Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry Recipe: Wholesome 30-Minute Delight Recipe

Introduction

This Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry is a vibrant and wholesome dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner. Packed with fresh vegetables, herbs, and tender chicken, it delivers bright flavors in just 30 minutes. It’s healthy, satisfying, and easy to customize.

This image shows a white pan filled with a colorful chicken stir-fry. The dish has many layers with chunks of browned chicken pieces on top, showing a slightly crispy texture. Below and mixed with the chicken are sliced red, yellow, and green bell peppers with a soft, cooked look. There are also pieces of green broccoli, round slices of zucchini, and chunks of purple onion scattered throughout, adding more color and texture. The dish is sprinkled with chopped green herbs on top, giving it a fresh finish. The pan sits on a white marbled surface with a small part of a gray and white striped cloth visible. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 1 pound chicken breasts, cut into uniform pieces
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 1 medium zucchini (yellow squash can be substituted)
  • 1 large red bell pepper (any sweet pepper variety works)
  • 1 medium red onion (yellow or white onions are suitable substitutes)
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes (canned diced tomatoes are a convenient alternative)
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives (green olives can be used as an alternative)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes (use additional fresh tomatoes if unavailable)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil (fresh herbs can further elevate the dish)
  • 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1/2 cup feta cheese (omit for a dairy-free option)
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Gather all ingredients. Chop the chicken, vegetables, and parsley into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and ease of eating.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sear until golden brown and cooked through, about 7-8 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil. Sauté the red onion, garlic, zucchini, and red bell pepper until tender but still vibrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Add sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, dried oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine and warm through for 2-3 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Remove skillet from heat, drizzle lemon juice over the mixture, and sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese. Gently toss to combine.
  6. Step 6: Garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve immediately for best flavor and texture.

Tips & Variations

  • For even cooking, cut chicken into uniform pieces and avoid overcrowding the pan when searing.
  • Use fresh herbs like basil or oregano when available for a brighter flavor.
  • Swap feta cheese for a dairy-free alternative or omit it entirely for a vegan-friendly dish.
  • Try adding a handful of spinach or arugula at the end for extra greens.
  • If you prefer a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes during the sauté step.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or microwave until warmed through. To maintain the best texture, avoid reheating the feta cheese; instead, add fresh feta after reheating, if desired.

How to Serve

A round white pan filled with a colorful mix of cooked chicken pieces and vegetables. The bottom layer has bright green broccoli florets, slices of red and yellow bell peppers, and purple onion wedges. On top, there are small browned chicken chunks scattered all over with some lemon slices placed around. The dish is sprinkled with chopped green herbs, adding a fresh contrast. The pan rests on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of meat for this stir fry?

Yes, you can substitute chicken with turkey breast or firm tofu for a vegetarian option. Adjust cooking times accordingly to ensure proper doneness.

What can I serve with Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry?

This dish pairs well with cooked quinoa, brown rice, couscous, or warm pita bread to soak up the delicious juices. A simple green salad on the side complements the meal nicely.

Print

Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry Recipe: Wholesome 30-Minute Delight Recipe

This Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry is a vibrant and wholesome dish combining tender chicken breasts with fresh vegetables, Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and fragrant herbs. Ready in just 30 minutes, it’s a perfect quick and healthy meal packed with Mediterranean flavors and a touch of tangy lemon and feta cheese.

  • Author: Lisa
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients

Scale

For the Stir Fry

  • 1 pound Chicken breasts, cut into uniform pieces for even cooking
  • 2 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil, use liberally to enhance taste
  • 1 medium Zucchini (yellow squash can be substituted)
  • 1 large Red bell pepper (any sweet pepper variety can be used)
  • 1 medium Red onion (yellow or white onions are suitable substitutes)
  • 1 cup Cherry tomatoes (canned diced tomatoes are a convenient alternative)
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives (green olives are an alternative)
  • 2 cloves Garlic, fresh minced for best flavor
  • 1/4 cup Sun-dried tomatoes (use additional fresh tomatoes if unavailable)
  • 1 teaspoon Dried oregano, essential for authentic flavor
  • 1 teaspoon Dried basil (fresh herbs can further elevate the dish)
  • 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon juice, added at the end of cooking
  • 1/2 cup Feta cheese (omit for a dairy-free option)
  • 1/4 cup Fresh parsley, optional garnish

Instructions

  1. Prep: Start by gathering all your ingredients. Chop the chicken breasts, vegetables, and herbs into bite-sized pieces to ensure even cooking and easy eating.
  2. Sear Chicken: Heat half of the extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken pieces and sear them until they turn golden brown and are cooked through, approximately 7-8 minutes. This step seals in the juices and enhances flavor.
  3. Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining olive oil. Incorporate the chopped red onion, minced garlic, zucchini, and red bell peppers. Sauté the vegetables until they become tender yet still vibrant in color, which should take about 3-4 minutes.
  4. Combine: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet. Add the sun-dried tomatoes and Kalamata olives. Sprinkle in the dried oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper to season. Mix all the ingredients well and allow them to warm through for a couple of minutes, ensuring the flavors meld together.
  5. Finish: Remove the skillet from heat and immediately drizzle the fresh lemon juice over the stir fry. Then add the crumbled feta cheese. Toss everything gently to combine before serving. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired for added freshness and color.

Notes

  • Properly cutting the chicken into uniform pieces helps ensure even cooking throughout.
  • Consider batch cooking the vegetables to retain their natural crispness and vibrant colors.
  • To make this dish dairy-free, simply omit the feta cheese while maintaining all other flavors.
  • Fresh herbs can be used instead of dried for an even more aromatic Mediterranean experience.
  • Using fresh lemon juice at the end brightens the dish and balances the richness of the feta and olives.

Keywords: Mediterranean chicken stir fry, healthy chicken recipe, quick chicken dinner, one-pan chicken recipe, feta chicken stir fry, olive chicken dish

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