Quick & Delicious One-Skillet Mediterranean Chicken with Briny Capers: Your New Weeknight Favorite

Transform your dinner routine with this incredibly flavorful and easy-to-make Mediterranean Chicken. This one-skillet marvel brings together tender chicken, juicy cherry tomatoes, savory olives, and zesty capers, creating a vibrant dish that’s both healthy and satisfying. Perfect for busy weeknights, this recipe promises big Mediterranean flavors with minimal cleanup, proving that delicious meals don’t have to be complicated.

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⏲️ Time Needed: Speedy & Simple Mediterranean Perfection

In today’s fast-paced world, quick and easy meal solutions are invaluable. This Mediterranean Chicken recipe truly shines in its efficiency, making it an ideal choice for anyone short on time but unwilling to compromise on taste. With an incredibly brief 5-minute prep time, you’ll be amazed at how quickly you can assemble this gourmet-tasting dish. The hands-on cooking is equally swift, requiring about 15 minutes on the stovetop to perfectly brown the chicken, followed by a quick 15-20 minutes in the oven to allow all the flavors to meld and the chicken to cook through. This means your entire meal can be table-ready in approximately 35-40 minutes from start to finish. It’s a testament to the fact that healthy, flavorful, and satisfying weeknight dinners are indeed within reach, even for the busiest of cooks. Enjoy more time at the dinner table and less time in the kitchen!

🥘 Ingredients: Fresh Flavors from the Mediterranean

The beauty of Mediterranean cuisine lies in its reliance on fresh, high-quality ingredients that burst with natural flavor. This recipe is no exception, utilizing a simple yet powerful combination to create a dish that’s both vibrant and deeply satisfying.

Boneless, Skinless Chicken Pieces: We recommend using chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe. Boneless and skinless cuts ensure quicker cooking and a leaner meal. Opt for thin-cut chicken breasts or butterfly thicker ones to ensure even cooking, or simply pound them to a uniform thickness. This preparation helps prevent one part of the chicken from drying out while another is still cooking.
Salt and Pepper: These fundamental seasonings are crucial for enhancing the chicken’s natural taste. Don’t be shy; a liberal seasoning will elevate the overall flavor profile of the dish. Consider using freshly ground black pepper for a more potent aroma.
Oil: A good quality olive oil is highly recommended to complement the Mediterranean theme, though any high-heat cooking oil like vegetable or canola oil will work. It’s essential for sautéing the chicken to a beautiful golden brown and creating the base for our savory sauce.
Cherry Tomatoes: These sweet and juicy gems add a wonderful burst of freshness and acidity to the dish. As they cook, they soften and release their liquids, contributing to a flavorful pan sauce. If cherry tomatoes are out of season, you can substitute with grape tomatoes or even diced regular tomatoes.
Olives: Sliced black olives, such as Kalamata or regular black olives, bring a distinct salty and briny note that is quintessential to Mediterranean fare. They add depth and a delightful textural contrast. Ensure they are pitted and, if using jarred olives, drain them well before adding.
Capers: These tiny, briny flower buds are the star secret ingredient that elevates this dish. Their unique salty, tangy, and slightly pungent flavor adds a sophisticated layer to the chicken and complements the other Mediterranean ingredients perfectly. A dedicated section below will delve deeper into what makes capers so special.

❓ What are Capers? Unlocking the Mediterranean’s Briny Secret

Capers, often overlooked but incredibly impactful, are a cornerstone of Mediterranean cooking. Far from being berries, they are actually the unripened flower buds of the Caper Bush (Capparis spinosa), a resilient plant native to the sun-drenched coastal regions of the Mediterranean and parts of Asia. These small, green buds are typically about the size of a pea, though larger varieties exist.

The magic of capers truly unfolds after they are harvested. They are rarely consumed fresh due to their intensely bitter flavor. Instead, once picked, the buds are either brined in vinegar or salt-cured, a process that transforms their taste entirely. This curing process is what imbues them with their characteristic pungent, salty, and tangy flavor profile, often described as a burst of lemony brininess with a slightly peppery undertone.

In the culinary world, capers are celebrated for their ability to add a vibrant, zesty accent to a wide array of dishes. They are particularly harmonious with ingredients like lemon, butter, olive oil, and of course, olives, making them an indispensable component of many Mediterranean and Italian recipes. You’ll find them brightening up everything from pasta sauces (like Puttanesca) and fish dishes (think sole meunière or tuna salad) to vibrant salads, tapenades, and even chicken or veal piccata. Their distinct flavor can cut through richness, add a layer of complexity to simple preparations, and awaken the palate.

When purchasing capers, you’ll typically find them in jars, packed in brine. Some gourmet stores might offer salt-cured capers, which tend to have a more intense flavor. Regardless of the type, it’s advisable to rinse brined capers before use to reduce excess sodium, and thoroughly rinse and sometimes even soak salt-cured capers to remove the thick salt coating. Stored in their brine or tightly sealed if salt-cured, capers have an excellent shelf life, making them a pantry staple for adding an instant burst of Mediterranean sunshine to your meals.

