Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry with Vegetables Recipe
This Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry with Vegetables is a flavorful 30-minute one-pan meal featuring tender chicken thighs cooked with fresh spinach, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta cheese, all brightened with a squeeze of lemon juice. It's perfect for a quick, healthy dinner that brings Mediterranean flavors to your table.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 1 lb skinless boneless chicken thighs (or breasts), sliced into smaller segments
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
Vegetables and Cheese
- 10 oz fresh spinach
- 8 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
- 6 oz crumbled feta cheese
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
Instructions
- Prepare the chicken: In a large, high-sided skillet, heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Season the sliced chicken thighs generously with smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Cook the chicken: Add the seasoned chicken pieces to the hot skillet. Cook on medium heat for about 10 to 15 minutes, flipping occasionally until the chicken is fully cooked and browned on both sides.
- Remove chicken from skillet: Once cooked, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside, keeping the flavorful juices in the pan.
- Cook the vegetables: In the same skillet, add fresh spinach, half of the halved cherry tomatoes, and minced garlic. Cook over medium heat for 5 to 10 minutes, stirring often, until the spinach wilts and garlic is fragrant.
- Add cheese and remaining tomatoes: Stir in the crumbled feta cheese, the remaining cherry tomatoes, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Mix everything well to combine and allow the cheese to soften slightly with the heat.
- Return chicken to skillet: Place the cooked chicken back into the skillet with the vegetable mixture and gently reheat together for a couple of minutes to meld the flavors.
- Season and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot straight from the skillet for a delicious Mediterranean-inspired meal.
Notes
- For a leaner option, use chicken breasts instead of thighs.
- You can substitute fresh spinach with baby kale or Swiss chard.
- Serve with a side of warm pita bread or over cooked quinoa or rice to make it a complete meal.
- If you prefer less feta, reduce the amount or use a lower-fat cheese variant.
- Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes can give the dish a spicy kick.
