Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry (30 Minutes, One Pan) – Fresh, Colorful & Weeknight Easy
When dinner needs to be fast, flavorful, and healthy, nothing beats a good stir fry — and this Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry brings a refreshing twist to the classic. Instead of soy sauce or traditional Asian flavors, this version leans into bright Mediterranean ingredients: juicy tomatoes, fresh herbs, briny olives, crisp vegetables, fragrant garlic, and a squeeze of lemon to tie it all together. It’s colorful, vibrant, and downright delicious.
This dish celebrates everything we love about Mediterranean cooking: bold ingredients, fresh produce, lean protein, and lots of olive oil. And the best part? It comes together in one pan in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights when you want something wholesome without the hassle. The chicken cooks until golden and tender, the vegetables stay crisp-tender, and the final squeeze of lemon brings brightness that lifts every bite.
Whether you pair it with rice, quinoa, couscous, or simply enjoy it on its own, this skillet meal is hearty enough for dinner yet light enough to leave you feeling energized. It’s also incredibly customizable — perfect for cleaning out the fridge or adjusting to what’s in season.
This Mediterranean chicken stir fry tastes like something you’d find at a coastal café — sun-kissed, rustic, and packed with personality. And yet it requires only a handful of pantry staples and minimal prep. It’s a beautiful balance of ease and sophistication, ready to become your go-to weeknight staple.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, sliced into thin strips
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 small zucchini, halved and sliced
- 1 small red onion, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- ½ cup kalamata olives, pitted
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Feta cheese for serving (optional but recommended)
Instructions:
- Prep the Chicken:
Pat the chicken dry and slice into even strips. Season with salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano. - Heat the Skillet:
Warm olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken in a single layer and cook 5–6 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Remove from pan and set aside. - Cook the Vegetables:
In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed. Add bell peppers, red onion, zucchini, and garlic. Cook 4–5 minutes until crisp-tender. - Add Tomatoes & Olives:
Add cherry tomatoes and olives, cooking until the tomatoes start to soften and release juices. - Return Chicken to Pan:
Add the cooked chicken back into the skillet and toss to combine with the vegetables. - Finish with Lemon:
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the stir fry and toss everything together. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. - Serve:
Remove from heat and garnish with parsley and crumbled feta. Serve warm.
Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry (30 Minutes One Pan)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Season chicken with salt, pepper, paprika, and oregano.
- Cook chicken in olive oil until golden and cooked through.
- Cook bell peppers, onion, zucchini, and garlic until tender-crisp.
- Add tomatoes and olives; cook until tomatoes soften.
- Return chicken to pan and toss together.
- Finish with lemon juice and parsley before serving.
Notes
Tips & Tricks
- Slice ingredients evenly: Ensures fast, even cooking in 30 minutes.
- High heat is key: Helps caramelize veggies without steaming them.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan: Work in batches if doubling the recipe.
- Make it creamy: Add a spoonful of hummus on top right before serving.
Variations
- Mediterranean Chicken & Orzo: Stir cooked orzo directly into the pan.
- Low-Carb Version: Replace tomatoes with spinach and add extra zucchini.
- Spicy Greek Style: Add fresh chili or extra red pepper flakes.
- Veggie Swap: Use mushrooms, eggplant, or artichokes.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve over couscous, rice, or quinoa.
- Pair with warm pita bread or naan.
- Add a side of Greek yogurt or tzatziki for dipping.
- Enjoy with a simple cucumber tomato salad.
Storage Information
- Refrigerator: Store up to 4 days in an airtight container.
- Freezer: Can be frozen for up to 2 months (except fresh tomatoes, which soften more).
- Reheat: Warm over medium heat with a splash of water or broth.
FAQ
Can I use chicken thighs?
Yes — they stay extra juicy and flavorful.
Can I meal prep this?
Absolutely. It reheats beautifully and keeps its flavor.
Is this dish gluten-free?
Yes, naturally gluten-free as long as your sides are too.
History / Fun Facts
Mediterranean stir fry isn’t a traditional dish but rather a blend of Mediterranean ingredients and the quick-cooking stir fry method. Mediterranean cuisine emphasizes olive oil, fresh vegetables, citrus, herbs, and lean proteins — all perfect for a fast skillet meal. This fusion-style dish brings the best of both worlds: the speed of stir fry with the bright, rustic flavors of coastal Mediterranean regions like Greece and southern Italy.
