Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

Introduction

This Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry is a vibrant and healthy dish packed with fresh vegetables, tender chicken, and bold flavors from herbs and olives. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels special and satisfying.

The image shows a close-up of a white bowl filled with a colorful stir-fry dish. The bottom layer consists of long, cooked penne pasta in a light brown sauce. On top, there are strips of grilled chicken with a slightly charred texture and golden brown color. Scattered among the chicken and pasta are slices of red and green bell peppers and mushrooms, adding bright red, green, and light brown colors with a soft, cooked texture. The ingredients look slightly glossy from the sauce, and the bowl is 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 have everything ready.
  2. Step 2: 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, then sear them in the hot oil until golden brown and cooked through, about 6-8 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. Add the remaining olive oil to the pan and sauté the sliced red onion and minced garlic until fragrant, approximately 2 minutes.
  4. Step 4: Add the zucchini, red bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are just tender, about 4-5 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Return the cooked chicken to the skillet and toss with the vegetables. Stir in the chopped sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, dried basil, dried thyme, and season with additional salt and black pepper to taste.
  6. Step 6: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the mixture, then gently fold in the halved Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese.
  7. Step 7: Serve the stir fry hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

  • For extra depth, marinate the chicken in lemon juice, olive oil, and herbs for 30 minutes before cooking.
  • Swap Kalamata olives for green olives if preferred for a milder taste.
  • Add a pinch of red pepper flakes while cooking for a subtle spicy kick.
  • Serve over quinoa, couscous, or brown rice to make it a complete meal.

Storage

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat to preserve the texture of the vegetables and chicken. Avoid microwave reheating if possible to keep the feta cheese from becoming too soft.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a cooked dish with three main layers: grilled chicken strips, sautéed bell peppers, and cooked onions, all mixed together in a white pan. The grilled chicken pieces are light brown with grill marks and are scattered throughout the dish. The bell peppers are cut into thin strips and have bright red, yellow, and green colors, adding vibrancy. The cooked onions are translucent with light brown edges, blending softly into the mix. Dark purple olives and finely chopped green herbs are sprinkled on top, adding texture and color contrast. The whole dish looks juicy and well-seasoned, sitting 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 chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless skinless chicken thighs can be used and will add a bit more juiciness and flavor. Adjust cooking time as needed until they are cooked through.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. This stir fry keeps well and can be portioned out for several days of tasty lunches or dinners. Keep the feta separate if you prefer it fresher upon serving.

Print

Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

A vibrant and healthy Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry featuring tender chicken breasts sautéed with fresh zucchini, red bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, olives, and bold herbs, finished with lemon juice and crumbled feta cheese for a perfect balance of flavors.

  • Author: Sana
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Frying
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 1.5 lbs Chicken breasts, boneless & skinless (cut into bite-sized pieces)
  • Salt & black pepper (to taste)
  • 3 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil (divided for cooking)

Vegetables & Herbs

  • 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)
  • 2 tsp Dried oregano
  • 1 tsp Dried basil
  • 1/2 tsp Dried thyme
  • 1 Lemon (juice only)
  • 1 cup Kalamata olives (pitted and halved)

Finishing Touches

  • 0.5 cup Feta cheese (crumbled)
  • 2 tbsp Fresh parsley (optional garnish)

Instructions

  1. Preparation: Start by chopping, slicing, and dicing all your ingredients as directed so everything is ready to go.
  2. Cook 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, then sear them in the hot oil until they turn golden brown and are cooked through, about 6 to 8 minutes. Once done, remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.
  3. Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the sliced red onions and minced garlic until fragrant and softened, about 2 minutes, scraping up any browned bits for more flavor.
  4. Cook Vegetables: Add the zucchini slices, diced red bell peppers, and halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet. Stir and sauté the vegetables until they are tender but still retain a bit of crunch, approximately 4 to 5 minutes.
  5. Combine and Season: Return the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the vegetables. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and sprinkle in the dried oregano, basil, and thyme. Season with additional salt and black pepper to taste, and toss everything together thoroughly to combine all flavors.
  6. Finish with Lemon and Feta: Squeeze the fresh lemon juice evenly over the stir fry. Gently fold in the halved Kalamata olives and crumbled feta cheese, allowing the cheese to soften slightly in the heat without melting completely.
  7. Serve: Transfer the Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry to a serving dish, garnish with fresh parsley if desired, and serve hot for a delicious and colorful meal.

Notes

  • Use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for quick cooking and tender bites.
  • Sun-dried tomatoes add a concentrated sweetness and depth; ensure they are chopped finely to distribute flavor well.
  • The combination of fresh and dried herbs brings authentic Mediterranean aroma and taste.
  • For a dairy-free option, omit the feta cheese or substitute with a vegan cheese alternative.
  • Pair this stir fry with couscous, rice, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
  • Adjust salt according to the saltiness of the olives and feta cheese to avoid over-salting.

Keywords: Mediterranean chicken, chicken stir fry, healthy chicken recipe, Mediterranean diet, quick chicken dinner, feta cheese chicken, vegetable chicken stir fry

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