Mediterranean Chicken with Tomato-Olive Salsa
This Mediterranean Chicken with Tomato-Olive Salsa is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings together tender pan-grilled chicken breasts, a refreshing salsa made with ripe tomatoes and tangy olives, and creamy feta cheese. Perfect for dinner parties or a cozy family meal, this recipe is not only easy to make but also offers a stunning visual presentation. Serve it alongside oven-roasted asparagus or a fresh garden salad for a complete and satisfying meal.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Boneless chicken breasts
4 (cubed)
Olive oil
4 teaspoons (divided)
Italian salad dressing mix
1 packet (7 ounces) (divided)
Fresh tomatoes
2 cups (diced)
Ripe pitted black olives
1 can (16 ounces) (drained and sliced)
Feta cheese
1 1/2 cups (crumbled)
Basil
1/4 cup (fresh, chopped)
Couscous or pasta
2 cups (hot and cooked)
Instructions
1
Start by cubing the boneless chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces and place them in a bowl.
2
Drizzle 2 teaspoons of olive oil over the chicken cubes, ensuring they are well coated.
3
Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of Italian salad dressing mix over the chicken and mix thoroughly, allowing the flavors to meld.
4
Heat a nonstick skillet over medium heat, and once hot, add the seasoned chicken.
5
Cook the chicken for about 6-8 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is golden brown and cooked through with no pink remaining.
6
While the chicken is cooking, prepare the salsa: In a separate bowl, combine the diced fresh tomatoes, drained black olives, the remaining 2 teaspoons of olive oil, the remaining Italian dressing mix, and freshly chopped basil. Toss gently to combine.
7
Once the chicken is cooked, remove it from the heat, and serve it alongside hot cooked couscous or pasta on individual plates.
8
Top each serving of chicken with the tomato-olive salsa and a generous sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese.
9
Serve immediately and enjoy the burst of Mediterranean flavors!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Chicken with Tomato-Olive Salsa?
It is a vibrant dish featuring pan-grilled chicken cubes served with a fresh salsa made of tomatoes, olives, and basil, topped with crumbled feta cheese.
How much chicken is required for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 4 boneless chicken breasts.
How should the chicken be prepared?
The chicken should be cubed into bite-sized pieces and tossed with olive oil and Italian salad dressing mix.
What are the main components of the salsa?
The salsa consists of diced fresh tomatoes, drained and sliced black olives, olive oil, Italian dressing mix, and fresh basil.
What kind of olives should I use?
You should use one 16-ounce can of ripe pitted black olives, drained and sliced.
How long does it take to cook the chicken?
The chicken takes approximately 6 to 8 minutes to cook in a nonstick skillet over medium heat.
What should I serve this chicken with?
It is recommended to serve this dish over hot cooked couscous or pasta.
Can I add side vegetables to this meal?
Yes, serving it alongside oven-roasted asparagus or a fresh garden salad is suggested for a complete meal.
What kind of cheese is used in this recipe?
The recipe uses 1.5 cups of crumbled feta cheese.
How much Italian salad dressing mix is needed?
One 7-ounce packet of Italian salad dressing mix is used, divided between the chicken and the salsa.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and is designed to be easy to prepare.
Does the recipe use fresh or dried basil?
The recipe calls for 1/4 cup of fresh, chopped basil.
What is the recommended amount of olive oil?
A total of 4 teaspoons of olive oil is used, divided between the chicken seasoning and the salsa.
How many tomatoes are needed?
You will need 2 cups of diced fresh tomatoes.
How much pasta or couscous should I cook?
The recipe suggests 2 cups of hot, cooked pasta or couscous.
Is this dish suitable for dinner parties?
Yes, it is described as offering a stunning visual presentation perfect for dinner parties.
What type of skillet is best for cooking the chicken?
A nonstick skillet is recommended to prevent the chicken from sticking while browning.
How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?
The chicken is done when it is golden brown and there is no pink remaining in the center.
Can I use a different type of olive?
While the recipe specifies black olives, you can substitute with other pitted varieties like Kalamata for a different flavor profile.
What makes this recipe Mediterranean?
The use of ingredients like olive oil, fresh tomatoes, olives, feta cheese, and basil gives it a classic Mediterranean profile.
How do I assemble the final plate?
Place the cooked chicken over a bed of couscous or pasta, top with the tomato-olive salsa, and finish with crumbled feta.
Is this a healthy recipe?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy meal option due to the lean protein and fresh vegetable components.
Should the salsa be cooked?
No, the salsa is prepared fresh by tossing the ingredients together in a bowl.
What is the texture of the chicken?
The chicken is pan-grilled to be tender on the inside and golden brown on the outside.
Can I prepare the salsa in advance?
Yes, the salsa can be mixed while the chicken is cooking to allow the flavors to meld.
How many main ingredients are there?
There are 8 main ingredients listed for this recipe.
Is the feta cheese added to the pan?
No, the feta cheese is sprinkled on top of the dish just before serving.
What heat setting should I use for the chicken?
The chicken should be cooked over medium heat.
What is the preparation style for the tomatoes?
The tomatoes should be fresh and diced.
Can I serve this cold?
The recipe is designed to be served immediately while the chicken and pasta are hot.