Mediterranean Chicken Puttanesca Bowl
A lean, protein-packed dinner featuring herb-marinated chicken breast with a robust tomato-olive sauce, perfect for warm spring evenings. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (gluten-free) ready in about 45 minutes pairs chicken breast, olive oil, dried oregano for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1 lb chicken breast
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried basil
- 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives
- 2 tbsp capers
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 cups cooked quinoa
Instructions
- Step 1: Pound 1 lb chicken breast to 1/2-inch thickness, then rub with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp dried oregano, and 1 tsp dried basil. Let marinate for 10 minutes while preparing sauce.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook for 6 minutes per side until golden and internal temperature reaches 165°F; set aside.
- Step 3: In the same skillet, add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, 1/2 cup kalamata olives, 2 tbsp capers, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, and 1/4 cup chicken broth.
- Step 4: Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes until sauce thickens slightly and flavors meld, stirring occasionally.
- Step 5: Slice chicken and arrange over 2 cups cooked quinoa. Pour sauce generously over chicken and quinoa, ensuring each serving has a balanced mix of protein, grain, and sauce.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Mediterranean Chicken Puttanesca Bowl take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (20 min prep + 25 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Mediterranean Chicken Puttanesca Bowl?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep chicken breast from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Mediterranean Chicken Puttanesca Bowl?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Mediterranean Chicken Puttanesca Bowl for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Mediterranean Chicken Puttanesca Bowl gluten-free?
Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten-free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
I've tried many chicken recipes and this is hands down the best.