Mediterranean Chicken Skillet with Cherry Tomatoes and Olives
Succulent chicken thighs cooked with ripe cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and fragrant herbs in a one-pan dish that bursts with Mediterranean flavors. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (vegetarian-friendly) ready in about 45 minutes pairs boneless chicken thighs, halved cherry tomatoes, pitted Kalamata olives for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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 boneless chicken thighs
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup, pitted Kalamata olives
- 3 cloves, minced garlic
- 1/4 cup, chopped fresh parsley
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1, juiced lemon
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season chicken thighs with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes per side until golden brown and nearly cooked through, then remove and set aside.
- Step 2: Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil to the skillet. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant. Stir in cherry tomatoes, olives, oregano, and 1/4 tsp salt. Cook for 8-10 minutes until tomatoes soften and release their juices.
- Step 3: Return chicken to the skillet. Pour in lemon juice and stir to combine. Simmer for 5-7 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and sauce thickens. Garnish with parsley and serve.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Mediterranean Chicken Skillet with Cherry Tomatoes and Olives take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 Skillet with Cherry Tomatoes and Olives?
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 boneless chicken thighs from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Mediterranean Chicken Skillet with Cherry Tomatoes and Olives?
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 Skillet with Cherry Tomatoes and Olives 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 Skillet with Cherry Tomatoes and Olives vegetarian-friendly?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian-friendly based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★☆☆
Okay for a quick meal. I've had better chicken dishes though.
