Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

Introduction

This Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry is a vibrant and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with fresh vegetables and bold herbs. It’s a quick and healthy meal perfect for busy weeknights or a light dinner. The addition of feta cheese and olives adds a delightful tangy touch.

The image shows a close-up of a cooked dish with several layers visible; the bottom layer consists of sautéed onions that are translucent and slightly caramelized, followed by strips of red, yellow, and green bell peppers that are soft and glossy. On top, there are browned, grilled chicken strips that have a slightly charred texture, mixed evenly with Kalamata olives that add a deep purple color. Fresh chopped parsley is sprinkled all over, adding a pop of green. The food is shown inside a pan placed on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

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

  1. Step 1: Prepare all your ingredients by chopping, slicing, and dicing as needed to streamline the cooking process.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Season the chicken with salt and black pepper, then sear until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same pan, add the remaining olive oil. Sauté the sliced onions and minced garlic for about 2 minutes, until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add the zucchini, red bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are just tender.
  5. Step 5: Return the chicken to the skillet and toss with the vegetables. Stir in the sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, basil, thyme, and adjust salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Step 6: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the stir fry then gently fold in the halved Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese.
  7. Step 7: Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

  • For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with firm tofu or your favorite plant-based protein.
  • Swap seasonal vegetables like eggplant or artichokes to vary the flavors.
  • Prepping the vegetables and marinating the chicken ahead of time can save cooking time during busy evenings.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave to avoid drying out the chicken. Adding a splash of water or olive oil while reheating helps keep the dish moist.

How to Serve

A close-up view of a dish on a white plate with a thick orange rim, filled with many pieces of cooked chicken strips mixed with sautéed vegetables. The vegetables include sliced onions that are translucent white, large chunks of red and yellow bell peppers, and some small bits of green herbs scattered all over. The chicken pieces are golden-brown with some darker grill marks, and the whole dish looks shiny with a light sauce or oil coating. The plate is set on a blue cloth with a white flower pattern. 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 chicken cuts for this stir fry?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs can be used for a juicier option. Just ensure to cut them into bite-sized pieces for even cooking.

Is it possible to make this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely. This dish is naturally gluten-free as it uses fresh ingredients and no wheat-based sauces. Just double-check labels on any packaged items like sun-dried tomatoes or olives to be sure.

Print

Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

This Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry is a vibrant and healthy dish featuring tender chicken breast cooked with fresh vegetables, aromatic herbs, and briny olives. Finished with tangy sun-dried tomatoes, lemon juice, and crumbly feta cheese, this skillet meal offers a perfect balance of flavors and Mediterranean flair for a quick and satisfying dinner.

  • Author: Isla
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 18 minutes
  • Total Time: 33 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale

Main 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

  1. Prepare Ingredients: Start by washing, slicing, dicing, and chopping all your vegetables and chicken as required, ensuring all ingredients are ready for quick cooking.
  2. Sear Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Season the chicken pieces with salt and black pepper. Cook the chicken until it turns golden brown and is cooked through, about 6-8 minutes. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  3. Sauté Onions and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Add the sliced red onion and minced garlic, sautéing until fragrant and soft, approximately 2 minutes.
  4. Cook Vegetables: Add the zucchini slices, diced red bell peppers, and halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Continue to sauté until the vegetables are just tender but still vibrant, about 4-5 minutes.
  5. Combine Chicken and Vegetables: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Stir well to combine with the vegetables.
  6. Add Flavorings: Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, and adjust salt and black pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly to incorporate all flavors.
  7. Finish with Fresh Ingredients: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the stir fry to add brightness. Gently fold in the halved Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese without over-stirring to keep their texture intact.
  8. Serve: Serve the Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry hot, optionally garnished with fresh parsley for added color and freshness.

Notes

  • You can substitute chicken with tofu for a vegetarian option.
  • Swap out seasonal vegetables according to your preferences or what’s available for variety.
  • For a more intense flavor, marinate the chicken with some olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs before cooking.
  • To save time, prep the vegetables and chicken in advance.
  • Serve with a side of warm pita bread or over a bed of couscous or quinoa for a complete meal.

Keywords: Mediterranean chicken stir fry, healthy chicken recipe, skillet chicken, quick dinner, Mediterranean diet, chicken and vegetables, feta cheese chicken

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