Skillet Greek Chicken is a vibrant, one-pan wonder that captures all the sun-drenched flavors of the Mediterranean—without having to pack your bags for Santorini. Succulent chicken thighs get bathed in fragrant herbs and spices, then sizzle to golden perfection alongside a medley of colorful vegetables. Briny olives, tangy feta, and fresh lemon juice weave through every bite, giving you a meal that’s as nourishing as it is irresistible. Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or something impressive (yet low-effort) for guests, this Skillet Greek Chicken has you covered!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this dish comes from simple, fresh ingredients that each play an essential role. From juicy chicken thighs to crisp bell peppers and creamy feta, every component contributes to the lively taste, beautiful color, and satisfying texture that make Skillet Greek Chicken a staple in any home cook’s repertoire.
- Chicken thighs: Opt for boneless, skinless thighs for their unbeatable tenderness and flavor.
- Olive oil: This Mediterranean staple not only cooks the dish, but brings silkiness and depth.
- Dried oregano: The signature herb of Greek cuisine, for earthiness and aroma.
- Garlic powder: Adds instant garlicky punch without mincing required.
- Onion powder: Gives a gentle sweetness and greater flavor dimension.
- Paprika: Brings a rosy color and subtle smokiness to the chicken.
- Salt: Essential to help all the flavors pop.
- Black pepper: Adds a mild heat and fragrant bite.
- Red onion: Beautifully sweet when sautéed, plus extra color.
- Red bell pepper: Sweet, juicy, and bursting with vitamins.
- Yellow bell pepper: Another pop of color and tenderness.
- Zucchini: Mild, tender, and soaks up the savory skillet juices.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic infuses the veggies with rich aroma.
- Cherry tomatoes: Juicy bursts of freshness that balance the saltiness of olives and feta.
- Kalamata olives: Their briny, robust flavor is pure Greek goodness.
- Feta cheese: Salty, creamy crumbles to finish the dish with flair.
- Lemon juice: A final squeeze of brightness that ties it all together.
- Fresh parsley: For color, freshness, and a garden-green finish.
How to Make Skillet Greek Chicken
Step 1: Marinate and Season the Chicken
Start this flavor adventure by tossing your chicken thighs in a large bowl with a generous tablespoon of olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Don’t be shy—give those pieces a good massage so every nook and cranny is coated in that zesty blend. This quick marinade infuses the chicken with an herby punch and sets the stage for a deeply savory base.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken Thighs
Heat up the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a wide skillet over medium-high heat. Once it shimmers, nestle your seasoned thighs into the pan. Let them sear without moving for 4 to 5 minutes per side, building up a glorious golden crust while keeping the insides juicy. When fully cooked, scoop them onto a plate and set aside—the kitchen will already smell amazing!
Step 3: Sauté the Vegetables
Now drop in the sliced red onion, both bell peppers, and zucchini straight into that flavor-packed skillet. Toss and cook for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they start to soften but still keep some crunch. The veggies soak up all the tasty bits left from the chicken, making every bite even better.
Step 4: Add Garlic, Tomatoes, and Olives
Stir in the minced garlic and let it cook for just 30 seconds—enough to become fragrant without burning. Then mix in those juicy cherry tomatoes and briny Kalamata olives. Give it another 2 minutes, until the tomatoes start breaking down ever so slightly and the whole kitchen practically smells like a Greek taverna.
Step 5: Finish the Dish
Return the sizzling chicken to the skillet, nestling the pieces over the sautéed veggies. Drizzle over the fresh lemon juice for an instant hit of brightness. Sprinkle the crumbled feta and chopped parsley on top, letting the cheese soften into the pan’s warmth. Serve Skillet Greek Chicken right away for a meal that’s bursting with color, texture, and gusto.
How to Serve Skillet Greek Chicken
Garnishes
A final flourish never goes amiss! Top your Skillet Greek Chicken with extra sprinkles of feta, a few slices of lemon, and a handful of chopped fresh parsley. If you love a little extra zing, serve with a wedge of lemon or a churn of freshly cracked black pepper at the table—stunning, fragrant, and completely inviting.
