Print

Easy Zesty Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry

Easy Zesty Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry - featured image
Print Recipe

A quick and healthy Mediterranean-inspired chicken stir fry featuring zesty lemon, earthy olives, and fresh spinach, perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Zest and juice of 1 medium lemon
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, thinly sliced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/3 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
  • 2 cups baby spinach
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prep all ingredients first: slice chicken into 1-inch chunks, thinly slice red bell pepper, halve cherry tomatoes and olives, mince garlic, and zest lemon.
  2. Marinate chicken (optional but recommended): toss chicken with 1 tablespoon olive oil, lemon zest, minced garlic, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Let sit for 10 minutes.
  3. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  4. Add marinated chicken in a single layer. Let sear undisturbed for 3 minutes, then stir occasionally until cooked through and golden, about 5-7 minutes total. Internal temperature should reach 165°F (74°C).
  5. Add sliced bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, and olives. Cook and stir until peppers soften but remain slightly crunchy and tomatoes release juices, about 4 minutes.
  6. Lower heat to medium-low, add baby spinach and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the skillet. Stir gently until spinach wilts but stays bright green, about 2 minutes.
  7. Season to taste with salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes if using. Top with crumbled feta cheese just before serving.

Notes

Do not overcrowd the pan to ensure chicken browns well. Add spinach last to keep it vibrant and avoid mushiness. Add lemon juice at the end to prevent drying out the chicken. Using fresh lemon zest boosts flavor significantly. For dairy-free, omit feta or use plant-based alternative. For gluten-free, this recipe is naturally compliant.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mediterranean chicken, chicken stir fry, quick healthy meals, lemon chicken, spinach, olives, easy dinner

Find it online: https://atomicbite.com/easy-zesty-mediterranean-chicken-stir-fry-recipe-for-quick-healthy-meals/