Dive into the vibrant flavor of Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry, a dish that sings with fresh ingredients and colorful veggies! The combination of juicy chicken, crisp zucchini, and sweet cherry tomatoes creates a bright medley that not only looks beautiful on your plate but also excites your taste buds. Perfect for family dinners, casual gatherings, or meal prep, this stir fry will impress everyone with its tasty and nutritious profile.
As you prepare this dish, the aroma of herbs and garlic will fill your kitchen, making it a delight for the senses. In this article, you’ll discover how to create this simple yet impressive meal from start to finish. From essential ingredients to serving suggestions, get ready for an adventure that’ll have you loving each bite!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fresh Ingredients: Made with seasonal vegetables and lean chicken.
- Ease of Preparation: Quick to make, perfect for busy weeknights.
- Nutrition: Packed with protein and vitamins for a healthy meal.
- Versatility: Easily customizable with your favorite veggies and proteins.
- Presentation: A colorful dish that looks stunning on the table.
You’ll love making this dish for any occasion!
Preparation and Cooking Time
- Total time: 30 minutes
- Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 20 minutes
Note that times may vary.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 pound Chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
- 1 medium Zucchini
- 1 large Red bell pepper
- 1 medium Red onion
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives
- 2 cloves Garlic
- 1/4 cup Sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Dried basil
- 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 1/2 cup Feta cheese
- 1/4 cup Fresh parsley
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
Step 3: While the chicken cooks, chop the zucchini, red bell pepper, and red onion.
Step 4: Add the chopped vegetables to the pan and stir-fry for 5 minutes until slightly tender.
Step 5: Mince the garlic and add it to the pan along with the Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, basil, thyme, and lemon juice. Mix well and cook for another 5 minutes.
Step 6: Remove from the heat and stir in the feta cheese and fresh parsley before serving.
How to Serve
- Presentation: Serve your stir fry in a large bowl for a vibrant display.
- Accompaniments: Pair it with quinoa, couscous, or a fresh green salad.
- Portions: This recipe serves 4 but can be adjusted for a larger group.
- Beverage Pairing: Enjoy with a crisp white wine or sparkling water.
This dish is sure to please everyone at your table!
Additional Tips
- For flavor enhancement, add a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
- Customize by swapping in seasonal vegetables like asparagus or eggplant.
- For serving, consider adding fresh lemon wedges for extra zing.
Recipe Variations
- Pesto Chicken Stir Fry: Replace lemon juice with pesto sauce for a new flavor.
- Shrimp Variation: Substitute chicken with shrimp for a seafood twist.
- Veggie-Only Option: Omit the chicken and use extra veggies for a vegetarian delight.
Freezing and Storage
- Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.
- Freezing: You can freeze this dish for up to 2 months. Store in a freezer-safe container, and reheat thoroughly before serving.
Special Equipment
- Large skillet or wok
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring spoons
- Mixing spoon
- Airtight containers
FAQ’s
1. Can I use frozen ingredients?
Definitely! Frozen veggies are a great option; just add them to the pan a bit earlier to ensure they cook through.
2. Is this recipe healthy?
Yes! It features lean protein, healthy fats, and plenty of vegetables, making it a balanced meal.
3. Can I make it ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prep the ingredients a day in advance and stir-fry right before serving.
4. Can I customize the dish?
Yes! Feel free to mix in your favorite vegetables or add different seasonings to suit your taste.
5. What other cooking methods can I use?
You can grill the chicken instead of stir-frying or try baking it for a healthier alternative.
Conclusion
Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry is a fantastic blend of flavors and colors, making it a favorite for any dinner gathering. Its healthful ingredients and simple preparation make this dish a delightful choice for busy nights or special occasions. Enjoy the fresh taste and the satisfaction of preparing a meal everyone will love!
Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 pound Chicken breasts Cut into bite-sized pieces
- 2 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil For cooking
- 1 medium Zucchini Chopped
- 1 large Red bell pepper Chopped
- 1 medium Red onion Chopped
- 1 cup Cherry tomatoes Halved
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives Pitted and sliced
- 2 cloves Garlic Minced
- 1/4 cup Sun-dried tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon Dried basil
- 1 teaspoon Dried thyme
- 2 tablespoons Lemon juice
- 1/2 cup Feta cheese Crumbled
- 1/4 cup Fresh parsley Chopped
Instructions
Preparation
- Start by cutting the chicken breasts into bite-sized pieces.
Cooking
- Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
- While the chicken cooks, chop the zucchini, red bell pepper, and red onion.
- Add the chopped vegetables to the pan and stir-fry for 5 minutes until slightly tender.
- Mince the garlic and add it to the pan along with the Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, oregano, basil, thyme, and lemon juice. Mix well and cook for another 5 minutes.
- Remove from the heat and stir in the feta cheese and fresh parsley before serving.
