Mediterranean Easy Chicken Stir-Fry
This Mediterranean Easy Chicken Stir-Fry is the perfect mix of simplicity, color, and nutrition. Juicy chicken cubes are quickly seared and tossed with crisp vegetables and fragrant aromatics, creating a fresh and satisfying dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes. It combines the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean—olive oil, herbs, and bright veggies—with the speed of a stir-fry, making it ideal for busy weeknights or a light, wholesome lunch.
Total Time: 25 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Servings: 3–4
Ingredients
Chicken:
1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1-inch cubes
Vegetables:
2 cups broccoli florets
½ yellow bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
½ red bell pepper, cut into 1-inch pieces
½ cup baby carrots, sliced
Aromatics:
2 tsp minced ginger
2 garlic cloves, minced
Other:
Salt and pepper, to taste
2 tbsp olive oil, divided
Instructions
Prepare the Ingredients:
Cut all vegetables into even pieces and pat chicken dry. Season the chicken lightly with salt and pepper.
Cook the Chicken:
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and cook for 5–6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until golden and cooked through. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics:
Add the remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil to the same pan. Add minced garlic and ginger. Sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Cook the Vegetables:
Add the broccoli, carrots, and bell peppers. Stir-fry for 4–5 minutes, or until tender-crisp but still bright.
Combine Everything:
Return the chicken to the pan. Toss well to combine, letting the flavors meld for another 1–2 minutes.
Season and Serve:
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Serve warm, optionally topped with a drizzle of olive oil or a squeeze of lemon juice.
Tips
Cut everything evenly for quick, uniform cooking.
Preheat your pan properly before adding ingredients for better searing.
Cook the chicken in batches if your pan is small to avoid steaming.
Don’t overcook the vegetables—they should stay slightly crisp for texture and color.
Fresh aromatics make a difference; use real garlic and ginger instead of powders.
Deglaze the pan with a splash of broth or white wine for extra flavor.
Add a Mediterranean touch with lemon juice or a sprinkle of oregano at the end.
For a richer finish, stir in a teaspoon of Greek yogurt or feta just before serving.
Variations
Greek-Style: Add Kalamata olives, cherry tomatoes, and crumbled feta at the end.
Herb-Lemon Chicken: Toss with fresh parsley, oregano, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Spicy Harissa Stir-Fry: Add 1 teaspoon of harissa paste for a smoky heat.
Garlic Butter Version: Swap olive oil for butter for a richer flavor.
Creamy Yogurt Twist: Mix in 2 tablespoons of Greek yogurt after cooking for a creamy coating.
Vegan Alternative: Replace chicken with tofu or chickpeas.
Add Grains: Serve over couscous, quinoa, or bulgur for a heartier meal.
Extra Veggies: Include zucchini, mushrooms, or snap peas for more color and nutrients.
Q&A
Q: Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes. Thighs stay juicier and add a deeper flavor — just cook a few minutes longer.
Q: How do I prevent the chicken from drying out?
Cook it quickly over medium-high heat and avoid overcooking.
Q: Can I make it ahead?
Yes. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days and reheat gently in a skillet.
Q: Can I add sauce?
A simple yogurt-lemon sauce or light tahini dressing works great.
Q: Can I use frozen vegetables?
You can, but thaw and pat dry first to prevent extra moisture.
Q: How do I make it spicier?
Add crushed red pepper flakes or a drizzle of chili oil.
Q: What’s the best oil to use?
Olive oil gives the best flavor, but avocado or grapeseed oil also work.
Q: Can I meal prep this?
Absolutely. It stores and reheats well, making it ideal for lunch boxes.
Nutrition
(Per Serving, Approximate)
Calories: 270
Protein: 29 g
Fat: 12 g
Carbohydrates: 10 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 4 g
Sodium: 300 mg
Conclusion
This Mediterranean Easy Chicken Stir-Fry is light, colorful, and full of fresh flavor. It’s proof that you don’t need complicated sauces or long prep times to make something delicious and healthy. With tender chicken, crisp vegetables, and a hint of olive oil and herbs, it’s a weeknight favorite that brings the best of Mediterranean cooking to your table in minutes.