Mediterranean-Style Chicken Bites

Mediterranean-style chicken bites are a light and tasty dish that combines the simplicity of chicken with fresh and aromatic ingredients typical of the Mediterranean diet. Here’s how to prepare them with an Italian twist.

Ingredients

• 500 g of chicken breast cut into bites
• 200 g of cherry tomatoes
• 100 g of pitted black olives
• 2 tablespoons of salted capers, rinsed
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 sprig of fresh rosemary
• 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation

1. Prepare the ingredients: cut the cherry tomatoes in half, rinse the capers under running water to remove excess salt, and roughly chop the black olives.

2. Cut the chicken breast into bites, trying to keep them all the same size for even cooking.

3. In a large skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil with the garlic cloves and rosemary sprig. Wait for the garlic to turn golden, then remove it and set it aside.

4. Add the chicken bites to the skillet and brown them on all sides until they turn golden.

5. Add the cherry tomatoes, olives, capers, oregano, and lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

6. Lower the heat, cover with a lid, and let cook for about 10-15 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and the cherry tomatoes have softened slightly.

7. Plate the chicken bites and drizzle with the cooking juices left in the skillet.

8. Finish with a drizzle of raw extra virgin olive oil and, if you like, garnish with some fresh basil leaves.

This dish is a great balance of proteins and fresh flavors, and it pairs well with a simple green salad or, to stick to the Mediterranean theme, with a serving of cooked barley or farro.

Curiosity

The Mediterranean diet is renowned for its health benefits, including the prevention of cardiovascular diseases. The ingredients used in this dish reflect the abundance of vegetables, olive oil, and minimally processed foods that characterize this dietary pattern.