introduction
Since I was very young, cooking has always held a special place in my life. My name is Adam, and it was alongside my mother that I discovered the magic of flavors and homemade dishes. This Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry Recipe brings that same magic to a quick weeknight meal. It mixes juicy chicken, bright vegetables, briny olives, and tangy feta.
People search for Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry Recipe because they want bold flavor with minimal fuss. In this article you will learn what goes into the dish, how to cook it step by step, and how to serve and store leftovers. If you enjoy Mediterranean flavors, you may also like my take on a similar idea such as Greek chicken flatbread that uses many of the same ingredients.
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Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Diet: Gluten-Free
Description
A quick and flavorful weeknight meal featuring juicy chicken, bright vegetables, briny olives, and tangy feta, all ready in under 30 minutes.
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
- Prep ingredients and chop everything before cooking.
- Sear the chicken in batches until golden and cooked through, approximately 2–3 minutes per side.
- Remove chicken and keep warm, then sauté onions and garlic until fragrant.
- Add zucchini and bell peppers, cooking for 4–5 minutes until crisp-tender.
- Fold in cherry tomatoes and sun-dried tomatoes, then return the chicken to the pan.
- Season with oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper, and stir to combine.
- Squeeze fresh lemon over the mixture, stir in olives, and finish with crumbled feta and parsley.
- Serve immediately for optimal texture.
Notes
For best results, use high-quality olive oil and avoid overcrowding the pan. If needed, deglaze with chicken broth for extra sauce.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stir Fry
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
why make this recipe
The Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry Recipe gives you bright, fresh flavor in under 30 minutes. It balances savory chicken with sweet peppers and acidic tomatoes. The dish uses pantry-friendly herbs like oregano, basil, and thyme. You get protein and vegetables in one pan. This recipe is ideal for busy families, meal preppers, and anyone avoiding heavy sauces.
It is easy to scale up for guests or serve on a single plate for a quick lunch. The simple ingredient list also makes it easy to swap items if you have dietary needs. If you ever worry about bland chicken or limp veggies, this recipe fixes both by using high heat and timed cooking. For more chicken ideas, see this collection of chicken recipes that pair well with Mediterranean sides.
how to make Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Start by heating a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Pat the chicken pieces dry and season with salt and pepper. Add a tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil to the pan. Sear the chicken in batches to avoid crowding. Brown each piece for 2–3 minutes per side until golden. Transfer the cooked chicken to a plate and keep warm.
Lower the heat slightly and add the remaining olive oil. Sauté the red onion until it softens and becomes translucent. Stir in the garlic and sun-dried tomatoes to release their aroma. Add the zucchini and red bell peppers and cook for 4–5 minutes. The vegetables should stay crisp-tender. Toss in cherry tomatoes and let them blister gently. Return the chicken to the pan and sprinkle in oregano, basil, and thyme. Add salt and pepper to taste, and then stir to combine.
Finish by mixing in Kalamata olives and lemon juice. Heat just until everything is warmed through. Remove from the heat and crumble feta over the top. Let the cheese soften slightly before serving. Serve immediately so the textures stay fresh.
Key techniques: sear the chicken to lock in juices, cook vegetables hot and fast to retain bite, and add delicate herbs and cheese at the end. Common mistakes include overcrowding the pan, overcooking the zucchini, and adding feta too early so it melts away. If you follow the timing above, your Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry Recipe will have vibrant color and balanced flavors.
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)
Each ingredient plays a clear role. Chicken provides protein and structure. Olive oil gives richness and helps sear. Zucchini and peppers add texture and sweetness. Cherry tomatoes add acidity and moisture. Olives and sun-dried tomatoes add a salty, savory punch. Feta gives creaminess and a tangy finish. Choose ripe peppers and firm zucchini for best texture. Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil for flavor. If you need a swap, use boneless thighs for more juiciness, or omit olives for a milder taste.
Directions
Prep ingredients and chop everything before cooking.
Sear chicken until golden and cooked through.
Sauté onions, garlic, and vegetables.
Combine chicken and vegetables, season, and toss.
Add lemon juice, olives, and feta, then serve.
