If you’re looking for a vibrant, healthy, and absolutely delicious meal to add to your repertoire, look no further than the Mediterranean Chicken and Vegetable Skillet. This dish not only bursts with flavor but also showcases a medley of colorful vegetables and tender chicken thighs, making it a feast for both the eyes and the palate. Recently, I had the pleasure of preparing and enjoying this delightful recipe, and it was a resounding success.

A Symphony of Ingredients

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and the harmonious blend of fresh ingredients. The star of the dish is boneless, skinless chicken thighs, which provide a rich, succulent base. These are paired with a vibrant selection of vegetables: red bell peppers, banana peppers, onions, tomatoes, carrots, zucchini, and garlic. Each ingredient brings its unique flavor and texture, contributing to a well-rounded and satisfying meal.

Cooking Method: Simple Yet Effective

Step 1: Preparing the Chicken

To start, season the chicken thighs with a blend of salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and paprika. This combination not only adds depth to the chicken but also infuses it with a Mediterranean flair.

Step 2: Cooking the Chicken

Heat some olive oil in a large skillet and sear the chicken thighs until they are golden brown and cooked through. This step ensures that the chicken retains its juiciness and develops a deliciously crispy exterior.

Step 3: Sautéing the Vegetables

Using the same skillet, sauté sliced onions and minced garlic until they become fragrant and slightly softened. The aroma at this stage is simply irresistible.

Step 4: Adding the Veggies

Next, add the sliced red bell peppers, banana peppers, carrots, zucchini, and tomatoes. Cook these until they start to soften, creating a colorful and nutrient-rich base for the dish.

Step 5: Combining and Simmering

Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it among the vegetables. Pour in some chicken broth and a splash of lemon juice, bringing everything to a gentle simmer. Cover the skillet and let it cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 6: Serving

Finally, garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve hot. This dish pairs wonderfully with a side of rice, quinoa, or crusty bread, making it a versatile addition to any meal plan.

Why This Recipe Works

The Mediterranean Chicken and Vegetable Skillet is a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. The combination of tender chicken, vibrant vegetables, and aromatic herbs results in a dish that is not only nutritious but also incredibly satisfying. The use of olive oil and fresh lemon juice adds a light, refreshing touch, perfectly balancing the richness of the chicken.

My Personal Experience

I must say, preparing this dish was a delightful experience. The kitchen was filled with the mouthwatering aroma of sautéing onions and garlic, and the sight of the colorful vegetables was a feast for the eyes. Each bite of the final dish was a burst of flavors – the succulent chicken, the sweet and slightly tangy peppers, the earthy zucchini, and the juicy tomatoes all complemented each other perfectly. The hint of lemon added a bright note that tied everything together.

A final word

If you’re in the mood for a healthy, delicious, and easy-to-make meal, give the Mediterranean Chicken and Vegetable Skillet a try. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a variety of fresh vegetables and lean protein, all in one skillet. Whether you’re cooking for your family or entertaining guests, this dish is sure to impress and satisfy. Enjoy the culinary journey and savor every bite of this Mediterranean delight!

Savor the Flavors: Mediterranean Chicken and Vegetable Skillet Recipe

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Enjoy the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean with this delicious Chicken and Vegetable Skillet. Succulent boneless, skinless chicken thighs are seasoned with a blend of oregano, basil, and paprika, then seared to perfection. They’re combined with a colorful medley of red bell peppers, banana peppers, onions, tomatoes, carrots, zucchini, and garlic, all simmered in a light chicken broth with a splash of lemon juice. This one-skillet wonder is not only easy to prepare but also a feast for the senses, making it a perfect healthy and satisfying meal for any occasion.

• Total Time: 45 Minutes
• Yield: 4 Servings 1x

Ingredients

Units USM Scale 1x2x3x

• 6 boneless skinless chicken thighs
• 2 red bell peppers, sliced
• 2 banana peppers, sliced
• 1 large onion, sliced
• 2 tomatoes, diced
• 2 carrots, sliced
• 1 zucchini, sliced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon dried basil
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Chicken:
   • Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and paprika on both sides.
2. Cook the Chicken:
   • Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Add the chicken thighs to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes on each side, or until golden brown and cooked through.
   • Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
   • In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil.
   • Add the sliced onions and cook until they start to soften, about 3 minutes.
   • Add the minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes, until fragrant.
4. Add the Remaining Vegetables:
   • Add the sliced red bell peppers, banana peppers, carrots, zucchini, and tomatoes to the skillet.
   • Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables start to soften, about 5-7 minutes.
5. Combine and Simmer:
   • Return the cooked chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them among the vegetables.
   • Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice.
   • Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low.
   • Cover and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
6. Serve:
   • Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley.
   • Serve hot, optionally with a side of rice, quinoa, or crusty bread.

Enjoy your delicious and healthy Mediterranean Chicken and Vegetable Skillet!

Notes

Tips for Making the Perfect Mediterranean Chicken and Vegetable Skillet

1. Pre-cut and Prep Ingredients: To make the cooking process smoother and quicker, chop all your vegetables and mince the garlic before you start cooking. This way, everything will be ready to go when you need it.
2. Even Cooking: Ensure that the chicken thighs are an even thickness. You can pound them slightly if needed. This helps them cook evenly and more quickly.
3. Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If your skillet is not large enough to hold all the chicken thighs without overlapping, cook them in batches. Overcrowding can lead to steaming rather than searing, which affects the texture.
4. Adjust Spice Levels: If you prefer a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a chopped jalapeño when sautéing the vegetables.
5. Fresh Herbs: While dried herbs work well, using fresh oregano and basil can elevate the flavors even more. Add them towards the end of cooking for a burst of freshness.
6. Deglaze the Pan: After searing the chicken, deglaze the skillet with a splash of white wine or extra chicken broth to lift all the flavorful browned bits from the bottom of the pan before adding the vegetables.
7. Rest the Chicken: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, keeping the chicken moist and flavorful.
8. Customize Your Vegetables: Feel free to swap or add other vegetables you have on hand, such as eggplant, mushrooms, or spinach, to make the dish your own.
9. Garnish with Citrus: Adding a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice just before serving can brighten up the flavors and add a refreshing tang.
10. Pairing Options: Serve the dish with a side of quinoa, couscous, or a simple green salad to make it a complete and balanced meal.

• Author: Annette
• Prep Time: 15 Minutes
• Cook Time: 30 Minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Skillet
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Gluten Free

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 chicken thigh with vegetables
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 420mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 15g
• Fiber: 4g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 110mg