Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry Recipe: Wholesome 30-Minute Delight

Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry is a vibrant, flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs, creating a delightful melody of tastes in just 30 minutes. The colorful ingredients not only brighten up your dinner plate but also evoke the sunny coasts of the Mediterranean. This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight meal or a casual gathering with friends and family.

When you take a bite, you’ll experience a burst of flavors from the juicy chicken, tangy olives, and zesty lemon juice. The combination of herbs and fresh veggies enriches every bite, making it both nourishing and satisfying. In this article, you’ll discover how to prepare this delicious stir fry, along with tips on serving and storing. Dive in and get ready to impress yourself and your loved ones with this simple yet scrumptious recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Fresh ingredients create a flavorful, wholesome meal.
2. Quick preparation means you can enjoy dinner in just 30 minutes.
3. Packed with nutrients from vegetables and lean protein, it’s a healthy choice.
4. Versatile enough to adapt to your dietary needs or preferences.
5. Looks stunning on the plate, making it perfect for special occasions.

You’ll find this dish a wonderful addition to your cooking repertoire!

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total time: 30 minutes
• Preparation time: 10 minutes
• Cooking time: 20 minutes

Note that times may vary.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 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.)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Prep the Ingredients: Cut the chicken, zucchini, bell pepper, and onion into bite-sized pieces. Halve the cherry tomatoes and mince the garlic.
2. Heat the Oil: In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat.
3. Cook the Chicken: Add the chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
4. Add Vegetables: Mix in the zucchini, red bell pepper, red onion, and garlic. Sauté for another 5 minutes until the veggies are tender.
5. Final Touches: Stir in the cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, basil, and thyme. Cook for an additional 3 minutes to heat everything through.
6. Add Lemon Juice and Cheese: Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice and feta cheese.
7. Garnish: Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

How to Serve

1. Presentation: Serve in a colorful bowl to showcase the vibrant ingredients.
2. Accompaniments: Pair with a side of rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad for added texture.
3. Portions: This recipe serves about 4, making it great for family meals.
4. Beverage Pairing: A glass of white wine or sparkling water complements the flavors beautifully.

Enjoy this dish as a centerpiece of your meal!

Additional Tips

• Enhance flavor by marinating the chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs before cooking.
• For a twist, try adding different seasonal vegetables like asparagus or broccoli.
• Serve with crusty bread to mop up the delicious juices.

Recipe Variations

1. Spicy Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry: Add crushed red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
2. Citrus Chicken Stir Fry: Use orange juice and zest in place of lemon for a sweeter taste.
3. Vegetarian Option: Substitute chicken with chickpeas or tofu for a plant-based version.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: For best results, freeze in portions for up to 2 months. Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.

Special Equipment

• Large skillet or wok
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Serving bowls
• Measuring spoons

FAQ’s

1. Can I use frozen ingredients? Yes, using frozen chicken and veggies can save time, just adjust cooking times.
2. Is this recipe healthy? Absolutely! It’s packed with protein and vegetables, making a balanced meal.
3. Can I make it ahead of time? Yes, you can prep the ingredients a day before and cook when ready.
4. Can I customize the meal? Definitely! Feel free to swap out vegetables or spices to suit your taste.
5. What are alternative cooking methods? You can grill the chicken or roast the vegetables as an alternative way to prepare this dish.

Conclusion

Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry is not just quick and easy; it’s a flavor-packed dish that you can enjoy on any occasion. With its fresh ingredients and beautiful presentation, it makes for an impressive yet simple meal. So gather your ingredients and get cooking—you’ll love how delicious and rewarding this dish is!

Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry

A vibrant and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken with fresh vegetables and aromatic herbs, perfect for a quick weeknight meal.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Servings: 4 servings

Course: dinner, Main Course

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Calories: 350

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main 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.

Method

 

Preparation

1. Cut the chicken, zucchini, bell pepper, and onion into bite-sized pieces. Halve the cherry tomatoes and mince the garlic.

Cooking

1. In a large skillet, heat the extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chicken pieces to the skillet. Cook for about 5-7 minutes, until golden brown and cooked through.
3. Mix in the zucchini, red bell pepper, red onion, and garlic. Sauté for another 5 minutes until the veggies are tender.
4. Stir in the cherry tomatoes, kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, dried oregano, basil, and thyme. Cook for an additional 3 minutes to heat everything through.
5. Remove from heat and stir in the lemon juice and feta cheese.
6. Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving.

Notes

Enhance flavor by marinating the chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs before cooking. For a twist, try adding different seasonal vegetables like asparagus or broccoli. Serve with crusty bread to mop up the delicious juices.