If you're craving a colorful, flavorful dish that's quick to make any night of the week, this Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is just what you need. It’s packed with vibrant veggies, tangy olives, and tender chicken — perfect when you want a wholesome meal without the fuss. I love making this recipe when I want something fresh yet comforting, and you’ll enjoy how bright and satisfying it feels on the plate.
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Why You’ll Love This
This Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry Recipe strikes a perfect chord between speedy prep and rich, layered flavors. It’s a smart way to use fresh and pantry staples for a bright, satisfying meal you can count on any day.
- Reliable Texture, Great Flavor: The chicken stays juicy and tender while the veggies maintain just enough bite for contrast.
- Crisp–Golden Finish: Quick searing ensures the chicken edges develop that delicious golden crust we all crave.
- Pantry-Friendly Ingredients: You likely have most components at home—like dried oregano, paprika, and olives—making this a convenient go-to.
- Weeknight Easy, Weekend Worthy: It’s approachable enough for a busy evening but impressive enough to serve friends or family.
Ingredient Snapshot
Choosing the freshest vegetables and quality chicken really lifts this Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry Recipe. Opt for ripe tomatoes and vibrant bell peppers for the best flavor. And for chicken, thin slices cook evenly and quickly.
- Chicken breast: Look for firm, pale-pink breasts, sliced thin for quick and even cooking.
- Olive oil: Use extra virgin for that authentic, fruity richness.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds sharp, aromatic depth.
- Bell peppers: Choose red and yellow for sweetness and pops of color.
- Cherry tomatoes: Sweet, juicy tomato bursts that soften beautifully under heat.
- Kalamata olives: Briny and tangy, halved to distribute flavor evenly.
- Dried oregano & paprika: Classic Mediterranean herbs and spices that infuse warmth and earthiness.
- Lemon juice: A bright finishing touch that lifts the whole stir fry.
Quick Note: Exact measurements are in the printable recipe card at the bottom.
How to Make Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
Step 1 — Set Up & Season
Start by slicing your chicken breast thinly — about ¼ inch thick works best for fast cooking. Toss the chicken with dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper so each piece is evenly coated. This seasoning base is simple but packs a punch. While your skillet heats up over medium-high, prep your veggies so everything is ready to go when you start cooking.
Step 2 — Sear, Toast, or Mix
Heat olive oil in a large skillet until shimmering. Add the chicken slices in a single layer — don't crowd the pan or you'll steam instead of sear. Let it cook undisturbed for a few minutes so the edges turn golden and slightly crisp. Then stir and cook the chicken through, about 5 to 7 minutes total. Add minced garlic and red onion, sauté for 2 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent garlic from burning.
Step 3 — Finish for Best Texture
Next, toss in your sliced bell peppers and zucchini. Cook another 5 minutes to soften the veggies without losing their bite. Add cherry tomatoes and halved Kalamata olives and cook just until tomatoes start to soften and release their juices, about 2 to 3 minutes. Finish with a generous squeeze of lemon juice to brighten everything, then taste and adjust salt and pepper before serving.
Smart Little Tips
Over the years, I’ve learned that the key to this Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is layering flavors and not rushing the sear. That initial golden crust on the chicken makes all the difference in mouthfeel, and balancing acidity at the end perks up the whole dish.
- Doneness Cue: Chicken should be opaque with no pink inside and firm but not rubbery.
- Temperature Trick: Keep the skillet hot when adding chicken, then reduce to medium before adding delicate veggies.
- Make-Ahead Move: Pre-mix your spices and chop veggies to speed up your weeknight cooking flow.
- Avoid This Pitfall: Don’t overcrowd the pan; work in batches if needed to keep that lovely sear.
Serving Ideas
Finishing Touches
I like finishing this Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry Recipe with a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or crumbled feta cheese. The parsley adds a fresh, herbal brightness while feta gives a creamy, salty pop that pairs beautifully with the olives and tomatoes.
Pair It With
This stir fry is lovely served over fluffy couscous, warm pita bread, or even a bed of your favorite grain like quinoa or brown rice. For a low-carb option, try it alongside a crisp green salad or roasted vegetables for a colorful, balanced plate.
Easy Plating Upgrades
To dress it up for guests, spoon your stir fry into shallow bowls and garnish with a lemon wedge, extra feta, and a drizzle of good olive oil. Toasted pine nuts or a sprinkle of za’atar also make elegant finishing accents that transport the dish to restaurant-quality presentation.
Make-Ahead, Store & Reheat
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The veggies might soften a bit more, but the flavors only intensify overnight, making for delicious next-day lunches or dinner.
Freezing Tips
This Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry Recipe freezes fairly well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers, and thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. Vegetables may be softer after freezing, so it’s ideal for when you want convenience over crisp texture.
Reheating Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry Recipe Without Drying Out
For best results, reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat with a splash of water or broth to keep moisture in. Alternatively, microwave covered with a damp paper towel for about 1 to 2 minutes. Using an air fryer at 320°F for 3–4 minutes can refresh texture but watch closely to avoid drying out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Absolutely! Chicken thighs add extra juiciness and flavor. Just adjust cooking time slightly—thighs take a bit longer to cook through and develop a rich caramelized crust.
Black olives or green olives work well as substitutes. They offer a similar briny pop though Kalamata are preferred for their distinctive tang and richness.
Yes, it’s fantastic for meal prep! Just store it properly in airtight containers and reheat gently to keep chicken tender and flavors fresh.
Of course! Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a diced fresh chili when you cook the garlic and onion will give it a nice warm kick without overpowering the vibrant Mediterranean flavors.
Final Thoughts
This Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry Recipe is one of those dishes I return to again and again because it’s approachable, flavorful, and so versatile. Whether you’re cooking for your family on a busy weeknight or craving a simple yet elegant dinner, it’s a recipe that keeps surprises in its freshness and warmth with every bite. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do!
PrintPrint Recipe
Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry Recipe
A vibrant Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry packed with colorful vegetables, tender chicken, and classic Mediterranean flavors like oregano, paprika, olives, and lemon juice. This quick and healthy dish is perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner full of fresh ingredients and bold taste.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Frying
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Carb
Ingredients
Protein
- 1 lb chicken breast sliced thin
Vegetables and Fruits
- 1 red onion sliced
- 1 red bell pepper sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper sliced
- 1 zucchini sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 0.33 cup Kalamata olives halved
- 3 cloves garlic minced
Pantry Staples & Spices
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon oregano dried
- 0.5 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Cook chicken: Add the thinly sliced chicken breast to the skillet along with oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, for 5–7 minutes until the chicken is browned and cooked through.
- Sauté aromatics: Add minced garlic and sliced red onion to the skillet and sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant and softened.
- Add bell peppers and zucchini: Stir in the red and yellow bell peppers and zucchini slices. Cook for 5 minutes until the vegetables have softened but still retain some crunch.
- Add tomatoes and olives: Add the cherry tomatoes and halved Kalamata olives to the skillet. Cook until the tomatoes begin to soften, about 2-3 minutes.
- Finish with lemon juice: Stir in lemon juice and adjust salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well.
- Optional garnish: Sprinkle chopped parsley or crumbled feta cheese on top before serving for extra freshness and flavor.
Notes
- For a lower sodium version, reduce the amount of added salt and use low-sodium olives.
- Feel free to substitute chicken breast with chicken thighs for juicier meat.
- Add a pinch of red chili flakes for a spicy kick.
- Serve with rice, quinoa, or warm pita bread to make it a full meal.
- Use fresh oregano instead of dried for a more herbal flavor.
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