken breasts and sprinkle with freshly snipped Italian parsley before serving.
Nutrition Information
6.25g
Fat
10g
Carbs
24g
Protein
2.5g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Chicken with Olives and Sun-Drenched Tomatoes?
It is a flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts seared and simmered in a vibrant sauce of crushed tomatoes, savory olives, capers, lemon peel, and aromatic herbs.
How many calories are in a serving of this recipe?
There are 180 calories per serving in this Mediterranean chicken dish.
What type of chicken should I use?
The recipe calls for 4 boneless skinless chicken breast halves, weighing approximately 1 1/4 to 1 1/2 pounds total.
How much protein does this dish provide?
This recipe provides 24g of protein per serving.
What is the fat content for this Mediterranean chicken?
The dish contains 6.25g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 10g of carbohydrates per serving.
Is this dish a good source of fiber?
Yes, each serving provides 2.5g of fiber.
How long does it take to brown the chicken?
The chicken breast halves should be browned for approximately 5 minutes on each side over medium-high heat.
How do I prepare the onions for this recipe?
One medium onion should be sliced and sautéed for 8-10 minutes until tender and lightly browned.
When should I add the garlic to the skillet?
Add the minced garlic during the last minute of sautéing the onions to ensure it doesn't burn.
What kind of tomatoes are used in the sauce?
The recipe uses one 15-ounce can of crushed tomatoes.
What types of olives are included in this dish?
The dish features a combination of 5 3/4 ounces of sliced pitted green olives and 2 1/4 ounces of sliced pitted black olives.
Should the olives be drained before use?
Yes, both the green and black olives should be drained before being added to the sauce.
What is the recommended amount of capers?
Use 1 1/2 to 2 tablespoons of drained capers.
How much lemon peel is needed?
The recipe requires 2 tablespoons of finely shredded lemon peel, which provides a zesty brightness to the sauce.
What herbs are used for flavoring?
The sauce is flavored with 1 teaspoon of crushed dried oregano and garnished with 3 tablespoons of freshly snipped Italian parsley.
What is the safe internal temperature for the chicken?
The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 170°F to ensure it is fully cooked and no longer pink.
How long does the chicken need to simmer in the sauce?
The chicken should simmer covered in the tomato-olive mixture for 13-15 minutes.
What side dishes pair well with this recipe?
This dish is perfectly served over a bed of couscous or your favorite grain.
Is this recipe considered easy to make?
Yes, it is described as easy to prepare and ideal for family dinners or dinner parties.
How many ingredients are required for this recipe?
There are a total of 11 ingredients used in this Mediterranean chicken recipe.
What oil is best for browning the chicken?
The recipe recommends using 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Can I adjust the seasoning of the sauce?
Yes, you should taste the tomato mixture after cooking and season it with salt and black pepper as desired.
Is this a healthy recipe option?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe and features lean protein and vegetables.
What is the best way to serve the sauce?
Once the chicken is on a platter, spoon the vibrant tomato-olive sauce generously over the breasts.
Can I use fresh oregano instead of dried?
While the recipe calls for crushed dried oregano, fresh oregano can be substituted, though you may need to adjust the quantity for flavor.
How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Simmering the chicken in the sauce while covered helps keep the meat tender and juicy.
What gives this dish its Mediterranean flair?
The combination of olive oil, garlic, tomatoes, olives, capers, and lemon peel creates authentic Mediterranean flavors.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, its lean protein and flavorful sauce make it a great option for healthy meal planning.
What is the first step in the cooking process?
The first step is heating olive oil in a large skillet and browning the chicken breast halves for 5 minutes per side.