why make this recipe
This Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry cooks fast and tastes fresh. You get lean chicken, bright vegetables, olives, and feta in about 30 minutes. It is right for busy weeknights and simple meals. The flavors are light, bright, and comforting.
introduction
This stir fry mixes chicken, zucchini, bell pepper, onion, tomatoes, olives, and sun-dried tomatoes. Garlic and dried herbs add warm taste. Finish with lemon juice and feta for a bright touch. For a quick side that goes well with this dish, try the 10-minute garlic bread in air fryer recipe.
how to make Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry
- Cut the chicken into even pieces so they cook the same.
- Chop the zucchini, bell pepper, onion, and halve the cherry tomatoes. Slice the sun-dried tomatoes and mince the garlic.
- Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and no longer pink, 5–7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté the onion and garlic for 2 minutes until soft.
- Add zucchini and bell pepper. Cook 4–5 minutes until they start to soften.
- Stir in cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, and olives. Cook 2–3 minutes until tomatoes soften.
- Return chicken to the pan. Sprinkle oregano, basil, and thyme. Stir to mix.
- Add lemon juice, taste, and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Heat through for 1–2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle feta and fresh parsley on top before serving.
Ingredients :
- 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 garlic is best for 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 (Add at the end of cooking.)
- 1/2 cup Feta cheese (Omit for a dairy-free option.)
- 1/4 cup Fresh parsley (Optional garnish.)
Directions :
Cooking Instructions
Follow the steps in "how to make Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry" above. Use a large skillet so ingredients cook evenly. Keep heat medium-high for quick sear and bright vegetables. Finish with lemon and feta for best flavor.
how to serve Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry
Serve hot over rice, quinoa, or warm pita. You can also spoon it over a bed of greens for a salad-style meal. Add extra lemon wedges on the side for more brightness.
how to store Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry
Cool to room temperature, then place in an airtight container. Refrigerate up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a pan over medium heat or microwave until warm. For longer storage, freeze in a safe container up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
tips to make Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry
- Cut chicken and vegetables in similar size for even cooking.
- Do not crowd the pan; cook in batches if needed so chicken browns.
- Use fresh garlic and lemon for best flavor.
- Add feta at the end to keep it creamy and not melt away.
- Taste and add salt after you add olives because they can be salty.
variation (if any)
- Make it vegetarian: replace chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas.
- Add spinach or kale at the end for more greens.
- Use different cheese: goat cheese or grated Parmesan can work.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
FAQs
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
A: Yes. Thighs work well and stay moist. Cut them into uniform pieces and cook until done.
Q: Is this dish gluten-free?
A: Yes. The main recipe is naturally gluten-free. Serve with gluten-free grains or salad.
Q: Can I make this ahead for meal prep?
A: Yes. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat on the stove for best texture.
Q: Do I need to remove seeds from the bell pepper?
A: Yes. Remove seeds and the white membrane for best taste.
Q: Can I skip the olives or sun-dried tomatoes?
A: Yes. You can skip or swap them if you prefer a milder taste.
Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten-free
Description
A quick and fresh Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry with lean chicken, vibrant vegetables, olives, and feta, perfect for busy weeknights.
Ingredients
- 1 pound Chicken breasts, cut into uniform pieces
- 2 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium Zucchini
- 1 large Red bell pepper
- 1 medium Red onion
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives
- 2 cloves Garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup Sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Dried basil
- 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 1/2 cup Feta cheese
- 1/4 cup Fresh parsley, for garnish
Instructions
- Cut the chicken into even pieces so they cook the same.
- Chop the zucchini, bell pepper, onion, and halve the cherry tomatoes. Slice the sun-dried tomatoes and mince the garlic.
- Heat oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned and no longer pink, 5–7 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- In the same pan, add a bit more oil if needed. Sauté the onion and garlic for 2 minutes until soft.
- Add zucchini and bell pepper. Cook 4–5 minutes until they start to soften.
- Stir in cherry tomatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, and olives. Cook 2–3 minutes until tomatoes soften.
- Return chicken to the pan. Sprinkle oregano, basil, and thyme. Stir to mix.
- Add lemon juice, taste, and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Heat through for 1–2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and sprinkle feta and fresh parsley on top before serving.
Notes
For a vegetarian option, substitute chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 750mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 20g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg