Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry (Printable)
Tender chicken and crisp vegetables tossed in a light lemon-herb sauce for a quick, healthy meal.
# Ingredient List:
→ 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 - ½ tsp smoked paprika
14 - 1 tsp sea salt
15 - ½ tsp freshly ground black pepper
→ Garnish
16 - ⅓ cup crumbled feta cheese (optional)
17 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
# Steps:
01 - Whisk together 2 tbsp olive oil, minced garlic, lemon zest and juice, oregano, thyme, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper in a mixing bowl. Add sliced chicken and coat thoroughly. Let marinate for at least 10 minutes, or up to 1 hour for enhanced flavor.
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. Remove from pan and set aside on a plate, keeping warm.
03 - Return the skillet to medium-high heat. Add red onion, bell peppers, and zucchini slices. Stir fry for 4–5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp and lightly charred.
04 - Stir in cherry tomatoes and baby spinach. Continue stir frying for 1–2 minutes until spinach wilts and tomatoes begin to soften.
05 - Return cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss all ingredients together for 1–2 minutes until evenly combined and heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
06 - Remove from heat immediately. Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese (if using) and fresh chopped parsley. Serve hot while vegetables retain their crunch.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- The combination of smoky paprika and fresh lemon creates layers of flavor that feel sophisticated yet incredibly approachable for any night of the week.
- Everything cooks in one pan in under 20 minutes, meaning less cleanup and more time enjoying your meal.
02 -
- Do not overcrowd the pan when searing the chicken or it will steam instead of developing that beautiful golden color.
- The spinach might seem like too much at first but it wilts down dramatically within seconds.
03 -
- Pat the chicken completely dry before adding it to the marinade for better searing and flavor absorption.
- Let your skillet get properly hot before adding ingredients to achieve that restaurant quality stir fry texture.