Skillet Greek Chicken Recipe

Quick Skillet Greek Chicken Recipe – Fresh & Zesty Magic

Cooking a mouthwatering skillet greek chicken sparks pure culinary magic in my kitchen.

Mediterranean flavors dance through every bite of this incredible dish.

Simple ingredients come together with remarkable ease and speed.

Herbs like oregano and fresh lemon juice create an authentic Greek profile.

Minimal prep work means you can enjoy a restaurant-quality meal without stress.

Tender chicken pieces sizzle beautifully in a cast-iron pan, developing gorgeous golden edges.

Fragrant spices whisper stories of sunny Greek islands right onto your plate.

Let’s unlock these vibrant flavors and turn an ordinary dinner into an extraordinary feast!

Store Skillet Greek Chicken Leftovers

  • Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Ensure the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Warm chicken in a preheated 350°F oven for 10-15 minutes. Spread chicken in a single layer on a baking sheet and cover with foil to prevent drying out.
  • Quickly reheat chicken in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval. Add a splash of water to keep the meat moist and prevent rubbery texture.
  • Remove toppings like cucumber and feta before reheating. Add fresh ingredients after warming to preserve their crisp texture and vibrant flavor.

Fresh Ideas to Pair with Skillet Greek Chicken

  • Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty Assyrtiko or Moschofilero from Greece to complement the tangy yogurt marinade and bright lemon notes, enhancing the chicken's herbal undertones.
  • Match with Greek Salad Side: Create a classic horiatiki salad with ripe tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and feta to echo the dish's ingredients and provide a refreshing crunch alongside the skillet chicken.
  • Serve with Herbed Pita Bread: Warm soft pita brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with oregano makes the perfect accompaniment, allowing diners to soak up the delicious tzatziki and chicken juices.
  • Balance with Chilled Tzatziki Dip: Offer extra tzatziki on the side, letting guests customize their plate with cool, garlicky yogurt sauce that perfectly cuts through the chicken's rich marinade.

Skillet Greek Chicken Flavor Variations

  • Vegetarian Greek Skillet: Replace chicken with firm tofu or tempeh, marinating in the same yogurt mixture. Grill or pan-fry until crispy and golden.
  • Low-Carb Mediterranean Delight: Swap chicken for grilled shrimp or salmon. Serve over cauliflower rice or mixed greens for a lighter option.
  • Dairy-Free Greek Adaptation: Use coconut yogurt instead of Greek yogurt for the marinade. Substitute feta with dairy-free almond cheese crumbles.
  • Gluten-Free Mediterranean Bowl: Ensure all ingredients are gluten-free. Serve over quinoa or rice, using certified gluten-free seasonings and marinades.

FAQs

  • Why should I marinate the chicken?

Marinating helps tenderize the meat, infuse it with flavor, and keep it moist during cooking. The yogurt and acidic ingredients break down proteins, making the chicken more tender and delicious.

  • Can I use chicken breasts or thighs for this recipe?

Both work great! Chicken breasts are leaner, while thighs are more flavorful and juicy. Just cut them into similar-sized cubes for even cooking.

  • How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

The chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The pieces should be golden brown on the outside and have no pink in the center. Use a meat thermometer for the most accurate results.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, the Skillet Greek Chicken recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure all your ingredients, especially any store-bought tzatziki sauce, are certified gluten-free if you have specific dietary needs.

Reasons to Love Skillet Greek Chicken

  • Unlock Quick Flavor Magic: Marinate effortlessly with minimal prep time and transform simple chicken into a restaurant-worthy Greek feast.
  • Customize Kitchen Convenience: Adaptable recipe allows advance preparation, making dinner stress-free by marinating chicken hours before cooking, perfect for busy families and meal preppers.
  • Healthy Protein Power: Packed with lean protein from chicken, probiotics from yogurt marinade, and fresh vegetables, delivering nutritious Mediterranean-style meal in under 30 minutes.
  • Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy hot straight from skillet or serve chilled as a refreshing salad topper, making it ideal for weeknight dinners, picnics, and summer gatherings.

Skillet Greek Chicken Ingredient Details

Main Protein:
  • Chicken: Lean protein that serves as the star of the dish, best when using boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs for easy cooking and tender texture.
Marinade Ingredients:
  • Greek Yogurt, Lemon Juice, Olive Oil, Red Wine Vinegar: Tenderizing mixture that adds moisture and tangy flavor to the chicken, creating a rich and zesty base.
  • Oregano, Garlic, Salt, Pepper: Classic Greek seasoning blend that provides depth and authentic Mediterranean taste.
Fresh Toppings:
  • Cucumber, Tomatoes, Red Onion: Crisp vegetables that add freshness, crunch, and vibrant color to the dish.
  • Feta Cheese, Kalamata Olives: Signature Greek ingredients that bring salty, briny elements and traditional Mediterranean character.
Sauce:
  • Tzatziki Sauce: Cool and creamy condiment that complements the grilled chicken with a tangy and refreshing finish.

Skillet Guide for Tender Greek Chicken

Step 1: Whip Up the Marinade

Create a flavor-packed marinade by mixing yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, red wine vinegar, and a blend of seasonings.