Begin by prepping all produce and chopping chicken into bite-sized pieces. Heat a large skillet and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Cook the chicken over medium-high heat until it browns and is cooked through. Remove chicken and rest it briefly. Add the remaining oil, then sauté onion and garlic until fragrant. Add zucchini and bell peppers and cook for 4–5 minutes, so they stay slightly crisp. Fold in cherry tomatoes and sun-dried tomatoes, then return chicken to the pan. Season with oregano, basil, thyme, salt, and pepper. Squeeze fresh lemon over the pan, stir in olives, and finish with crumbled feta and parsley.
Best practices: keep ingredients ready before you start. Work quickly on high heat to seal flavor. Taste and adjust salt at the end. If the pan gets too dry, add a splash of chicken broth. These steps help ensure your Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry Recipe turns out perfectly every time.
how to serve Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Serve this Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry Recipe over fluffy rice, couscous, or orzo for a filling meal. It also pairs well with crusty bread to soak up juices. For low-carb options, serve over cauliflower rice or a bed of mixed greens. A dollop of plain Greek yogurt or tzatziki on the side adds cooling creaminess and extra Mediterranean flair. Garnish with fresh parsley and an extra squeeze of lemon.
This dish balances textures: tender chicken, crisp vegetables, soft blistered tomatoes, and creamy feta. The flavors play off each other—savory chicken, salty olives, bright lemon, and herbaceous oregano. These contrasts make the recipe satisfying and well-rounded for casual dinners or light entertaining.
how to store Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Cool leftovers within two hours and store in an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days. To reheat, warm in a skillet over medium heat for best texture, or microwave in short bursts to avoid drying out the chicken. If you want to freeze, place portions in freezer-safe containers and freeze up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Note: Feta can soften when frozen and thawed. If you expect to freeze leftovers, consider adding fresh crumbled feta after reheating. Always check internal temperature when reheating to ensure the chicken reaches at least 165°F.
tips to make Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Use high, even heat to get quick sears and bright vegetables. Dry the chicken thoroughly before seasoning to help it brown. Cook in batches to prevent steaming. Add garlic later in the sauté to avoid burning it. Halve or quarter cherry tomatoes so they blister but do not completely collapse. If you want more sauce, deglaze the pan with a splash of chicken broth or white wine before returning the chicken. Finish with lemon for brightness and add feta right before serving so it keeps texture. For an extra layer of flavor, marinate the chicken for 15 minutes in lemon juice, olive oil, and oregano.
If you need inspiration for pairing this stir fry with bold flavors, try a spicier side like buffalo-style tacos to contrast the Mediterranean notes — a dish similar to buffalo chicken tacos offers a different take on weeknight chicken.
variation (if any)
Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry Recipe adapts well to variations. Try these ideas:
- Greek-style: Add a splash of red wine vinegar and extra oregano. Serve with warm pita.
- Vegetarian: Swap chicken for firm tofu or chickpeas. Sear tofu until golden and proceed the same.
- Low-carb: Omit sun-dried tomatoes and serve over zucchini noodles.
- Spicy: Stir in red pepper flakes or a pinch of smoked paprika.
- One-pan roast: Toss all ingredients in a sheet pan and roast at 425°F for 20–25 minutes for a hands-off version.
Each variation keeps the core Mediterranean flavors while adjusting texture, heat, or convenience.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes. Boneless skinless thighs stay juicier and handle higher heat well. Reduce cooking time slightly if pieces are larger.
Is this Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry Recipe freezer-friendly?
You can freeze it, but feta and some vegetables change texture after thawing. For best results, freeze without feta and add fresh cheese after reheating.
What can I serve with this for a family dinner?
Serve over rice, couscous, or orzo. Add a simple green salad and crusty bread to round out the meal.
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry Recipe gives you a fast, flavorful dinner with classic Mediterranean ingredients. If you want ideas from other cooks, check this Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry with Vegetables (30-Minutes) recipe for another quick method, or compare techniques with this Mediterranean Stir Fry guide. For an alternative take and measurements, read this easy chicken stir fry to see different tips and timing.