Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry (Printable Version)
Tender chicken, colorful vegetables, and aromatic Mediterranean flavors in a light lemon-herb sauce.
# What You'll Need:
→ Proteins
01 - 1.1 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breast, thinly sliced
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
03 - 1 yellow bell pepper, thinly sliced
04 - 1 medium zucchini, halved lengthwise and sliced
05 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
06 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
07 - 3.5 oz baby spinach leaves
→ Marinade & Sauce
08 - 3 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, divided
09 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
10 - Zest and juice of 1 lemon
11 - 1 tsp dried oregano
12 - 1 tsp dried thyme
13 - 0.5 tsp smoked paprika
14 - 1 tsp sea salt
15 - 0.5 tsp freshly ground black pepper
→ Garnish
16 - about 0.33 cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
17 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
# How to Make It:
01 - Combine 2 tbsp olive oil, garlic, lemon zest and juice, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Add chicken slices and toss to coat thoroughly. Marinate for at least 10 minutes, up to 1 hour for deeper flavor penetration.
02 - Heat remaining 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add marinated chicken pieces and sauté for 4–5 minutes until lightly golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and reserve.
03 - In the same skillet, add red onion, bell peppers, and zucchini. Stir fry for 4–5 minutes until vegetables are tender yet crisp.
04 - Add cherry tomatoes and baby spinach to the skillet. Stir fry for 1–2 minutes until spinach wilts and tomatoes soften slightly.
05 - Return chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together for 1–2 minutes until evenly mixed and heated through. Adjust seasoning if necessary.
06 - Remove from heat immediately. Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese if desired and fresh parsley before serving.
# Expert Insights:
01 -
- Everything cooks in one skillet so cleanup is practically nonexistent
- The bright Mediterranean flavors make healthy eating feel like a treat
02 -
- Dry your chicken thoroughly with paper towels before marinating so the oil actually sticks instead of pooling
- Prep all your vegetables before you start cooking because once that pan is hot, everything moves fast
03 -
- Let your pan get properly hot before adding ingredients so you get that gorgeous sear on the chicken
- Do not overcrowd the skillet or your vegetables will steam instead of stir fry