Greek Chicken & Olive Skillet with Creamy Feta Sauce
This Greek-inspired chicken skillet is the kind of meal that feels fresh, vibrant, and satisfying without being complicated. Juicy chicken is seasoned with oregano and smoked paprika, then simmered with sweet cherry tomatoes, briny olives, garlic, and lemon. It is finished with a cool, tangy feta yogurt sauce that brings everything together.
The balance of savory, bright, and creamy flavors makes this dish perfect for weeknight dinners, but it is impressive enough to serve guests. Pair it with warm pita, rice, roasted potatoes, or a simple cucumber salad for a complete Mediterranean-style meal.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20–25 minutes
Total Time: 35–40 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
For the Chicken Skillet
4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
3 garlic cloves, minced
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/3 cup kalamata olives, sliced
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Salt and black pepper, to taste
For the Creamy Feta Sauce
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill or parsley
1 small garlic clove, finely minced
Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
Pat the chicken dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt, black pepper, oregano, and smoked paprika.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add the chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce heat slightly and add minced garlic. Sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant.
Stir in the cherry tomatoes and cook until they begin to soften and release juices, about 3–4 minutes.
Add the sliced olives and lemon juice, stirring to combine.
Return the chicken to the skillet and spoon the tomato-olive mixture over the top. Simmer for 3–5 minutes to blend flavors.
While the chicken finishes cooking, prepare the feta sauce by mixing Greek yogurt, feta, olive oil, lemon juice, fresh herbs, garlic, and black pepper in a bowl. Stir until creamy.
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve the chicken warm with a generous spoonful of creamy feta sauce over each piece. Garnish with extra herbs if desired.
Tips
Chicken thighs stay juicier, but breasts work well if not overcooked.
Let the chicken rest for a few minutes before slicing to retain moisture.
Use high-quality feta for better creaminess and flavor.
If the skillet becomes dry, add a splash of chicken broth.
Do not overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary.
Fresh lemon juice makes a noticeable difference in brightness.
Allow the feta sauce to rest for 10 minutes to deepen flavor.
Taste olives before adding salt since they can be very salty.
Use a cast-iron skillet for better browning.
Garnish with fresh herbs right before serving for freshness.
Variations
Add sliced red onion to the skillet for extra sweetness.
Stir in fresh spinach during the final minutes for added greens.
Replace dill with fresh mint for a different herbal note.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
Use grilled chicken instead of skillet-cooked for smoky flavor.
Substitute goat cheese for feta in the sauce.
Add artichoke hearts for more Mediterranean character.
Serve over orzo instead of rice for a traditional touch.
Mix sun-dried tomatoes with cherry tomatoes for depth.
Make it low carb by serving over cauliflower rice.
Q&A
Can I use bone-in chicken?
Yes, but increase cooking time and ensure it reaches safe internal temperature.
Is the feta sauce served warm or cold?
It is best served cool or at room temperature.
Can I prepare the sauce ahead of time?
Yes, it can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
What can I serve with this dish?
Rice, roasted potatoes, pita bread, or a Greek salad pair well.
Can I use black olives instead of kalamata?
Yes, though kalamata olives provide more authentic flavor.
How do I prevent dry chicken breast?
Cook just until it reaches 165°F and let it rest.
Can I bake the chicken instead?
Yes, bake at 400°F for 20–25 minutes.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, as written it is naturally gluten-free.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Freeze chicken separately. The sauce is best made fresh.
How long does it keep in the refrigerator?
Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
(Approximate per serving)
Calories: 420
Protein: 35g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fat: 28g
Fiber: 1g
Sodium: 620mg
Values may vary depending on ingredients used.
Conclusion
Greek Chicken and Olive Skillet with Creamy Feta Sauce brings together classic Mediterranean flavors in a simple, approachable way. The savory chicken, bright tomatoes, briny olives, and cool feta yogurt topping create a balanced dish that feels both hearty and fresh. It is the kind of recipe that works equally well for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners, offering bold flavor without complicated steps.