Pan-Seared Chicken with Spicy Mediterranean Olive Tapenade
Juicy pan-seared chicken breasts topped with a vibrant, spicy olive tapenade that brings a burst of Mediterranean flavors to your plate. This mediterranean-inspired chicken (mediterranean) ready in about 25 minutes pairs extra virgin olive oil, black olives, pitted and chopped, green olives, pitted and chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 2, 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
- 2 pieces (about 6 oz each) boneless skinless chicken breasts
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup black olives, pitted and chopped
- 1/2 cup green olives, pitted and chopped
- 2 tbsp capers, rinsed and chopped
- 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1 clove garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 tsp red chili flakes
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 2 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken breasts and sear for 5-6 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through (internal temperature 165°F). Remove chicken and keep warm.
- Step 3: In a medium bowl, combine 1/2 cup black olives, 1/2 cup green olives, 2 tbsp chopped capers, 1/4 cup finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, 1 minced garlic clove, 1/2 tsp red chili flakes, 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley, and 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil. Stir until well mixed and fragrant.
- Step 4: Spoon the olive tapenade generously over the cooked chicken breasts just before serving for a bright, spicy Mediterranean finish.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Chicken with Spicy Mediterranean Olive Tapenade take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (10 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 Spicy Mediterranean Olive Tapenade?
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 Spicy Mediterranean Olive Tapenade?
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 Spicy Mediterranean Olive Tapenade for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Spicy Mediterranean Olive Tapenade?
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.
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