Are you looking for a quick and satisfying dinner option that brings the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean straight to your kitchen? The Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry is your answer! It’s a hearty dish filled with juicy chicken and fresh vegetables, all tossed in a beautiful medley of herbs, olives, and cheese. Whether it’s a weeknight meal or a relaxed family brunch, this recipe combines simplicity with a burst of flavor that keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
Why you’ll love this dish
This Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry is a fantastic addition to your recipe arsenal, and here’s why: it’s not just quick and easy; it’s a flavorful journey that caters to a variety of dietary needs. Loaded with lean protein from chicken and packed with colorful vegetables, it offers a well-rounded meal that’s perfect for those busy nights when you don’t want to compromise on taste.
“I made this stir fry for the family last night, and it was a hit! The balance of flavors from the olives and feta made it feel gourmet, but it came together in no time!” – A happy home chef.
The cooking process explained
Preparing this Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry couldn’t be easier. Start by prepping all your ingredients first—this makes the cooking process a breeze. You’ll simply sear your chicken until it’s golden and cooked through, followed by a quick sauté of vibrant veggies and flavorful garlic. Combine everything together, season, and finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice, olives, and a generous sprinkle of feta cheese for that ultimate Mediterranean touch.
Key ingredients
To create this delightful dish, you’ll need the following ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs Chicken breasts, boneless & skinless (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 3 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil (divided for cooking)
- Salt & black pepper (to taste)
- 2 medium Zucchini (sliced into half-moons)
- 2 Red bell peppers (diced into chunks)
- 1 large Red onion (sliced into strips)
- 2 cups Cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup Kalamata olives (pitted and halved)
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup Sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- 2 tsp Dried oregano
- 1 tsp Dried basil
- 1/2 tsp Dried thyme
- 1 Lemon (juice only)
- 0.5 cup Feta cheese (crumbled)
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley (optional garnish)
Feel free to swap out veggies or use chicken thighs for an alternate texture.
Step-by-step instructions
- Prep all ingredients before starting to cook. Chop your chicken, veggies, and herbs to streamline the process.
- Sear the chicken: In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, seasoning with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté the vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil. Stir in the onions and garlic, cooking until fragrant. Add the zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes, sautéeing until they begin to soften.
- Combine everything: Return the chicken to the skillet. Toss in sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, basil, and thyme. Mix well and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Finishing touches: Remove from heat, add lemon juice, olives, and feta cheese. Give it a gentle toss to combine flavors.
- Serve warm: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Best ways to enjoy it
This Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry is incredibly versatile! Serve it over a bed of fluffy couscous, quinoa, or even a fresh green salad for a hearty dish. For added crunch, serve with a side of toasted pita chips or warm, crusty bread. Feel free to top it with more feta or even a drizzle of balsamic glaze for extra zing!
Storage and reheating tips
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply reheat in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through. For longer storage, you can freeze the stir fry in a sealed container for up to three months, but you may want to avoid freezing the feta as it can change texture.
Helpful cooking tips
Here are some expert tips to ensure your Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry turns out perfectly every time:
- Prepping ahead: Chopping your vegetables and chicken ahead of time not only saves you precious minutes during cooking but also helps intensify flavors as they mingle.
- High heat is key: Using a high heat will help create a nice sear on the chicken and vibrant color on the vegetables without overcooking them.
- Experiment with herbs: If you have fresh herbs on hand, like parsley, dill, or mint, feel free to add them in at the end for an extra dimension of freshness.
Creative twists
Feeling adventurous? Here are some variations you can try to customize your Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry:
- Spice it up: Add some red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy kick.
- Vegetarian option: Substitute the chicken with chickpeas or tofu for a hearty vegetarian version.
- Regional flavors: Swap out Kalamata olives for green olives, or use different types of cheese like goat cheese for a unique twist.
Common questions
- What is the prep time for this Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry? Prep time is about 15 minutes, and cooking time is roughly 20 minutes, making this dish ready in just 35 minutes!
- Can I make substitutions in the ingredient list? Absolutely! You can use any vegetables you have on hand, such as asparagus or broccoli, and chicken thighs can easily replace the breasts for more flavor.
- How do I store leftovers safely? Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for no more than 3 days; ensure the dish is cooled before sealing.
- Is this recipe gluten-free? Yes, all the listed ingredients are gluten-free, making it a perfect option for those with gluten sensitivity.
- Can I increase the servings? Yes, you can easily double or even triple the recipe. Just be sure to use a larger skillet or cook in batches to prevent overcrowding.
- What’s the best way to reheat this dish? A skillet is best for even reheating. You can also microwave it, but it may lose some crunch.
- Can I use frozen chicken or vegetables? Yes, but if using frozen chicken, ensure it is thawed and cooked thoroughly before adding it to the dish. Frozen vegetables can be added directly, just adjust cooking time accordingly.
- What do I serve with this stir fry? It pairs wonderfully with rice, lentils, or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.
With this Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry, weeknight dinners can be both quick and flavorful, bringing the warmth of Mediterranean cooking into your home!
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Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A quick and satisfying Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry filled with juicy chicken, fresh vegetables, olives, and feta cheese.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Chicken breasts, boneless & skinless (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 3 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil (divided for cooking)
- Salt & black pepper (to taste)
- 2 medium Zucchini (sliced into half-moons)
- 2 Red bell peppers (diced into chunks)
- 1 large Red onion (sliced into strips)
- 2 cups Cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup Kalamata olives (pitted and halved)
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup Sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- 2 tsp Dried oregano
- 1 tsp Dried basil
- 1/2 tsp Dried thyme
- 1 Lemon (juice only)
- 0.5 cup Feta cheese (crumbled)
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Prep all ingredients before starting to cook.
- In a large skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces, seasoning with salt and pepper, and cook until golden brown and cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil. Stir in the onions and garlic, cooking until fragrant. Add the zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes, sautéing until they begin to soften.
- Return the chicken to the skillet. Toss in sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, basil, and thyme. Mix well and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Remove from heat, add lemon juice, olives, and feta cheese. Give it a gentle toss to combine flavors.
- Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve warm.
Notes
Feel free to swap out veggies or use chicken thighs for an alternate texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
