Mediterranean Skillet Chicken with Quinoa

Mediterranean Skillet Chicken served over quinoa is a dish that paints a vivid picture of the Mediterranean diet’s heart and soul. Each element in this dish harmoniously blends to create a culinary tapestry that is as rich in flavor as it is in nutritional value, embodying the essence of a cuisine celebrated for its wholesome and fresh ingredients.

At the core of this dish lies chicken, a versatile and beloved protein, prepared with a simplicity that allows its natural flavors to shine through. Seasoned with just salt and ground black pepper, the chicken is first browned to perfection. This process is more than just a step; it’s a transformation where the meat acquires a golden crust, sealing in its juices and creating a depth of flavor that sets the stage for the entire dish. The chicken, with its tender texture and savory notes, becomes a great canvas for the vibrant sauce it will soon simmer in.

The sauce, made with a base of San Marzano tomatoes, is where the dish truly begins to sing. These tomatoes, renowned for their robust flavor and striking balance of sweetness and acidity, are the heart of the sauce. When simmered, they create a luscious, deep red concoction that is both comforting and invigorating. The addition of these tomatoes is a no-brainer; it’s a celebration of the Mediterranean’s sun-kissed produce, a homage to the flavors that define this region’s culinary identity.

Accompanying the tomatoes are Kalamata olives, red onion, and red bell pepper, each contributing their unique textures and flavors to the dish. Kalamata olives, with their rich, briny tang, add a depth of flavor that is quintessentially Mediterranean. The red onion and bell pepper, meanwhile, bring a sweet and slightly smoky quality to the sauce, enhancing its complexity. The addition of garlic infuses the dish with a pungent, aromatic warmth, further enriching the sauce with each simmering bubble. Together, these ingredients are a nod to the traditional Mediterranean palate, celebrated for its bold flavors and its embrace of the region’s bountiful produce.

As the dish comes together, with the chicken gently simmering in this aromatic sauce, it absorbs the medley of flavors – the rich tomatoes, the salty olives, the aromatics of onion, pepper, and garlic – resulting in a harmony of taste that is both rustic and refined. This slow intermingling of flavors allows the chicken to become not just coated but infused with the essence of the sauce, creating a dish that is satisfying in its depth and complexity.

Served over a bed of fluffy quinoa, the dish takes on a contemporary twist. Quinoa, an ancient grain revered for its health benefits, including its high protein content and rich array of nutrients, offers a lighter, yet equally satisfying alternative to traditional grains. Its subtle nutty flavor and delicate texture make it a wonderful base for the rich, flavorful sauce, adding a modern touch to this classic Mediterranean dish.

The final flourish, a scattering of crumbled feta cheese and freshly chopped basil, adds layers of flavor and texture. The feta, with its creamy tanginess, adds richness to the dish, while the basil infuses it with a freshness that brightens and elevates the entire meal. These garnishes are more than just decorative touches; they are integral to the dish’s flavor profile, bringing a burst of freshness and a hint of luxury to each bite.

This Mediterranean Skillet Chicken with Quinoa offers a journey through the flavors and aromas of the Mediterranean. It is a dish that comforts and delights, which is perfect for a family dinner or a special occasion. Each component, from the succulent chicken to the hearty quinoa, from the rich tomato sauce to the tangy feta, works in perfect harmony to create a dining experience that is both wholesome and indulgent.

In essence, this dish is a celebration of the Mediterranean culinary philosophy – a philosophy that values freshness, simplicity, and the joy of sharing a meal with loved ones. It is a reminder of the power of simple ingredients, thoughtfully prepared, to create a meal that is not just nourishing for the body but also for the soul.

Beverage Pairing Suggestions:

When selecting specific beverages to pair with Mediterranean Skillet Chicken, it’s beneficial to choose options that complement the rich tomato sauce, the savory chicken, and the aromatic blend of garlic, red onion, and red bell pepper. Here are a few suggestions:

• Montepulciano d’Abruzzo: This Italian red wine offers a balance of fruitiness and acidity that can handle the richness of the tomato sauce and the savory chicken, without overpowering the dish.
• Albariño: With its bright acidity and citrus notes, this white wine is perfect for cutting through the richness of the dish while complementing the herbal and tangy flavors.
• Saison Dupont: This Belgian farmhouse ale, with its earthy and slightly spicy notes, pairs well with the herbaceous and garlic-forward profile of the dish.

Mediterranean Skillet Chicken with Quinoa

5 from 1 vote

Course: MainsCuisine: MediterraneanDifficulty: Easy

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

15

minutes

Cooking time

45

minutes

Total time

1

hour 

Mediterranean Skillet Chicken with quinoa is a vibrant and flavorful dish, featuring tender chicken simmered in a rich San Marzano tomato sauce, accented with Kalamata olives and red bell peppers, and garnished with feta cheese and fresh basil for a delightful fusion of classic Mediterranean tastes.

Ingredients

• 4 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

• 2 tablespoons 2 extra virgin olive oil

• 1 large 1 red onion, finely chopped

• 3 cloves 3 garlic, minced

• 1 cup 1 quinoa, rinsed

• 2 cups 2 chicken broth

• 1 can (28 oounces) 1 San Marzano tomatoes

• 1/2 cup 1/2 Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced

• 1 tablespoon 1 dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon 1 paprika

• 1 1 lemon, juiced

• to taste, salt and ground black pepper

• 1/2 cup 1/2 basil, freshly chopped

• 1 cup 1 feta cheese, crumbled

Directions

• Cook the Quinoa:
  In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups of chicken to a boil. Add the rinsed quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15-20 minutes, until all the liquid is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy. Remove from heat and set aside.
• Brown the Chicken:
  Season the chicken breasts with salt and ground black pepper. In a large skillet, heat extra virgin olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until golden brown on both sides but not fully cooked through, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside.
• Make the Sauce:
  In the same skillet, add the red onion, red bell pepper, and garlic, and sauté until the onion is translucent. Pour in the San Marzano tomatoes and their juices. Stir in the Kalamata olives. Add the dried oregano, paprika, and lemon juice. Stir well, and bring the sauce to a simmer.
• Simmer the Chicken in the Sauce:
  Return the chicken to the skillet, and nestle it into the tomato sauce. Simmer over low heat for 25-30 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked through and the flavors have melded.
• Serve:
  Spoon the fluffy quinoa onto plates. Place the simmered chicken on top of the quinoa, and ladle the sauce over the chicken. Garnish with crumbled feta cheese and fresh basil.