Indulge in the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this irresistible Chicken Mediterranean Surprise! Juicy, golden-seared chicken breasts are lovingly simmered in a luscious, aromatic sauce brimming with sun-dried tomatoes, kalamata olives, and cherry tomatoes. Topped with crumbled feta cheese, fresh basil, and a bright splash of lemon juice, each bite is a harmonious blend of tangy, savory, and herbaceous goodness. This quick and easy recipe, ready in just 45 minutes, is perfect for weeknight dinners but elegant enough for entertaining. Serve it over fluffy couscous, steamed rice, or with crusty bread to savor every drop of the rich, flavorful sauce. Ideal for Mediterranean diet enthusiasts and chicken lovers alike, this dish is guaranteed to impress!
Begin by preparing the chicken breasts. Pat them dry with a paper towel and season both sides with 1/2 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
In a large skillet or sauté pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 4–5 minutes per side, or until golden brown. Remove the chicken and set aside.
Lower the heat to medium and add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Stir in the diced onion and cook for 3–4 minutes, or until softened and translucent.
Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, stirring frequently to avoid burning.
Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes and kalamata olives. Cook for 2 minutes to release their flavors.
Add the cherry tomatoes, dried oregano, and 1/4 teaspoon of salt. Cook for 5 minutes, gently pressing the cherry tomatoes with the back of a spoon to release their juices.
Pour in the chicken broth and stir to combine. Return the seared chicken breasts to the pan, nestling them into the sauce.
Cover the skillet with a lid and reduce the heat to low. Simmer for 15 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Remove the lid and sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese and fresh basil over the top. Drizzle with the fresh lemon juice. Let cook uncovered for 2–3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
Remove the skillet from the heat and let the dish rest for 5 minutes. Garnish with minced parsley, if desired, before serving.
Serve the Chicken Mediterranean Surprise over a bed of rice, couscous, or alongside crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce!
Calories |
2619 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 150.4 g | 193% | |
| Saturated Fat | 33.0 g | 165% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 4.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 642 mg | 214% | |
| Sodium | 6182 mg | 269% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 68.1 g | 25% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 18.9 g | 68% | |
| Total Sugars | 31.9 g | ||
| Protein | 243.1 g | 486% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.2 mcg | 1% | |
| Calcium | 733 mg | 56% | |
| Iron | 19.2 mg | 107% | |
| Potassium | 5065 mg | 108% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.