This One Skillet High Protein Greek Chicken is a quick and tasty meal! Juicy chicken is cooked with fresh veggies and a sprinkle of zesty olives and feta cheese. Yum!
I love how easy it is to make everything in one pan. Less cleanup means more time to eat! Plus, you’ll feel great knowing it’s packed with protein!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Chicken Thighs: Bone-in, skin-on thighs make the dish juicy and flavorful. If you prefer leaner meat, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts, but they may cook quicker, so adjust the time.
Olive Oil: This is great for sautéing, but feel free to use avocado oil or canola oil if that’s what you have on hand. They have similar cooking properties.
Red Onion: Red onions add sweetness and color, but you can swap them for yellow or white onions. They’ll change the flavor slightly but will still be tasty!
Kalamata Olives: If you’re not keen on olives, green olives or even artichokes can be a nice alternative. They offer a different, but still enjoyable flavor boost!
Feta Cheese: Feta is a classic choice! If you’re dairy-free, try a vegan feta or omit it altogether. Nutritional yeast can add a cheesy flavor.
How Can I Ensure My Chicken is Cooked Just Right?
Cooking chicken perfectly can be tricky, but following a few key steps will help. Always start with a hot skillet to get that nice sear on the chicken, which makes it flavorful.
- First, season the chicken well. The skin crisps up better and adds flavor when you cook it skin-side down.
- Use a meat thermometer! The chicken should reach an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). This is the best way to check doneness.
- Let the chicken rest for a few minutes after cooking. This keeps it juicy—no one likes dry chicken!
By following these tips, you’ll serve up a delicious, healthy meal every time!
One Skillet High Protein Greek Chicken
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 medium red onion, sliced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup chopped red bell pepper
- 1 cup chopped zucchini
- 2 cups fresh spinach or kale
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon chopped fresh parsley (optional, for garnish)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This One Skillet High Protein Greek Chicken recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 25 minutes to cook, making it a total of about 35 minutes from start to finish. Quick, healthy, and satisfying!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Prepare the Chicken:
Start by preheating a large cast-iron or heavy skillet over medium-high heat. While that’s heating, pat your chicken thighs dry to help them crisp up. Season them generously on both sides with salt, black pepper, dried oregano, and garlic powder for great flavor.
2. Sear the Chicken:
Pour the olive oil into the hot skillet. Once it’s shimmering, carefully place the chicken thighs skin-side down. Let them cook without moving them for about 6-8 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy. Then, flip each thigh over and cook for an additional 5 minutes. Once browned on both sides, remove the chicken from the skillet and set them aside.
3. Sauté the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add the sliced red onion and sauté for 2-3 minutes until it begins to soften. Then, add the minced garlic, chopped red bell pepper, and zucchini, cooking for an additional 3-4 minutes until the veggies are tender.
4. Add Leafy Greens:
Next, stir in the fresh spinach or kale and cook until it’s wilted, which takes about 2 minutes. Feel free to season the veggies with a pinch of salt and pepper for extra flavor.
5. Combine and Cook:
Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, nestling them among the sautéed vegetables. Scatter the kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese over the top of everything. Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to medium-low, and let it all cook together for another 8-10 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
6. Finish and Serve:
Once cooked, remove the skillet from heat and give everything a drizzle of fresh lemon juice. If you like, sprinkle some chopped parsley on top for a touch of freshness. Serve your warm Greek chicken with veggies, and enjoy this delicious, protein-packed meal!
This easy, one-pan recipe brings vibrant Mediterranean flavors right to your table—perfect for any weeknight dinner!
Can I Use Boneless Chicken Thighs Instead?
Absolutely! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs will work, but they may cook faster. Reduce the cooking time to about 5-7 minutes per side to avoid overcooking.
Can I Substitute the Olives or Feta Cheese?
Yes, if you’re not a fan of kalamata olives, try green olives or even artichokes for a delicious twist! For feta, you could use a dairy-free alternative or omit it altogether without losing much flavor.
How Can I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.
Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the chicken and sauté the vegetables in advance, then combine and heat just before serving. It’s a great option for meal prep!