Side Dishes
There’s no wrong way to round out this dish, but Skillet Greek Chicken truly shines next to a pile of fluffy rice, a bed of fragrant orzo, or even a warm pita. A classic Greek salad or a dollop of cool tzatziki on the side can make your table feel like a Mediterranean feast, transforming a simple dinner into a celebration.
Creative Ways to Present
Get playful with your presentation! Pile everything high on a rustic platter for a family-style spread, spoon the chicken and veggies into warm pita bread wraps, or layer atop a grain bowl with quinoa and extra veggies. Skillet Greek Chicken makes a fabulous lunch prep for the week, too—just pack individual servings with a squeeze of lemon and you’re set!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any Skillet Greek Chicken left (though it disappears fast!), let it cool to room temperature and pack into an airtight container. It keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to 3 days, making lunch or a quick dinner totally effortless.
Freezing
Want to save some for later? Simply portion the cooled Skillet Greek Chicken into freezer-safe containers, making sure to include both the chicken and veggies. Freeze for up to 2 months and defrost in the refrigerator overnight before reheating. It’s a lifesaver for busy weeks!
Reheating
To reheat, transfer the chicken and vegetables to a skillet over medium heat and warm gently until steaming hot. A splash of water or chicken broth in the pan helps revive the sauce and prevents the chicken from drying out. In a pinch, the microwave works just fine too—just cover loosely to keep the chicken moist.
FAQs
Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs in Skillet Greek Chicken?
Absolutely! While thighs give you extra juiciness and flavor, boneless, skinless chicken breasts work just as well. Just watch the cooking time—breasts may cook through faster, so check for doneness to keep them tender.
How do I know when the chicken is cooked through?
The safest bet is to use a meat thermometer: your chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you don’t have one, slice into the thickest part—there should be no pink and the juices should run clear.
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Skillet Greek Chicken is highly adaptable. Try adding spinach, eggplant, or even artichoke hearts—just sauté with the other veggies until tender. Use what’s in season or your personal favorites.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, Skillet Greek Chicken is naturally gluten-free and fits seamlessly into a variety of dietary needs. Just double-check your feta and olives if you’re highly sensitive to gluten, as some brands add additives.
How can I make this dairy-free?
Simply omit the feta cheese or use your favorite dairy-free cheese alternative. The dish will still be bursting with flavor from the herbs, veggies, and lemon!
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a meal that is colorful, flavorful, and wonderfully satisfying, you cannot go wrong with Skillet Greek Chicken. Treat yourself and your loved ones to this easy, crowd-pleasing recipe—once you try it, you might just find yourself craving it every week!
Print
Skillet Greek Chicken Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Greek
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
A flavorful and easy-to-make Skillet Greek Chicken recipe that’s perfect for a quick and delicious weeknight meal. Tender chicken thighs seasoned with Mediterranean spices, paired with colorful vegetables and finished with tangy feta cheese.
Ingredients
For the Chicken:
- 1 ½ pounds boneless, skinless chicken thighs, trimmed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Vegetables:
- 1 medium red onion, sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 zucchini, sliced into half moons
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ¼ cup kalamata olives, pitted and halved
For Serving:
- 2 tablespoons crumbled feta cheese
- Juice of ½ lemon
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: In a large bowl, toss the chicken thighs with 1 tablespoon olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
- Cook the Chicken: Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the seasoned chicken for 4–5 minutes on each side until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Sauté the Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the red onion, bell peppers, and zucchini. Cook for 5–6 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Stir in cherry tomatoes and olives, cooking for an additional 2 minutes until tomatoes are slightly softened.
- Finish and Serve: Return the chicken to the skillet, drizzle with lemon juice. Top with crumbled feta and parsley. Serve warm.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken breasts for thighs if preferred.
- For a heartier meal, serve over rice, couscous, or orzo.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with vegetables
- Calories: 345
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 520 mg
- Fat: 21 g
- Saturated Fat: 5 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 29 g
- Cholesterol: 115 mg
