Weeknight Mediterranean Chicken with Roasted Vegetables

Oh, friends, there’s nothing quite like gathering around the table for a truly comforting meal, and this Weeknight Mediterranean Chicken is just that – a burst of sunshine and savory herbs that transports you straight to a sun-drenched coastal kitchen. It’s vibrant, juicy, and utterly satisfying, proving that simple ingredients can indeed create culinary magic.

I remember my grandmother, Nonna, always saying that the best flavors come from fresh herbs and a generous heart. While her kitchen often smelled of cinnamon and vanilla, I’ve carried that love for fresh ingredients into my own savory cooking, especially when crafting dishes like this. It’s a testament to how humble ingredients can sing together.

This incredible recipe is not only a fantastic way to bring vibrant, wholesome flavors to your dinner table, but it’s also remarkably quick to prepare – perfect for those busy weeknights! My little secret? Always let your chicken marinate for at least 20 minutes; it makes all the difference in tenderness and taste.

What You Need to Make This Recipe

For this delightful Mediterranean chicken, we’re embracing bright lemon, aromatic garlic, and sun-dried tomatoes, which truly make the sauce sing. Paired with tender chicken thighs, it’s a symphony of flavors. You’ll find the complete list of ingredients and precise measurements in the recipe card below, ready for your kitchen adventure!

How to Make mediterranean chicken

Crafting this vibrant mediterranean chicken is a breeze, truly! First, we’ll infuse our chicken with a zesty herb marinade. Then, it’s a quick sear to golden perfection before simmering in a rich, flavorful sauce bursting with sun-dried tomatoes and olives. A fresh sprinkle of herbs at the end brightens everything up, making it a joy to serve.

Lemon Herb Mediterranean Chicken

This vibrant Mediterranean chicken recipe features tender chicken thighs marinated in a zesty lemon-herb blend, then pan-seared and finished with sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and fresh herbs for a burst of flavor. It’s a healthy, easy-to-make dish perfect for a weeknight meal.

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Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 45 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Greek, Mediterranean

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Chicken Marinade

• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/4 cup lemon juice freshly squeezed
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tbsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp dried thyme
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 1/2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs trimmed of excess fat

For the Mediterranean Sauce & Finish

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup chicken broth or dry white wine
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes oil-packed, drained and sliced
• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives pitted and halved
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley chopped
• 2 tbsp fresh dill chopped, or 1 tsp dried
• 1 tbsp capers drained (optional)
• Lemon wedges for serving

Equipment

• Large Mixing Bowl
• Whisk
• Large Skillet
• Tongs
• Cutting Board
• Sharp Knife

Method

 

Prepare the Chicken

1. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, oregano, thyme, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken thighs to the bowl, toss to coat evenly, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for best flavor.

Cook the Chicken

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Remove chicken from the marinade, letting any excess drip off (discard remaining marinade). Place chicken thighs in the hot skillet in a single layer without overcrowding. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature reaches 165°F / 74°C). Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate, tented loosely with foil.

Make the Mediterranean Sauce

1. Reduce heat to medium. Pour chicken broth (or white wine) into the skillet, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon. Bring to a simmer and cook for 2-3 minutes until slightly reduced.
2. Stir in the sliced sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and capers (if using). Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Finish and Serve

1. Return the cooked chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Spoon the Mediterranean sauce and toppings over the chicken. Sprinkle generously with fresh chopped parsley and dill. Serve immediately with lemon wedges.

Notes

This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of quinoa, couscous, or a simple green salad. For extra texture and flavor, you can add a handful of fresh spinach or quartered artichoke hearts to the sauce in step 4 and cook until wilted/heated through. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Over the years, I’ve learned a few tricks that truly elevate a dish, and this mediterranean chicken is no exception. Here are my go-to tips for making it shine:

• My Secret Trick: Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing the chicken! Cooking in batches ensures a beautiful, even golden-brown crust, which locks in all those wonderful juices and flavors. Patience here truly pays off.
• For an even deeper flavor profile, I always recommend letting your chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes, or even better, overnight in the fridge. This allows the lemon and herbs to truly penetrate the meat, making every bite incredibly tender and aromatic.
• Don’t skip the fresh herbs at the end! A generous sprinkle of fresh parsley and dill after cooking adds a burst of vibrant color and a fresh, bright flavor that truly complements the richness of the sauce. It’s a simple step that makes a world of difference.
• Taste as you go! Before serving, I always taste the Mediterranean sauce and adjust the seasoning. Sometimes a tiny pinch more salt or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice can really make all those beautiful flavors pop.

