Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

Introduction

This Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry is a vibrant and healthy dish packed with fresh vegetables and bright flavors. Quick to prepare, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels both light and satisfying.

Ingredients

• 1.5 pounds chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 3 cups fresh spinach
• 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 large red bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium yellow squash, sliced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Zest of 1 lemon
• Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, black pepper, and half of the dried oregano.
2. Step 2: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear for 5-6 minutes until golden brown. Transfer the chicken to a plate and set aside.
3. Step 3: Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the skillet. Sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
4. Step 4: Add the diced red bell pepper and sliced yellow squash. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the vegetables soften slightly.
5. Step 5: Stir in the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for 2 more minutes.
6. Step 6: Return the chicken to the skillet. Add the fresh spinach, remaining dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. Toss everything and cook for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the chicken is heated through.
7. Step 7: Remove from heat, sprinkle with fresh lemon zest, and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, marinate the chicken for 30 minutes in olive oil, lemon juice, and oregano before cooking.
• Swap out yellow squash for zucchini for a different texture.
• Add a handful of kalamata olives for a briny twist.
• Serve over cooked quinoa or couscous for a complete meal.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until warmed through. Avoid overcooking during reheating to keep the chicken tender.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breast?

Yes, chicken thighs work well and can add more juiciness. Just adjust cooking time as needed to ensure they are fully cooked.

Is this dish spicy?

The red pepper flakes add a mild heat, but you can adjust the amount or omit them entirely if you prefer a milder flavor.

Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.4 from 75 reviews

A vibrant and healthy Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry featuring tender seared chicken breast combined with fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, bell pepper, and yellow squash, flavored with garlic, oregano, lemon zest, and a hint of red pepper flakes. This quick and flavorful dish is perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner.

• Author: Felix
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mediterranean
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Chicken

• 1.5 pounds chicken breast, cut into bite-sized pieces
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano (half of the total)

Vegetables and Seasonings

• 3 cups fresh spinach
• 1.5 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 large red bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium yellow squash, sliced
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 0.5 teaspoon dried oregano (remaining half)
• 0.5 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Zest of 1 lemon

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients: Cut the chicken breast into bite-sized pieces and season generously with salt, black pepper, and half of the dried oregano. Prepare the vegetables by halving the cherry tomatoes, dicing the red bell pepper, slicing the yellow squash, and mincing the garlic.
2. Sear Chicken: Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the seasoned chicken pieces and sear them for 5-6 minutes until they develop a golden-brown crust. Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set it aside on a plate.
3. Cook Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Sauté the minced garlic for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the diced red bell pepper and sliced yellow squash, cooking for 4-5 minutes until they begin to soften.
4. Combine and Finish: Add the cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for 2 minutes. Return the seared chicken to the pan, then add the fresh spinach along with the remaining dried oregano and red pepper flakes. Toss everything together and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts and ingredients are well combined.
5. Season and Serve: Remove the skillet from heat, sprinkle fresh lemon zest over the dish, and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper if needed. Serve immediately while hot.

Notes

• For extra flavor, marinate the chicken with lemon juice and oregano for 30 minutes before cooking.
• Feel free to substitute yellow squash with zucchini.
• The red pepper flakes can be adjusted or omitted based on your heat preference.
• This dish pairs well with cooked quinoa, couscous, or crusty bread.
• Use a non-stick or well-seasoned skillet to prevent sticking during searing.

Keywords: Mediterranean chicken, chicken stir fry, healthy chicken recipe, quick chicken dinner, spinach chicken, garlic chicken stir fry