There’s a special joy in the kitchen when the aromas of garlic and fresh herbs fill the air. I remember the first time I made this Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry; it was a warm summer evening, and I wanted something vibrant yet comforting. As I diced fresh veggies and sautéed the chicken, the colorful mix made my kitchen come alive. This dish matters because it brings together simple ingredients that sing with flavor and love. Whether it’s a busy weeknight dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe shines bright on the table. What’s special about it is how easy it is to prepare while still delivering that delightful Mediterranean flair.
Why Make This Recipe
This Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry is perfect for anyone looking for a quick, healthy meal packed with flavor. It’s a one-pan dish that combines lean chicken, vibrant vegetables, and a touch of tangy feta, making it not only nutritious but also delicious. With minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, you can have a satisfying dinner on the table in no time. Plus, it’s a great way to incorporate more veggies into your diet while enjoying the brightness of Mediterranean cuisine.
How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry
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)
Directions
- Prep all the ingredients first. Chop everything to save time while cooking.
- In a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, seasoning them with salt and black pepper. Cook until they turn golden and are cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside. In the same pan, add the remaining olive oil. Sauté the red onion and minced garlic for about 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant.
- Add the zucchini, red bell peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, and halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Return the chicken to the pan, season with oregano, basil, thyme, and toss everything together. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish, then mix in the olives and crumbled feta.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
How to Serve Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry
This dish is wonderfully versatile! Serve it over a bed of rice, quinoa, or even a fresh green salad for a complete meal. The colorful veggies and chicken make a lovely presentation, so it’s great for family dinners or entertaining guests. You can also serve it with warm pita bread or even inside wrap for a fun twist!
How to Store Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to three days. To reheat, simply warm it in a pan over medium heat or microwave it until heated through.
Tips to Make Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry
- Prep Ahead: Chop your veggies and chicken in advance to save time on busy evenings.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: If you have a lot of chicken or veggies, consider cooking in batches to ensure even cooking.
- Experiment with Your Veggies: Feel free to substitute or add other vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, or eggplant for variety.
Variation
You can easily make this recipe vegetarian by replacing the chicken with chickpeas or tofu. Simply sauté the chickpeas or cubed tofu until golden brown and follow the recipe as usual.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen chicken, but make sure it’s fully thawed before cooking to ensure even cooking.
2. What can I substitute for feta cheese?
If you’re not a fan of feta, crumbled goat cheese or even a sprinkle of Parmesan can work nicely!
3. Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, all the ingredients in this recipe are gluten-free. Just check the labels on any pre-packaged items!
Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry
Ingredients
Main ingredients
- 1.5 lbs Chicken breasts, boneless & skinless, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 3 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil, divided for cooking
- to taste Salt & black pepper
- 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 whole Lemon, juice only
- 0.5 cup Feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tbsp Fresh parsley, optional garnish
Method
Preparation
- Prep all the ingredients first. Chop everything to save time while cooking.
- In a large pan, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chicken pieces, seasoning them with salt and black pepper. Cook until they turn golden and are cooked through, about 5-7 minutes.
- Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.
- In the same pan, add the remaining olive oil. Sauté the red onion and minced garlic for about 2-3 minutes until they become fragrant.
- Add the zucchini, red bell peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, and halved cherry tomatoes. Cook for another 5-7 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Return the chicken to the pan, season with oregano, basil, thyme, and toss everything together. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish, then mix in the olives and crumbled feta.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh parsley if desired.