The Ina Garten Mediterranean Chicken Recipe is bright and full of flavor. It is easy to make at home. The chicken cooks with olives, tomatoes and lemon. The dish smells amazing while it cooks.
It tastes fresh and comforting. This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. You can serve it with rice or salad. If you want a healthy and tasty meal, try this.
Today, I will share how to make this Mediterranean chicken easily. You will also learn tips, mistakes and storage ideas.
My Experience With This Ina Garten Mediterranean Chicken Recipe
I tried this recipe on a busy weeknight. I wanted something fast and healthy. The chicken cooked quickly and smelled so good. The lemon and olives gave it a fresh taste.
My family loved the flavors. It felt like a restaurant meal at home. The sauce was tangy and light. We served it with rice and salad. Everyone asked for seconds. It became a regular dinner in our home.
Recipe Card info
- Recipe Name: Ina Garten Mediterranean Chicken
- Servings: 4 servings
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Calories: 380 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Large skillet or frying pan
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Tongs or spatula
- Plate for resting chicken
- Small bowl for mixing sauce
Ingredients You Need for Ina Garten Mediterranean Chicken Recipe
- Chicken breasts – 4 pieces
- Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
- Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
- Cherry tomatoes – 2 cups, halved
- Kalamata olives – 1 cup, pitted
- Lemon juice – 2 tablespoons
- Lemon zest – 1 teaspoon
- Dried oregano – 1 teaspoon
- Salt – 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
- Fresh parsley – 2 tablespoons, chopped
- Chicken broth – ½ cup
Step-by-Step Guide
1. Prepare the Chicken
Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Season with salt, pepper and oregano. This adds flavor and helps browning.
2. Sear the Chicken
Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add chicken and cook 4 minutes each side. Cook until golden brown.
3. Remove Chicken from Pan
Place chicken on a plate to rest. This keeps it juicy while you make sauce.
4. Cook Garlic and Tomatoes
Add garlic to the same skillet. Cook for 30 seconds. Add cherry tomatoes and cook until soft.
5. Add Olives and Lemon
Stir in olives, lemon juice and zest. Let the flavors mix for a minute.
6. Add Broth and Simmer
Pour chicken broth into the pan. Let it simmer for 2 minutes. The sauce will become slightly thick.
7. Return Chicken to Pan
Place chicken back in the skillet. Spoon sauce over the top. Cook for 5 more minutes.
8. Garnish and Serve
Sprinkle chopped parsley on top. Serve hot with sauce spooned over the chicken.
Tips to Make the Best Ina Garten Mediterranean Chicken Recipe
- Use fresh lemon for the best taste
- Do not overcrowd the pan
- Cook chicken until just done for juiciness
- Use good quality olives for flavor
- Let chicken rest before serving
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not drying chicken before cooking
- Overcooking chicken and making it dry
- Using low-quality olives
- Skipping the lemon zest
- Not simmering the sauce enough
Serving Suggestions
This Mediterranean chicken goes well with rice, couscous or pasta. You can also serve it with a simple salad. A side of roasted vegetables is great too.
I like serving it with warm pita bread. The sauce tastes amazing with bread. This dish also works well for meal prep. It stays flavorful even after reheating.
Variations You Can Try
- Add artichoke hearts for more Mediterranean flavor
- Use chicken thighs instead of breasts
- Add capers for extra tang
- Mix in spinach for more greens
- Add a splash of white wine to the sauce
Storage and Reheating Tips
- Store in an airtight container
- Keep in fridge for up to 3 days
- Freeze for up to 2 months
- Reheat gently in a pan over low heat
- Add a splash of broth when reheating
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 380 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 10 g |
| Protein | 35 g |
| Fat | 20 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
| Sodium | 780 mg |
Health Benefits
This dish is high in protein and healthy fats. Olive oil supports heart health. Tomatoes add vitamin C and antioxidants. Lemon adds a fresh boost of vitamin C.
The chicken provides lean protein. This meal is balanced and satisfying. It supports a healthy and active lifestyle. Enjoy it as part of a nutritious diet.
Ina Garten Mediterranean Chicken Recipe
Ingredients
- Chicken breasts – 4 pieces
- Olive oil – 2 tablespoons
- Garlic – 3 cloves minced
- Cherry tomatoes – 2 cups halved
- Kalamata olives – 1 cup pitted
- Lemon juice – 2 tablespoons
- Lemon zest – 1 teaspoon
- Dried oregano – 1 teaspoon
- Salt – 1 teaspoon
- Black pepper – ½ teaspoon
- Fresh parsley – 2 tablespoons chopped
- Chicken broth – ½ cup
Instructions
Prepare the Chicken
- Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Season with salt, pepper and oregano. This adds flavor and helps browning.
Sear the Chicken
- Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add chicken and cook 4 minutes each side. Cook until golden brown.
Remove Chicken from Pan
- Place chicken on a plate to rest. This keeps it juicy while you make sauce.
Cook Garlic and Tomatoes
- Add garlic to the same skillet. Cook for 30 seconds. Add cherry tomatoes and cook until soft.
Add Olives and Lemon
- Stir in olives, lemon juice and zest. Let the flavors mix for a minute.
Add Broth and Simmer
- Pour chicken broth into the pan. Let it simmer for 2 minutes. The sauce will become slightly thick.
Return Chicken to Pan
- Place chicken back in the skillet. Spoon sauce over the top. Cook for 5 more minutes.
Garnish and Serve
- Sprinkle chopped parsley on top. Serve hot with sauce spooned over the chicken.
Notes
- Use fresh lemon for the best taste
- Do not overcrowd the pan
- Cook chicken until just done for juiciness
- Use good quality olives for flavor
- Let chicken rest before serving
FAQs about Ina Garten Mediterranean Chicken Recipe
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work great. They stay juicy and add more flavor to the dish.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can cook it ahead and reheat. Keep the sauce separate for best texture.
What can I serve with this Mediterranean chicken?
Serve with rice, couscous, pasta or a fresh salad. Pita bread also works well.
Can I use other olives instead of Kalamata?
Yes, you can use green olives. But Kalamata gives the best Mediterranean taste.
Is this dish spicy?
No, it is not spicy. It has a tangy and fresh flavor instead.
Final Thoughts
The Ina Garten Mediterranean Chicken Recipe is simple and delicious. It brings bright Mediterranean flavors to your table. This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners and family meals.
The sauce is tangy, fresh and full of flavor. Once you try it, you will want to make it again. It is healthy, easy and very satisfying. Give it a try and enjoy a delicious meal.
Hi, I’m Emily Grace! I love cooking simple, tasty food that brings people together. On Bite Dive, I share easy recipes, fun food tips, and ideas to make every meal special. My kitchen is my happy place, and I’m so excited to share it with you!