Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

Imagine the bright aroma of garlic sizzling in olive oil, tender golden chicken, and vibrant vegetables tossed together in one bold, satisfying skillet. This Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry Recipe brings the sun-drenched flavors of the Mediterranean coast straight to your weeknight dinner table. It’s wholesome, colorful, and packed with ingredients that are as nutritious as they are delicious. Whether you’re cooking for family or meal prepping for the week, this dish delivers every time. You’ll learn the best techniques, pro tips, smart variations, and everything you need to make this recipe absolutely perfect.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is the kind of meal that checks every box. It comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights without sacrificing flavor or nutrition. The combination of juicy chicken, crisp zucchini, sweet bell peppers, and briny Kalamata olives creates a layered taste experience that feels restaurant-worthy. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens every bite, while crumbled feta adds a creamy, salty finish that ties everything together beautifully.

Beyond the incredible flavor, this dish is naturally gluten-free and high in protein. It’s a one-pan wonder that means less cleanup and more time enjoying your meal. The vibrant colors alone make it visually stunning on the plate. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just getting started, this Mediterranean chicken skillet recipe is approachable, flexible, and endlessly satisfying. It’s a dish you’ll return to again and again.

Ingredients List for the Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

These fresh, bold ingredients come together to create a dish full of Mediterranean character. Gather everything and prep it before you start cooking for the smoothest experience.

• 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)

Pro Tips

Getting the most out of this Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry Recipe comes down to three key techniques.

Dry your chicken before searing. Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels before they hit the pan. Moisture is the enemy of a golden crust. A dry surface allows for proper browning, which adds deep, savory flavor to the entire dish.

Use high heat for the stir fry. A hot pan is essential for achieving that slight char on the vegetables without making them soggy. Use a large skillet or wok and avoid overcrowding. Cook in batches if needed.

Add feta at the very end. Feta cheese melts quickly and can turn grainy if overheated. Stir it in off the heat or just before serving to preserve its creamy, crumbly texture. This small step makes a big difference in the final presentation and taste of your Mediterranean chicken skillet.

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to bring your Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry Recipe to life.

Step 1: Prep ingredients and chop everything before cooking. Slice the zucchini into half-moons, dice the bell peppers, strip the red onion, halve the cherry tomatoes, and mince the garlic. Cut the chicken into bite-sized pieces and season generously with salt and black pepper. Having everything ready before you turn on the heat ensures a smooth, efficient cook.

Step 2: Sear chicken until golden and cooked through. Heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces in a single layer and cook for 5 to 7 minutes, turning occasionally, until golden brown on the outside and fully cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside on a plate.

Step 3: Sauté onions, garlic, and vegetables. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same pan. Add the red onion and cook for 2 minutes until it begins to soften. Add the garlic and stir for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the zucchini, red bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and sun-dried tomatoes. Stir everything together and cook for 4 to 5 minutes over medium-high heat until the vegetables are tender but still hold a slight bite.

Step 4: Combine chicken and vegetables, season, and toss. Return the seared chicken to the skillet with the cooked vegetables. Sprinkle in the dried oregano, dried basil, and dried thyme. Toss everything together thoroughly so the herbs coat every piece of chicken and vegetable. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and black pepper as needed. Let everything cook together for another 1 to 2 minutes so the flavors can meld.

Step 5: Add lemon juice, olives, and feta, then serve. Squeeze the juice of one lemon over the entire skillet and stir in the Kalamata olives. Remove from heat and scatter the crumbled feta cheese over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve immediately while hot.

Variations

This Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is wonderfully adaptable. Here are a few popular ways to make it your own.

Swap the protein. This recipe works beautifully with shrimp or sliced turkey breast instead of chicken. Shrimp cooks even faster, so reduce the searing time to about 2 to 3 minutes per side. For a vegetarian version, replace the chicken with canned chickpeas or cubed halloumi cheese for a satisfying plant-based Mediterranean stir fry.

Add a grain base. Serve this dish over fluffy couscous, orzo, or brown rice to stretch the meal further and add hearty texture. Couscous absorbs the lemon and herb juices especially well.

Turn up the heat. For those who enjoy spice, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of harissa paste when sautéing the garlic. It brings a subtle warmth that pairs wonderfully with the briny olives and creamy feta.

Storage and Serving

Storing leftovers: Allow the Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry Recipe to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in a sealed freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat with a small splash of olive oil or water to revive the texture. Avoid microwaving at high power as it can dry out the chicken.

Serving suggestions: This dish is excellent served straight from the skillet as a light, low-carb meal. For something more filling, pair it with warm pita bread, creamy hummus on the side, or a simple Greek salad. A chilled glass of white wine makes this Mediterranean chicken dinner feel like a true feast. Leftovers also make an exceptional next-day lunch packed cold.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work very well in this recipe. They are slightly fattier and more forgiving if slightly overcooked, making them a great choice for beginners.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. You can prep all the vegetables and chicken up to 24 hours in advance and store them separately in the refrigerator. The full dish also reheats well, making it ideal for meal prepping.

Is this Mediterranean chicken recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check your sun-dried tomatoes and olives to ensure no gluten-containing additives are present in the packaging.

What can I use instead of Kalamata olives?
Green olives or black olives make a suitable substitute. They have a milder flavor but still add that essential briny quality that makes this a true Mediterranean stir fry recipe.

Can I add spinach or other greens?
Yes, adding a couple of handfuls of fresh spinach or arugula in the final minute of cooking is a great way to boost the nutrition and color of this dish without altering the overall flavor profile.

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