📋 Instructions: Crafting Your Mediterranean Masterpiece

This Mediterranean Chicken recipe is designed for ease and efficiency, making it a perfect one-skillet meal that transitions smoothly from stovetop to oven. Follow these detailed steps to create a delicious and memorable dinner.

Prepare the Chicken: Begin by thoroughly washing your boneless, skinless chicken pieces under cold water. Pat them completely dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a good sear. Season both sides of the chicken liberally with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Ensure every piece is well-coated to enhance the flavor. For optimal and even cooking, especially if using thicker chicken breasts, consider slicing them into thin cutlets or gently pounding them to a uniform thickness of about ¾ to 1 inch. You can also cut them into 6 similar-sized pieces for easier handling.
Sear on Stovetop: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil (or your preferred cooking oil) in a large, ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Once the oil is shimmering, carefully add the seasoned chicken pieces to the hot skillet, ensuring not to overcrowd the pan. If necessary, cook in batches. Sear the chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, until beautifully golden brown. This browning step is essential as it locks in moisture and develops a rich, savory flavor. The chicken does not need to be cooked through at this stage.
Add Mediterranean Aromatics: Once the chicken is nicely browned on both sides, reduce the heat slightly if needed. Scatter 1 pint of fresh cherry tomatoes, 4 ounces of drained sliced olives, and 3 tablespoons of drained capers evenly around and over the chicken in the skillet. The tomatoes will begin to soften and release their juices, forming a flavorful pan sauce, while the olives and capers infuse the dish with their characteristic briny and tangy notes.
Bake to Perfection: Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven at 475°F (245°C). Bake, uncovered, for 15-20 minutes. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your chicken. The chicken is cooked through when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) as measured with a meat thermometer at the thickest part. The cherry tomatoes should be soft and slightly burst, and the sauce should be fragrant and slightly reduced.
Rest and Serve: Once baked, carefully remove the skillet from the oven. Tent the skillet loosely with foil and let the chicken rest for 5-10 minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a tender and moist result. Spoon the delicious pan sauce, along with the tomatoes, olives, and capers, over the chicken. Serve immediately with your preferred side dish, such as couscous or rice, to soak up all the wonderful Mediterranean flavors.

💭 Tips for Mediterranean Chicken Success & Delicious Variations

To ensure your Mediterranean Chicken with Capers is always a resounding success, and to encourage culinary creativity, here are some invaluable tips and exciting variations:

Even Cooking is Key: As mentioned in the instructions, uniformly sized chicken pieces are paramount for consistent cooking. Whether you opt for thin cutlets, butterfly thicker breasts, or pound them to an even thickness of about ¾ to 1 inch, this step prevents some parts from drying out while others are still cooking. Cutting larger breasts into 6 similar-sized pieces also helps in achieving this uniformity.
Enhance Flavor with Aromatics: Before adding the chicken to the skillet, consider briefly sautéing 2-3 cloves of minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. You could also add a pinch of dried oregano, basil, or a blend of Italian herbs to the oil before searing the chicken, infusing it with deeper Mediterranean aromas.
A Splash of Acidity: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the finished dish just before serving can brighten all the flavors, adding a wonderful tang that complements the capers and tomatoes beautifully. Lemon zest grated over the top can also provide a fresh aromatic finish.
Spice It Up: For those who enjoy a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes added with the tomatoes and olives will introduce a subtle warmth without overpowering the Mediterranean essence.
Vegetable Boost: This recipe is incredibly adaptable to additional vegetables. Consider adding sliced bell peppers (red, yellow, or orange), quartered artichoke hearts (canned, drained), or even a handful of fresh spinach during the last 5 minutes of baking. The spinach will wilt down quickly, adding nutrients and color.
Cheese Please: A sprinkle of crumbled feta cheese over the top of the chicken after it comes out of the oven, or even a shaving of fresh Parmesan, can add a creamy, salty dimension that pairs wonderfully with the Mediterranean flavors.
Marination for Depth: If you have extra time, marinate the chicken breasts in a mixture of olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, and dried oregano for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator, before cooking. This will infuse the chicken with even more flavor and tenderize it further.
Storage and Reheating: Leftovers of Mediterranean Chicken with Capers are fantastic! Store any remaining chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave until heated through. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce seems too thick.
One-Skillet Wonder: Embrace the convenience of this dish! The fact that it’s cooked in a single ovenproof skillet minimizes cleanup, making it even more appealing for busy weeknights. Ensure your skillet is genuinely oven-safe (check the handle material).

Recipe Card: Mediterranean Chicken with Capers

Succulent chicken breast, perfectly cooked, resting on a bed of fluffy couscous. It's generously garnished with vibrant cherry tomatoes, thinly sliced black olives, and briny capers, all served on an elegant red plate with a fork poised for a delicious bite. This Mediterranean-inspired dish is ideal for quick, healthy, and easy weeknight dinners.

