Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry

This Mediterranean chicken stir fry is my go-to meal when I crave bright flavors but need dinner on the table fast. The juicy chicken and combination of crisp vegetables with creamy feta and briny olives always feel like a little vacation on a weeknight. Everything comes together in just over half an hour and there are very few dishes to wash which makes this recipe both practical and rewarding.

I started making this when I had leftover chicken and a crisper full of odds and ends. After the first try I realized my family kept asking for it again and again. Now it is an almost weekly dinner in our rotation.

Ingredients

• Chicken breasts boneless and skinless: A lean source of protein that cooks quickly and is the star of the dish Choose fresh chicken with a pink color and minimal moisture for best quality
• Extra virgin olive oil: For sautéing and depth of flavor Always use a fruity Mediterranean oil for richness
• Salt and black pepper: Brings out the natural flavors Use flaky salt and freshly cracked pepper if you can
• Zucchini: Adds a tender bite and soaks up herb flavors Pick firm smooth-skinned zucchini for freshness
• Red bell peppers: Provide sweetness and color Opt for peppers with tight glossy skin
• Red onion: Offers bold sweetness and texture Look for a firm onion with shiny skin and vibrant color
• Cherry tomatoes: Adds juicy tang and brightness Choose firm ripe tomatoes for best flavor
• Kalamata olives: Bring briny richness Choose pitted for ease and buy from the olive bar when possible
• Garlic: Gives sharp savory depth Go for fresh heavy cloves with tight skin
• Sun-dried tomatoes: Intensify flavor and provide a chewy bite Select oil-packed or rehydrate dry ones in warm water before using
• Dried oregano Dried basil Dried thyme: The classic Mediterranean herb blend Use high quality dried herbs for fullest flavor and rub them between your fingers before adding to release aroma
• Lemon juice: Brightens the whole dish and ties it all together Use fresh lemons and roll before juicing for more juice
• Feta cheese: Delivers creamy richness and tanginess Find a sheep’s milk feta in blocks for crumbling yourself if possible
• Fresh parsley: Optional but adds freshness and color Choose firm green leaves without yellow spots

Instructions

Prep all ingredients:

Chop chicken into bite-sized cubes Cut zucchini into half-moons Slice red bell peppers into bite-sized chunks Slice red onion into thin strips Halve cherry tomatoes and Kalamata olives Mince garlic and chop sun-dried tomatoes Have everything ready before heating your pan for an efficient stir fry

Sear the chicken:

Heat one and a half tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat Season chicken pieces with salt and pepper Add to the hot pan in a single layer Cook undisturbed for about three to four minutes until golden on the first side Flip and continue cooking until the chicken is golden all over and cooked to one hundred sixty five degrees Fahrenheit Transfer chicken to a plate and keep warm

Sauté the vegetables:

In the same skillet add remaining olive oil Add red onion and cook for two to three minutes until just beginning to soften Add garlic sauté for thirty seconds until fragrant Add zucchini red bell peppers and sun-dried tomatoes Cook for about five to seven minutes stirring frequently until the vegetables have softened a bit but still have some bite

Combine and season:

Return chicken to the pan with the vegetables Sprinkle in dried oregano dried basil and dried thyme Toss everything together so the herbs are evenly distributed Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed

Finish with olives lemon and feta:

Turn off the heat Squeeze over fresh lemon juice and toss in Kalamata olives Sprinkle crumbled feta over the top Stir gently so the feta softens a little and the flavors combine Serve hot and garnish with chopped fresh parsley if using

My favorite part is the way the lemon brightens the whole dish. Every time I make this the smell of fresh herbs and that burst of citrus remind me of lazy summer evenings cooking for friends and family.

Storage Tips

This stir fry keeps well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Warm gently over medium heat to prevent the feta from becoming runny. I have even tucked leftovers into pita bread for grab and go wraps the next day.

Ingredient Substitutions

Swap boneless chicken thighs for extra juicy results or use tofu for a vegetarian twist. If you do not have Kalamata olives try green olives or even capers for a briny kick. For dairy free keep the feta on the side.

Serving Suggestions

I love it over a bed of fluffy couscous quinoa or steamed rice. It is also fantastic stuffed in warm flatbreads drizzled with more olive oil. Serve with a leafy salad to round out the meal.

Cultural and Seasonal Notes

Stir frying is not traditional in Mediterranean cuisine but this method borrows the fast cooking style of Asian stir fry and pairs it with sunny coastal flavors. Make it in late summer for peak zucchini and tomatoes or add asparagus in spring.

Seasonal Adaptations

Add chickpeas in winter for extra heartiness Swap in eggplant for zucchini when zucchini are out of season Finish with fresh basil in late summer for extra flavor

Success Stories

A good friend once made this for her picky kids and they actually asked for seconds. The hands on chopping makes it easy to involve kids in prep. It is also my go to when I need to make dinner for company because it is both impressive and no stress.

Freezer Meal Conversion

While this dish is best fresh you can freeze the cooked chicken and vegetables together without the feta and olives. Reheat in a skillet and finish with fresh lemon juice feta and olives before serving. The vegetables will be a bit softer but the flavors hold up well.

This stir fry is bright savory and packed with flavor—just right for any weeknight meal. You will want to make it again and again!

Recipe FAQs

→ What type of chicken works best for this stir fry?

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts are ideal as they cook quickly and remain tender when cut into bite-sized pieces.

→ Can I substitute other vegetables?

Yes, you can use vegetables such as eggplant, yellow squash, or baby spinach for variation and extra flavor.

→ How do I ensure the chicken stays juicy?

Sear the chicken over medium-high heat just until cooked through, being careful not to overcook and dry it out.

→ Is feta cheese necessary?

Feta adds a creamy, tangy finish, but you can omit it or use goat cheese for a similar fresh touch.

→ Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, prep the vegetables and chicken ahead, and stir fry just before serving for the best texture and freshness.

→ What kind of olives should I use?

Kalamata olives are recommended for their bold flavor, but you can use any pitted Mediterranean-style olive you prefer.