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To make this Mediterranean Ground Chicken Skillet, you'll need: - 1 lb ground chicken - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 zucchini, diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - ¼ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced - ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled - Fresh parsley or basil for garnish If you're missing an ingredient, don't worry! Here are some easy swaps: - Ground turkey can replace ground chicken. - Use avocado oil instead of olive oil for a different flavor. - Green bell pepper works if you don’t have red. - A mix of squash can replace zucchini. - Any small tomato can stand in for cherry tomatoes. - If you lack Kalamata olives, try green olives instead. - You can use any cheese if feta isn't available. Fresh herbs add bright flavor, but dried herbs are just as good. - If using fresh herbs, use three times the amount. - Fresh basil and parsley can uplift the dish's taste. - Dried herbs work nicely in cooked dishes like this skillet. - The choice depends on what you have on hand. Using a mix of both can create a great flavor profile! {{ingredient_image_1}} To start, gather all your ingredients. You need: - 1 lb ground chicken - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 medium onion, diced - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 red bell pepper, diced - 1 zucchini, diced - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - 1 teaspoon dried basil - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika - Salt and pepper to taste - ¼ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced - ¼ cup feta cheese, crumbled - Fresh parsley or basil for garnish Chop the onion, red bell pepper, zucchini, and garlic. Halve the cherry tomatoes too. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion. Cook it for about 5 minutes until it looks clear. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook it for 1 more minute. This will make your kitchen smell amazing. Now, add the ground chicken to the skillet. Season it with salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and smoked paprika. Cook this mix for 7 to 10 minutes. Break up the chicken with a spoon while it cooks until it turns brown. Once the chicken is cooked, add the diced red bell pepper and zucchini. Cook these for 3 to 5 minutes until they are soft. Stir in the cherry tomatoes and Kalamata olives next. Let this cook for another 2 to 3 minutes. You want the tomatoes to soften just a bit. Finally, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top. Let it melt slightly before you serve. Remove the skillet from the heat and add fresh parsley or basil as a garnish. To get great browning on the chicken, make sure not to overcrowd the pan. If needed, cook in batches. Use a spatula to break the chicken apart as it cooks. This helps it brown evenly. Keep the heat at medium to avoid burning. You want a nice golden color for the best flavor. To boost the Mediterranean taste, use fresh herbs. Fresh basil and parsley add brightness. A squeeze of lemon juice brings a nice zing. You can also try adding capers for a briny touch. Consider using roasted red peppers for extra sweetness. They add depth to your dish. One common mistake is overcooking the chicken. This can dry out the meat. Cook it just until it’s no longer pink. Another mistake is skimping on seasoning. Don't forget to taste as you go. Also, avoid adding too many veggies at once. This can make them soggy instead of tender. Serve this dish with warm pita or rice. A side salad with cucumber and tomatoes pairs well. You can also add a dollop of tzatziki for creaminess. For a fun twist, try it in wraps. Wrap the chicken mix in lettuce leaves for a low-carb option. Enjoy your meal with a glass of chilled white wine! Pro Tips Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh parsley or basil not only adds color but also enhances the flavor profile of the dish. Add them just before serving for the best taste. Customize Your Veggies: Feel free to substitute the zucchini and bell pepper with other vegetables like spinach, eggplant, or mushrooms based on your preference or what's in season. Control the Heat: If you prefer a bit of spice, add a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the other seasonings to give your skillet a nice kick. Meal Prep Friendly: This dish is great for meal prep! You can make a larger batch and store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for later use. {{image_2}} You can easily make this dish gluten-free. The ingredients are already gluten-free. Just ensure your feta cheese and olives are free from gluten. Many brands offer certified gluten-free products. For a vegetarian version, swap the ground chicken for lentils or chickpeas. Both options give great texture and flavor. If you're vegan, use plant-based feta cheese. You can also add more veggies like mushrooms or spinach for extra nutrients. If you want to try a different protein, use ground turkey or beef. Both work well with the Mediterranean flavors. You can also use ground lamb for a richer taste. Just adjust cooking times as needed. Each option adds a unique touch to the dish. After you enjoy your Mediterranean Ground Chicken Skillet, let it cool down. Transfer the leftovers to an airtight container. This keeps your dish fresh. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. If you want to save it longer, consider freezing. To reheat, use a skillet or microwave. If using a skillet, add a splash of water. Heat it on low until warm. If using a microwave, place it in a safe dish. Heat for one to two minutes, stirring halfway. This helps to heat evenly. If you freeze the skillet, use a freezer-safe container. Label it with the date. To thaw, place it in the fridge overnight. You can also use the microwave's defrost option. Once thawed, reheat as mentioned above. Enjoy the tasty flavors even after freezing! Yes, you can. Ground turkey or ground beef works well. If you prefer a leaner option, use turkey. Beef adds a richer flavor. Adjust the cooking time as needed. Always ensure the meat is cooked fully before serving. To add heat, try using red pepper flakes. You can also add diced jalapeños. Mix these in while you cook the onion. Adjust the amount based on your spice level. Always taste as you go. You can also use spicy feta cheese for added flavor. Several sides work great with this dish. Consider serving it over rice or quinoa. A simple salad with lemon dressing is fresh and light. You can also serve it with warm pita bread. For a heartier option, try roasted vegetables. Each adds their own delicious touch. This blog post covered everything you need for a Mediterranean Ground Chicken Skillet. We discussed the key ingredients and how to swap them. You learned step-by-step cooking methods and tips for perfect browning. We explored ways to enhance flavors and avoid common mistakes. Variations, like gluten-free or vegan options, opened more possibilities. Lastly, proper storage tips ensure your leftovers stay fresh. Embrace your creativity and enjoy each bite of this dish!

Mediterranean Ground Chicken Skillet

A flavorful and healthy skillet dish featuring ground chicken and Mediterranean vegetables.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine Mediterranean
Servings 4

Ingredients
  

  • 1 lb ground chicken
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, diced
  • 1 medium zucchini, diced
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • to taste salt and pepper
  • 0.25 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
  • 0.25 cup feta cheese, crumbled
  • for garnish fresh parsley or basil

Instructions
 

  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  • Add the diced onion and cook until it becomes translucent, about 5 minutes.
  • Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Add the ground chicken to the skillet and season with salt, pepper, oregano, basil, and smoked paprika. Cook until the chicken is browned and fully cooked, breaking it up with a spoon, about 7-10 minutes.
  • Incorporate the diced red bell pepper and zucchini into the skillet, cooking for 3-5 minutes until tender.
  • Add the cherry tomatoes and Kalamata olives, stirring everything together. Cook for 2-3 more minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften slightly.
  • Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top and let it melt slightly before serving.
  • Remove from heat and garnish with freshly chopped parsley or basil.

Notes

Serve with fresh herbs for added flavor.
Keyword chicken, easy, healthy, Mediterranean, skillet