Mediterranean Chicken with Capers

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Elevate your sautéed chicken with a vibrant Mediterranean flair! This effortless one-skillet dish combines succulent chicken with fresh cherry tomatoes, savory sliced olives, and zesty capers, baked to perfection for a quick and healthy meal.

AuthorMary Ann

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Prep Time 5 minutes

Cook Time 30 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Course Main Dish

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 6 servings

Calories 245

Ingredients

2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken pieces, such as breasts or thighs, pounded thin or cut into even pieces
Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste, for liberal seasoning
1 tablespoon olive oil, or other high-heat cooking oil
1 pint cherry tomatoes, fresh, rinsed
4 ounces sliced olives, pitted, such as Kalamata or black olives, well drained
3 tablespoons capers, brined, rinsed, and drained

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Instructions

Thoroughly wash 2 pounds of boneless, skinless chicken pieces and pat them completely dry with a paper towel. Season both sides generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
In a large, ovenproof skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken and cook until nicely browned on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side. The chicken does not need to be cooked through at this point. Then, add 1 pint of fresh cherry tomatoes, 4 ounces of drained sliced olives, and 3 tablespoons of rinsed and drained capers to the skillet, distributing them around the chicken.
Transfer the skillet to a preheated oven and bake, uncovered, at 475°F (245°C) for 15-20 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The tomatoes should be soft and slightly burst.
Remove from oven, tent loosely with foil, and let rest for 5-10 minutes. Serve immediately, spooning the flavorful pan sauce over the chicken, ideally with plain or seasoned couscous, rice, or your favorite side.

Notes

For chicken that cooks evenly and remains juicy, always choose thin cutlets or pound thicker chicken breasts to a uniform thickness. Cutting larger breasts into 6 similar-sized pieces also helps ensure consistent results.

For an effortless and complementary side dish, serve this Mediterranean Chicken with Capers over fluffy plain couscous, seasoned couscous, or even a bed of rice or orzo pasta. The rich pan sauce is perfect for soaking into grains.

Consider adding a squeeze of fresh lemon juice or a handful of fresh parsley over the finished dish for an extra burst of freshness. Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Nutrition per serving

Calories: 245 calCarbohydrates: 4 gProtein: 33 gFat: 10 gSodium: 683 mgFiber: 1 gSugar: 2 g

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🥗 Side Dishes: Completing Your Mediterranean Feast

Mediterranean Chicken with Capers is a flavorful and satisfying main dish on its own, but pairing it with the right side dishes can elevate your meal to a true feast. The rich, tangy pan sauce created during cooking is perfect for absorbing into grains or pairing with fresh vegetables.

Couscous: This is a classic and highly recommended accompaniment. Its light, fluffy texture is ideal for soaking up the delicious Mediterranean sauce. You can serve it plain for simplicity, or enhance it with herbs like parsley or mint, a squeeze of lemon juice, or even a dash of garlic powder for seasoned couscous. Israeli couscous, with its larger, pearl-like grains, also makes for an excellent textural contrast.
Rice: If couscous isn’t your preference, a bed of fluffy rice works wonderfully. Basmati or jasmine rice provides a neutral base, allowing the chicken’s flavors to shine. For a healthier option, consider brown rice or wild rice, which add a nutty flavor and more fiber. Orzo pasta, cooked like rice, is another fantastic grain-like alternative.
Fresh Salad: A crisp, refreshing side salad is a perfect counterpoint to the savory chicken. A simple Greek salad with cucumbers, tomatoes, red onion, feta cheese, and a light vinaigrette would be ideal. Even a basic green salad with mixed greens and a lemon-herb dressing would work beautifully.
Steamed or Roasted Vegetables: Complement the main dish with vibrant vegetables. Steamed green beans or asparagus, lightly seasoned with salt and pepper, offer a fresh crunch. Alternatively, roasted broccoli, zucchini, or bell peppers would add depth and a lovely char flavor that pairs well with the Mediterranean profile.
Crusty Bread: Don’t let any of that incredible pan sauce go to waste! Serve with a warm, crusty artisan bread, ciabatta, or pita bread for dipping and soaking up every last drop of the flavorful juices. It’s a simple pleasure that enhances the entire dining experience.
Roasted Potatoes: For a heartier meal, consider serving with small roasted potatoes or wedges, seasoned with rosemary and garlic. Their earthy flavor and crispy texture provide a comforting element.

Choose one or a combination of these sides to create a well-rounded, delicious, and authentically Mediterranean meal that your family and friends are sure to love.

📌 Pin This Recipe for Later!

Loved the sound of this Quick & Delicious One-Skillet Mediterranean Chicken? Don’t let this fantastic recipe slip away! Pin it to your favorite dinner, chicken, or healthy recipes board on Pinterest so you can easily find it whenever you’re craving a taste of the Mediterranean. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, gluten-free friendly, and packed with incredible flavor. Share the love and inspire others to try this simple, elegant meal!