Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry (Printable Version)
Tender chicken with colorful vegetables in a light lemon-herb sauce, ready in 35 minutes.
# 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 - 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 evenly. Let marinate for at least 10 minutes, or up to 1 hour for enhanced 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 tent with foil to keep warm.
03 - Return the skillet to medium-high heat. Add red onion, bell peppers, and zucchini. Stir fry for 4–5 minutes until vegetables are tender-crisp, maintaining their vibrant color and texture.
04 - Add cherry tomatoes and baby spinach to the skillet. Stir fry for 1–2 minutes until spinach wilts and tomatoes begin to soften slightly, being careful not to overcook.
05 - Return the cooked chicken to the skillet. Toss everything together for 1–2 minutes until evenly combined and heated through. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
06 - Remove from heat immediately. Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese (if using) and fresh chopped parsley. Serve while hot, accompanied by your choice of cooked grains if desired.
# Expert Tips:
01 -
- Everything cooks in one pan so cleanup takes about five minutes flat
- The marinade doubles as a seasoning trick I learned from a Greek neighbor
02 -
- Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking the chicken or it will steam instead of sear
- The vegetables should still have a slight crunch when you add the tomatoes and spinach
03 -
- Pat the chicken dry before marinating it helps the coating stick better
- Room temperature vegetables cook more evenly than cold ones from the fridge