Ingredients:
  • Greek yogurt
  • Lemon juice
  • Olive oil
  • Red wine vinegar
  • Dried oregano
  • Minced garlic
  • Salt
  • Black pepper

Toss cubed chicken into the marinade, making sure every piece gets coated with the zesty mixture.

Let the chicken soak up the flavors in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or overnight for maximum taste.

Pull the chicken out 15 minutes before cooking to take the chill off.

Step 2: Sizzle the Chicken

Fire up a skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat.

Carefully place marinated chicken pieces in a single layer, allowing each chunk to develop a gorgeous golden-brown exterior.

Cook for 3-4 minutes on each side until the chicken turns a beautiful golden color and cooks through completely.

Step 3: Create a Mediterranean Feast

Transform your skillet chicken into a vibrant Greek-inspired dish by topping with fresh ingredients.

Sprinkle with:
  • Diced cucumber
  • Chopped tomatoes
  • Sliced red onion
  • Crumbled feta cheese
  • Kalamata olives

Finish by drizzling tzatziki sauce over the top for an extra burst of creamy flavor.

Serve immediately while the chicken is hot and juicy.

Golden Tricks for Perfect Skillet Greek Chicken

  • Let chicken marinate for the full 24 hours to develop deeper, more intense Greek-style taste profiles.
  • Pat chicken dry before cooking to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that seals in moisture and creates delicious caramelization.
  • Use full-fat Greek yogurt for a richer marinade that tenderizes chicken more effectively and adds creamy texture.
  • Maintain medium-high heat to prevent burning while achieving beautiful golden-brown chicken without drying out the meat.
  • Swap feta with dairy-free alternatives or use plant-based yogurt for lactose-intolerant or vegan guests without compromising authentic Greek flavors.
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Skillet Greek Chicken Recipe

Skillet Greek Chicken Recipe


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4.6 from 8 reviews

  • Total Time: 24 hours 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sizzling skillet Greek chicken brings Mediterranean flavors dancing across your plate with irresistible herbs and spices. Crispy golden edges and tender meat promise a delightful journey through classic Greek cuisine you’ll savor with every delectable bite.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 2 pounds (0.91 kilograms) boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
  • 1 cup English cucumber, diced
  • 1 cup grape or cherry tomatoes, diced
  • 3/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • 1/2 cup red onion, diced
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives

Marinade and Seasoning Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil (plus more for cooking)
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

Sauce Ingredient:

  • 3/4 cup tzatziki sauce (store-bought or homemade)

Instructions

  1. Prepare a zesty marinade by whisking together Greek yogurt, lemon juice, olive oil, red wine vinegar, oregano, garlic, salt, and pepper in a spacious mixing bowl.
  2. Immerse cubed chicken pieces thoroughly in the marinade, guaranteeing complete coverage. Seal and refrigerate for a minimum of 30 minutes, allowing flavors to penetrate deeply.
  3. Remove marinated chicken from refrigerator approximately 15 minutes before cooking to equilibrate temperature.
  4. Warm olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  5. Carefully arrange marinated chicken pieces in a single, uncrowded layer to ensure optimal browning and prevent steaming.
  6. Sear chicken for 3-4 minutes per side, developing a golden crust and cooking until internal temperature reaches safe consumption levels.
  7. Transfer perfectly cooked chicken to serving plates, creating an inviting presentation.
  8. Artfully garnish with freshly diced cucumber, ripe tomatoes, thinly sliced red onion, crumbled feta cheese, and briny Kalamata olives.
  9. Finish the dish with a generous drizzle of cool, creamy tzatziki sauce, enhancing the Mediterranean flavors and adding a refreshing element.

Notes

  • Experiment with Greek yogurt marinades to tenderize chicken, keeping it moist and flavorful during cooking.
  • Use a high-heat cooking method like skillet searing to develop a delicious golden-brown exterior while maintaining juicy chicken inside.
  • Balance herb and acid ratios in marinade for optimal meat texture and taste, ensuring no single flavor overpowers the dish.
  • Customize this recipe for different dietary needs by swapping feta with dairy-free alternatives or using plant-based protein options like tofu or tempeh.
  • Prep Time: 30 minutes (or up to 24 hours for marination)
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Greek

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 5 g
  • Sodium: 800 mg
  • Fat: 22 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 12 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 40 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
James Walker

James Walker

Lead Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

Southern Cuisine & Farm-to-Table Cooking, Recipe Development & Testing, Culinary Education & Instruction​

Education

School: Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts

Program: Diploma in Culinary Arts and Operations

Focus: Comprehensive training in classical and modern culinary techniques, kitchen operations, and farm-to-table practices. ​


James didn’t learn cooking from a TV show, he learned it from busy kitchens, family gatherings, and long afternoons spent testing recipes the hard way.
After training at the Auguste Escoffier School of Culinary Arts, he brought his love for real, down-to-earth food to every dish he makes.
At Dining At Home, James loves building recipes that feel familiar but still have something special, like adding a twist to a classic or making a slow Sunday dinner feel brand new.
When he’s not in the kitchen, you’ll probably find him swapping garden tips at the farmers’ market or teaching his daughter how to flip pancakes without a mess (almost).

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