Dive into the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this delightful Mediterranean Chicken Skillet dish. It’s a warm, inviting meal that’s sure to become a regular favorite in your kitchen.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: From start to finish, this dish only takes around 27 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Flavorful Comfort: The combination of roasted artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, and capers brings a burst of Mediterranean flavor.
- Versatile: Adaptable to gluten-free diets and easily customizable with your favorite ingredients and seasonings.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The ingredients for this Mediterranean Chicken Skillet are delightfully simple, yet each one plays a crucial role. From the juicy chicken breast to the tangy lemon juice, every component adds a layer of deliciousness.
- Chicken Breast: The star of the dish, providing lean protein and a hearty base.
- Olive Oil: Adds a rich, fruity flavor quintessential to Mediterranean cooking.
- Roasted Artichoke Hearts: Offer a tender texture and earthy flavor that complements the dish beautifully.
- Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Add a sweet and tangy element that brightens the entire skillet.
- Capers: Their briny taste cuts through the richness and balances the flavors.
- Lemon Juice: Infuses the dish with a fresh, zesty kick.
- Gluten-Free Flour: Ensures the dish is suitable for those avoiding gluten, while thickening the sauce nicely.
- Almond Milk: Provides a creamy sauce base without the dairy.
- Fresh Parsley: Adds a pop of color and freshness to garnish.
Variations
One of the joys of cooking is making a recipe your own. This Mediterranean Chicken Skillet is wonderfully adaptable to your taste and needs.
- Vegetarian: Swap the chicken for chickpeas for a hearty, meat-free option.
- Dairy-Free: Use coconut milk instead of almond milk for added richness without dairy.
- Add Spices: For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or smoked paprika.
How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Skillet
Step 1: Season the Chicken
In a medium bowl, combine gluten-free flour with salt and pepper. This mixture will give your chicken a light, flavorful crust. Coat each chicken breast evenly, ensuring that each piece is well-covered for a golden finish when cooked.
Step 2: Cook the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Gently place the chicken in the hot oil, ensuring not to crowd the pan. Let it cook for about 10-12 minutes per side until it achieves a beautiful golden brown color and is completely cooked through. Once done, transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.
Step 3: Create the Sauce
In the same skillet, toss in roasted artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, and capers. These ingredients sizzle and combine over medium heat, releasing their delicious aromas. Whisk together almond milk and the remaining gluten-free flour to form a smooth mixture and add it to the skillet. Let it simmer until the sauce thickens, infusing every bite with its creamy goodness.
Step 4: Simmer Together
Reintroduce the chicken to the skillet to let it bathe in the flavorful sauce. Allow it to simmer for a few minutes to ensure every piece absorbs these Mediterranean flavors. Finish with a splash of lemon juice, heightening the dish’s brightness.
Pro Tips for Making Mediterranean Chicken Skillet
- Flavor Infusion: Marinate the chicken in a mix of olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic for at least 30 minutes beforehand for extra zest.
- Batch Cooking: If preparing for a larger group, cook the chicken in batches to maintain a perfect golden crust.
- Sauce Consistency: For a thicker sauce, add a bit more gluten-free flour, whisking continuously to prevent clumps.
How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Skillet
Garnishes
Top this stunning dish with a sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley for a burst of color and freshness. You can also add lemon wedges on the side for extra zing, allowing guests to squeeze as desired.
Side Dishes
This Mediterranean Chicken Skillet pairs perfectly with a light couscous salad or quinoa pilaf, absorbing the rich sauce while providing an additional wholesome texture. A crusty loaf of bread on the side wouldn’t go amiss either.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform your dining table into a Mediterranean feast by serving the chicken skillet in a large terracotta dish. Surround it with vibrant sides like grilled vegetables or a fresh Mediterranean salad for a pop of color that will wow your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making for even tastier next-day meals.
Freezing
You can freeze this Mediterranean Chicken Skillet for up to two months. Just transfer it to a freezer-safe container, and when you’re ready to enjoy, thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the dish in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of almond milk if the sauce has thickened. Alternatively, it can be microwaved on medium power until heated through.
FAQs
-
Can I use other types of protein?
Absolutely! This recipe works well with turkey breast or pork tenderloin as a fun variation. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.
-
How can I make it spicier?
You can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or chopped fresh chili flakes to the spice mix for an extra kick of heat.
-
What can I substitute for gluten-free flour?
If you aren’t following a gluten-free diet, regular all-purpose flour is an ideal substitute for a similar texture.
-
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it’s a lovely choice for meal prep! Prepare the dish and divide it into individual servings for a week of easy lunches or dinners.
Final Thoughts
Ready to take your taste buds on a Mediterranean adventure? This Mediterranean Chicken Skillet is not only quick and easy but a joyous burst of flavor in every bite. I encourage you to give it a try—your kitchen will feel like a sunlit Greek terrace with every delicious mouthful!
Print
Mediterranean Chicken Skillet Recipe
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 27 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
This Mediterranean Chicken Skillet is a flavorful, easy-to-make dish featuring tender chicken breasts cooked to perfection and simmered in a savory sauce with artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, capers, and a lemony cream sauce. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that combines bold flavors and wholesome ingredients.
Ingredients
Chicken
1.5 pounds chicken breast, cut in half lengthwise to cook faster
Dredging Mixture
2 tablespoons gluten-free flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
Cooking and Sauce
2 tablespoons olive oil
8 ounces can of roasted artichoke hearts, drained
3 ounces sun-dried tomatoes
3 tablespoons capers, drained
2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
1 tablespoon gluten-free flour
1 cup almond milk (or any other milk)
1 tablespoon freshly chopped parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a medium bowl, mix the 2 tablespoons of gluten-free flour with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper. Lightly coat each piece of chicken with the seasoned flour to ensure an even coating.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for about 10-12 minutes per side, until fully cooked and golden. Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding. Once done, transfer to a plate and cover to keep warm.
- Make the Sauce Base: In a small bowl, whisk 1 tablespoon gluten-free flour with 1 cup almond milk until smooth, with no lumps remaining.
- Saute Vegetables and Combine: In the same skillet, add the drained artichoke hearts, sun-dried tomatoes, and capers. Saute for about 2 minutes to heat through and develop flavors. Pour in the milk mixture and add the lemon juice. Whisk to combine and allow the sauce to thicken, about 3-4 minutes.
- Return Chicken and Simmer: Place the cooked chicken back into the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes until the dish is heated through and flavors meld.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve warm, ideally with side dishes like rice, quinoa, or crusty bread.
Notes
- Ensure the chicken breasts are evenly cut for uniform cooking.
- Adjust the seasoning and lemon juice according to taste preference.
- This dish pairs well with a side of roasted vegetables or a light salad.
- Can be made dairy-free by using a plant-based milk such as coconut or oat.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe (~300g)
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fiber: 5g
- Protein: 45g
- Cholesterol: 125mg
