Introduction
One Skillet Greek Chicken is the kind of recipe that proves bold flavor does not require complicated steps or a sink full of dishes. Inspired by classic Mediterranean ingredients, this dish combines tender chicken with bright lemon, garlic, herbs, and fresh vegetables, all cooked together in a single pan. I often make this recipe on busy evenings when I want something wholesome and satisfying without spending hours in the kitchen. The flavors are vibrant and balanced, with citrusy brightness, savory herbs, and juicy chicken coming together beautifully. What makes this recipe especially appealing is its versatility. It works just as well served over rice or potatoes as it does with crusty bread or a simple salad. Light yet filling, colorful, and full of Mediterranean charm, One Skillet Greek Chicken is a reliable dinner that feels fresh, comforting, and elegant all at once.
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One Skillet Greek Chicken – Fresh, Flavorful, and Effortlessly Simple
- Total Time: 35 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
Description
One Skillet Greek Chicken is a flavorful, Mediterranean-inspired dish featuring tender chicken cooked with lemon, garlic, olives, tomatoes, and herbs—all in one pan for an easy, vibrant weeknight meal.
Ingredients
- 4 chicken thighs or breasts
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lemon (zest + juice)
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- Fresh parsley or dill for garnish
Instructions
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, oregano, and thyme.
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken on both sides until golden, about 3–4 minutes per side. Remove and set aside.
- Add garlic to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds.
- Add cherry tomatoes, olives, lemon zest, and lemon juice; stir well.
- Pour in chicken broth and return chicken to the skillet.
- Cover and simmer for 15–20 minutes, or until chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or dill before serving.
Notes
- Serve over rice, couscous, or roasted potatoes for a complete meal.
- Add feta cheese on top for authentic Greek flavor.
- Use bone-in chicken for extra juiciness—adjust cook time as needed.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 25 mins
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Greek
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This recipe is quick, healthy, and made in one skillet. It delivers fresh Mediterranean flavors, minimal cleanup, and a balanced meal perfect for weeknights or casual entertaining.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Chicken thighs or breasts
Chicken provides lean protein and stays juicy when cooked in the skillet.
Olive oil
Olive oil adds richness and authentic Mediterranean flavor.
Garlic
Garlic brings savory depth and aroma to the dish.
Lemon juice
Lemon juice adds brightness and balances the savory elements.
Lemon zest
Lemon zest enhances citrus flavor without extra acidity.
Dried oregano
Oregano provides classic Greek herb flavor.
Paprika
Paprika adds warmth and subtle color.
Salt
Salt enhances all the flavors in the dish.
Black pepper
Black pepper adds gentle heat and balance.
Cherry tomatoes
Tomatoes add sweetness, juiciness, and color.
Red onion
Red onion adds mild sweetness and texture.
Kalamata olives
Olives add briny depth and authentic Greek character.
Feta cheese
Feta adds creamy saltiness and finishes the dish beautifully.
Fresh parsley
Parsley adds freshness and color before serving.
Directions
Begin by patting the chicken dry and seasoning it with salt, black pepper, oregano, and paprika. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown on both sides, then remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, add garlic and red onion, cooking until fragrant and slightly softened. Add cherry tomatoes and olives, stirring gently to release their juices. Pour in lemon juice and sprinkle in lemon zest, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the vegetables. Cover and simmer until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Sprinkle feta cheese over the top and allow it to soften slightly. Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Equipment needed :
Must-Have Tools to Get Rolling
Here’s what you’ll want to have on hand:
Silicone Spatula – Durable, heat-resistant silicone spatula perfect for mixing, scraping, and spreading. Gentle on non-stick cookware and easy to clean.
Large pot – You’ll need this to boil the whole cabbage head and soften the leaves.
large bowl –Spacious, durable large bowl ideal for mixing, serving, or food preparation. Made from sturdy material and easy to clean.
Sharp knife – For coring the cabbage and slicing out the thick stem in each leaf. A paring knife works best.
Mixing bowl – A big bowl makes it easier to combine your meat and rice filling evenly.
Cutting board – For prepping cabbage leaves and rolling them like a pro.
Full-Size Blender – is a powerful kitchen appliance for making smoothies, soups, and sauces in large batches.
3-in-1 Air Fryer – This versatile 3-in-1 air fryer offers Air Fry for healthier meals with less oil, Bake for bakery-quality desserts and treats, and Reheat to bring leftovers back to life with crispy, flavorful results.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves approximately 4 people. Preparation time is about 10 minutes, with a cooking time of 25 to 30 minutes.
Storage/reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave until warmed through. This dish can also be enjoyed cold as a salad-style meal.
Variations and Customizations
One Skillet Greek Chicken is easy to adapt. You can add zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach for extra vegetables. Chicken thighs can be replaced with chicken breasts or even bone-in pieces with adjusted cooking time. For extra heat, add red pepper flakes. Serve with rice, orzo, roasted potatoes, or warm pita bread. For a dairy-free version, simply omit the feta cheese and add extra olives or herbs for flavor.
Nutrition and Dietary Info
This dish is high in protein, naturally gluten-free, and rich in healthy fats from olive oil. It contains dairy from feta cheese. Nutritional values vary depending on ingredient choices and portion size.
Expert Tips & Customizations
Use Thighs for Juiciness
They stay tender and flavorful.
Deglaze the Pan
Lemon juice lifts all the flavor from the skillet.
Add Feta at the End
This keeps it creamy and fresh.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts?
Yes, but avoid overcooking to keep them juicy.
Is this recipe healthy?
Yes, it is balanced and nutrient-rich.
Can I make it ahead of time?
Yes, flavors improve after resting.
What olives work best?
Kalamata olives are ideal.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes, omit the feta cheese.
Does this freeze well?
Freezing is not recommended due to texture.
Can I add potatoes?
Yes, parboil them first before adding.
Is this kid-friendly?
Yes, the flavors are mild and fresh.
What should I serve with it?
Rice, pita, or salad pair well.
Can I cook this in the oven?
Yes, finish in the oven if preferred.
Conclusion
One Skillet Greek Chicken is a fresh, flavorful recipe that delivers Mediterranean comfort with minimal effort. Perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed gatherings, this one-pan dish offers bright flavors, tender chicken, and satisfying simplicity that makes it a true staple in any kitchen.
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