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A vibrant Mediterranean chicken stir fry recipe in a skillet.

Zesty Lemon-Herb Mediterranean Chicken Stir Fry

Experience the vibrant tastes of the Mediterranean with this zesty lemon-herb chicken stir fry. Quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, it's a perfect weeknight meal.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 40 minutes
Servings 4 people
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • medium bowl
  • small bowl
  • whisk
  • large skillet or wok

Ingredients
  

For the Chicken:

  • 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs cut into 1-inch pieces
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 0.5 tsp dried thyme
  • 0.5 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

For the Stir Fry:

  • 1 red bell pepper thinly sliced
  • 1 yellow bell pepper thinly sliced
  • 1 small red onion thinly sliced
  • 1 cup zucchini or cucumber diced
  • 0.5 cup Kalamata olives pitted and halved
  • 0.25 cup fresh parsley chopped

For the Lemon-Herb Sauce:

  • 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 clove garlic minced

Instructions
 

Marinating

  • Combine chicken pieces with olive oil, oregano, thyme, garlic powder, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Toss to coat evenly and let marinate for at least 15 minutes, or refrigerate for up to 30 minutes.

Prepare the Sauce

  • Whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, and minced garlic in a small bowl. Set the sauce aside.

Cook the Chicken

  • Heat a large skillet or wok over medium-high heat, then add the marinated chicken and cook for 5-7 minutes, flipping occasionally, until browned and cooked through. Remove chicken from the pan and set aside.

Stir Fry the Vegetables

  • Add more olive oil if needed to the hot pan, then add the red and yellow bell peppers and red onion. Stir fry for 3-5 minutes until they soften but remain crisp-tender.

Combine and Finish

  • Return the cooked chicken to the pan, add the diced zucchini/cucumber and Kalamata olives, and pour the lemon-herb sauce over everything. Toss well to coat all ingredients.

Serve

  • Garnish generously with fresh chopped parsley and serve immediately, optionally over couscous, quinoa, or with warm pita bread.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken overnight. Adjust the amount of lemon juice to your preference for a more or less tart sauce. This dish is versatile! Feel free to add other Mediterranean vegetables like cherry tomatoes or artichoke hearts. You can also add a sprinkle of feta cheese for a salty tang during serving.