Description
This Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry is a vibrant, wholesome dish combining tender chicken breast with colorful vegetables, fragrant herbs, and tangy feta cheese. Bursting with Mediterranean flavors like sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and fresh lemon juice, it’s a quick and healthy skillet meal perfect for busy weeknights or anytime you crave a flavorful, nutritious dish.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Dairy
- 1.5 lbs Chicken breasts, boneless & skinless (cut into bite-sized pieces)
- 0.5 cup Feta cheese (crumbled)
Vegetables
- 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)
- 4 cloves Garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup Sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
- 1 cup Kalamata olives (pitted and halved)
Oils and Fats
- 3 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil (divided for cooking)
Herbs and Seasoning
- Salt & black pepper (to taste)
- 2 tsp Dried oregano
- 1 tsp Dried basil
- 1/2 tsp Dried thyme
- 1 Lemon (juice only)
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley (optional garnish)
Instructions
- Preparation: Prepare all ingredients by chopping, slicing, and dicing the chicken and vegetables as specified to ensure everything is ready for cooking.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Season the bite-sized chicken pieces with salt and black pepper. Sear the chicken until golden brown and cooked through, which should take about 6 to 8 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the sliced red onions and minced garlic until fragrant, about 2 minutes. This step helps build the flavor base for the stir fry.
- Cook Vegetables: Add the sliced zucchini, diced red bell peppers, and halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Sauté these vegetables until they become just tender, which typically takes 4 to 5 minutes, maintaining some bite and vibrant color.
- Combine Chicken and Vegetables: Return the cooked chicken pieces to the skillet with the vegetables. Toss everything together thoroughly. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, basil, thyme, and adjust salt and pepper to your taste preferences.
- Add Finishing Touches: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the skillet ingredients to add brightness. Gently fold in the halved Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese, mixing just enough to incorporate without breaking down the cheese.
- Serve: Serve the Mediterranean chicken stir fry hot, garnished with freshly chopped parsley if desired, for an added burst of freshness and color.
Notes
- Using a skillet or wok over medium-high heat ensures even cooking and a slight sear on the chicken and vegetables.
- Keep the vegetables slightly crisp by avoiding overcooking during the sauté step.
- Adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper after combining all ingredients to balance flavors.
- For a lower-fat version, reduce olive oil to 2 tablespoons.
- This dish pairs well with cooked quinoa, rice, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: Mediterranean chicken, chicken stir fry, healthy chicken recipe, feta chicken, quick dinner, skillet chicken, Mediterranean diet, chicken and vegetables