Fun Variations for mediterranean chicken

One of the things I adore about home cooking is the freedom to play and adapt! This mediterranean chicken recipe is wonderfully versatile, inviting you to add your own personal touch. Here are some playful twists my friends and I have enjoyed:

Veggie Power Boost

My friend Sarah loves to sneak in extra vegetables. You can easily add bell peppers, zucchini, or cherry tomatoes directly into the pan during the sauce simmering step. They’ll soften beautifully and soak up all those delicious Mediterranean flavors.

Spicy Kick

If you, like my husband, enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes added to the marinade or the sauce brings a lovely warmth without overpowering the other herbs. Start with a quarter teaspoon and adjust to your liking!

Creamy Indulgence

For a richer, more luxurious sauce, I sometimes swirl in a tablespoon or two of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream at the very end, just before serving. It adds a wonderful velvety texture that’s absolutely divine with this mediterranean chicken.

What to Serve With mediterranean chicken

This flavorful mediterranean chicken is a meal in itself, but a few simple accompaniments can truly complete the experience, making it feel like a cherished gathering. Here are some of my favorite ways to serve it:

• Fluffy Couscous or Rice: I love serving this dish over a bed of fluffy couscous or even a simple lemon-herb rice. They soak up all that incredible sauce, ensuring not a drop of flavor is missed!
• Crusty Bread: For my family, no saucy dish is complete without a warm, crusty baguette for dipping. It’s perfect for swooping up every last bit of the zesty sauce.
• Simple Green Salad: A fresh, vibrant green salad with a light vinaigrette offers a wonderful contrast to the richness of the chicken, adding a refreshing crispness to your plate. My mom always makes one.

How to Store mediterranean chicken

Life gets busy, and having delicious leftovers is truly a gift! Properly storing your mediterranean chicken ensures you can savor those wonderful flavors again later.

Refrigerator Storage

Once cooled completely, I always transfer any leftover mediterranean chicken and its sauce to an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, making for a fantastic quick lunch or dinner later in the week.

Freezer Friendly

Yes, you can freeze this too! For longer storage, place the cooled chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy, thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

Reheating for Freshness

To reheat, gently warm the mediterranean chicken in a skillet on the stovetop over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce seems too thick. My personal tip? A fresh squeeze of lemon juice after reheating always brings it back to life!

Nutritional Benefits

This delightful Mediterranean chicken isn’t just delicious; it’s packed with goodness! Lean chicken thighs provide excellent protein, while fresh herbs and olive oil contribute heart-healthy fats and antioxidants. It’s a comforting treat that’s both satisfying and nourishing for your body.

FAQs

Faq 1: Can I use chicken breast instead of thighs?

Absolutely! While chicken thighs offer more moisture and flavor, you can certainly use boneless, skinless chicken breasts. Just be mindful not to overcook them, as they can dry out faster. Adjust cooking time accordingly for juicy results with your mediterranean chicken.

Faq 2: What kind of olives are best for this recipe?

I find Kalamata olives bring a wonderful briny, rich flavor that perfectly complements the other ingredients in this Mediterranean chicken. However, if you prefer something milder, black olives would also be a lovely addition. Use what you love!

Faq 3: Can I prepare the sauce in advance?

Yes, you can! You can definitely chop your sun-dried tomatoes, olives, and herbs, and even mix your chicken broth and seasonings ahead of time. This makes the final assembly of your mediterranean chicken even quicker on a busy weeknight.

Faq 4: What if I don’t have fresh dill?

No worries! While fresh dill adds a beautiful bright note, you can omit it if you don’t have it. A bit more fresh parsley or even a tiny pinch of dried dill (use sparingly, it’s potent!) would work for this mediterranean chicken.

Conclusion

And there you have it, dear friends – a delightful Weeknight Mediterranean Chicken that promises to fill your kitchen with incredible aromas and your table with joy. It’s a testament to how simple ingredients, combined with a little love and patience, can create truly memorable meals. So go ahead, gather your loved ones, and savor the sweet reward of a homemade dish that brings people together and creates beautiful memories. Happy cooking!