So chicken is on your dinner menu this week and as hard as you try you can’t seem to break away from using the same ho-hum recipes. Well, I’m here to tell you that with ordinary spices found in your pantry, you can create an exciting Mediterranean taste sensation with a simple dry rub whose flavors explode when massaged into the chicken before pan-searing.
Adding caramelized onions and peppers to this dish will definitely elevate the yumminess factor. Then simply finish this fantastic meal with chunks of feta and Greek olives and get ready to enjoy a trip to the Mediterranean without ever leaving your dinner table.
Click HERE for the full recipe, but in the nutshell, here is what you do:
Instructions
In a small bowl, combine all spice rub ingredients.
Seed peppers and cut into thin strips. Slice onion and cut slices in half.
Massage spice rub evenly onto all sides of chicken thighs.
Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high setting. Sear chicken on each side for about 2 minutes until nicely browned. Drain on paper towels.
Place thighs in baking dish. Bake for about 15 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 170 degrees F. Remove from oven, cover to keep warm.
In the meantime, in the same pan (you will have enough oil plus the fat from the drippings), sauté peppers and onions for about 8 minutes or until browned, incorporating any spices remaining in the pan.
Add balsamic vinegar and continue sautéing until vegetables are nicely caramelized, about 2 minutes.
Assembly
Place sautéed peppers and onions on a serving platter; arrange chicken thighs on top. Sprinkle with feta and olives.
So chicken is on your dinner menu this week and as hard as you try you can’t seem to break away from using the same ho-hum recipes. Well, I’m here to tell you that with ordinary spices found in your pantry, you can create an exciting Mediterranean taste sensation with a simple dry rub whose flavors explode when massaged into the chicken before pan-searing. Adding caramelized onions and peppers to this dish will definitely elevate the yumminess factor. Finish this fantastic meal with chunks of feta and Greek olives and get ready to enjoy a trip to the Mediterranean without ever leaving your dinner table.
3large bell peppersany color, however a combination of red, yellow and orange is nice
1large sweet onionlike Vidalia
1tablespoonbalsamic vinegar
Garnish
1/3cuppitted Greek olives
1/3cupcrumbled feta cheese
Instructions
Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
Lightly coat a 9 x 13-inch baking dish with olive oil spray. Set aside.
In a small bowl, combine all spice rub ingredients.
Seed peppers and cut into thin strips. Cut onion into thin slices; cut slices in half.
Massage spice mix evenly onto all sides of chicken thighs.
Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high setting. Sear chicken on each side for about 2 minutes until nicely browned. Drain on paper towels.
Place thighs in prepared baking dish. Bake for about 15 minutes or until internal temperature reaches 170 degrees F. Remove from oven, cover to keep warm.
In the meantime, in the same pan (you will have enough oil plus the fat from the drippings), sauté onions and peppers over medium-high setting for about 8 minutes or until browned, incorporating any spices remaining in the pan.
Add balsamic vinegar and continue sautéing until vegetables are nicely caramelized, about 2 minutes.
Assembly
Place sautéed onions and peppers on a serving platter; arrange chicken thighs on top.
Sprinkle with feta and olives.
Notes
Make Ahead and Storage Tips: dry rub may be applied to chicken up to 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate. Reheat cooked chicken covered at 325 degrees F for about 15 minutes or until hot. May be frozen for up to 4 months. Dry rub may be prepared up to 6 months ahead. Store at room temperature for up to 6 months.
Notes
Grill it! Apply dry rub to chicken thighs as directed. Grill over medium heat for about 15 minutes (turning once) or until internal temperature reaches 170 degrees F. The peppers and onions would be delicious either grilled or sautéed.
Prefer other chicken parts? Choose any you like such as drumsticks, wings and breasts.
Not a fan of feta cheese? Either skip or swap with goat cheese.
I invite you to visit my Recipe Collections where lots of goodies such as Pudge-Busting Dishes, Pack ‘n Go Lunch Favorites, Favorite Poultry Dishes, Dinners in a Flash, Freezer-Friendly Meals, Favorite Crockpot Dishes, and Healthier Indulgences are awaiting your discovery!
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Linda, I love Mediterranean spices. Your counter looks like mine - so many spices. It is so worth the end result. I love how you cooked it and the vegetables in the same pan creates so much flavor.
April 28, 2015
Linda Shapiro (Meal Planning Maven)
Thank you so much Peter. LOL ... I actually often think the same when I see photos of your spices! Dry rubs are the best. Their versatility and ease of preparation lead to all kinds of fun and creative dishes.
All those spices and flavors! I can only imagine how awesome these must be. Oh, wait, I can do more than imagine! I'm pinning them to make! I think the family will love these!
I love the sound of this dish, Linda! The flavours in the rub are so delicious! This recipe make it feel like the sun is shining even on a rainy day :-)
April 30, 2015
Linda Shapiro (Meal Planning Maven)
Awww April, you are just the sweetest! You have brought a big smile to my face on this dreary Florida day. Thank you!
Thank you so much for sharing this delicious chicken dish with us at Hearth and Soul, Linda! Love the flavours you have used here! Pinned and sharing.
August 9, 2015
julie
If using the premade spice, how much do you use?
April 17, 2016
Linda Shapiro (Meal Planning Maven)
Hi Julie...thank you for your question. Depending on how strongly flavored your pre-made spice is, I would probably use between 3-4 tablespoons. You want enough to evenly coat the chicken. I hope you have the chance to try my chicken recipe...it's a family favorite!
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