Pan-Seared Chicken with Mediterranean Olive and Herb Salsa
Juicy pan-seared chicken breasts topped with a vibrant Mediterranean salsa of olives, tomatoes, and fresh herbs for a bright and savory finish. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (mediterranean) ready in about 30 minutes pairs about 6 oz each chicken breasts, extra virgin olive oil, sea salt 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.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces, about 6 oz each chicken breasts
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tsp sea salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 1/2 cup, pitted and halved kalamata olives
- 1 cup, quartered cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, finely diced red onion
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
- 1 tbsp, chopped fresh oregano
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 4 chicken breasts (about 6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp sea salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 5-6 minutes per side until golden brown and internal temperature reaches 165°F, then transfer to a plate to rest.
- Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup halved kalamata olives, 1 cup quartered cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and 1 tbsp chopped fresh oregano. Stir in 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tbsp red wine vinegar, and 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil until well mixed.
- Step 3: Spoon the Mediterranean olive and herb salsa over the rested chicken breasts and serve immediately, letting the bright flavors complement the savory pan-seared chicken.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Mediterranean Olive and Herb Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 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 Pan-Seared Chicken with Mediterranean Olive and Herb Salsa?
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 extra virgin olive oil from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Chicken with Mediterranean Olive and Herb Salsa?
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 Pan-Seared Chicken with Mediterranean Olive and Herb Salsa 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.
What goes well with Pan-Seared Chicken with Mediterranean Olive and Herb Salsa?
Mediterranean chicken like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
