Save My kitchen smelled like a Greek island the night I threw this together on a Tuesday. I had ground chicken thawing, a jar of olives calling from the fridge, and zero patience for complicated dinners. The skillet sizzled, the feta melted into creamy pockets, and somehow everything tasted like I'd spent hours on it. Sometimes the best recipes happen when you stop overthinking and just let the ingredients talk to each other.
I made this for friends who swore they hated ground chicken, and they scraped the skillet clean. The trick was letting the tomatoes burst just enough to create their own sauce, while the olives added little briny surprises. One friend kept asking what the secret ingredient was, and I had to tell her it was just patience and a hot pan. We ate it with forks straight from the skillet, passing it around the table like a centerpiece.
Ingredients
- Ground chicken: Leaner than beef but still juicy when you don't overcook it, this is your blank canvas for Mediterranean flavors.
- Feta cheese: The creamy, tangy finish that makes this dish feel rich without any cream or butter.
- Yellow onion: Diced small so it melts into the background, adding sweetness without stealing the show.
- Garlic: Minced fresh because the jarred stuff just doesn't give you that same fragrant sizzle.
- Cherry tomatoes: Halved so they soften quickly and release their juices into the chicken.
- Baby spinach: Wilts down to almost nothing but adds color and a hint of earthiness.
- Fresh parsley: Chopped at the end for brightness that dried herbs can't replicate.
- Kalamata olives: Pitted and halved, these bring the salty, briny punch that defines the whole dish.
- Dried oregano: The backbone of Mediterranean flavor, earthy and slightly floral.
- Paprika: Optional, but it adds a smoky warmth that makes the chicken taste deeper.
- Lemon juice: A tablespoon at the end wakes everything up like a splash of cold water.
- Olive oil: Use the good stuff, it's worth it when there are so few ingredients.
- Salt and black pepper: Taste as you go, the olives and feta are already salty.
Instructions
- Soften the onion:
- Heat the olive oil over medium heat until it shimmers, then add the diced onion and let it cook until it turns translucent and sweet, about 3 to 4 minutes. Don't rush this, the onion is building the flavor foundation.
- Brown the chicken:
- Toss in the garlic and ground chicken, breaking it up with your spatula as it cooks until no pink remains, around 6 to 7 minutes. Let some bits get a little crispy on the bottom for extra texture.
- Add the Mediterranean flavors:
- Stir in the cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, oregano, paprika if using, salt, and pepper, cooking until the tomatoes start to collapse and release their juices, about 3 to 4 minutes. The skillet should smell like a seaside taverna by now.
- Wilt the greens:
- Add the spinach or arugula and stir just until it wilts down into the chicken, about 1 to 2 minutes. It will shrink dramatically, so don't worry if it looks like too much at first.
- Finish with brightness:
- Pull the skillet off the heat and stir in the lemon juice and fresh parsley. The acid will brighten everything and make the flavors pop.
- Top and serve:
- Sprinkle the crumbled feta over the top while the skillet is still hot so it gets slightly melty. Serve it straight from the pan, warm and generous.
Save The first time I packed this for lunch the next day, I ate it cold straight from the container and loved it just as much. My coworker leaned over and asked if I'd ordered Mediterranean delivery, and I got to brag that it took me less than half an hour the night before. It became my go to whenever I wanted to feel like I had my life together, even on the messiest weeks.
Make It Your Own
If you want extra richness, drizzle tahini or add a dollop of Greek yogurt before serving. Arugula will give you a peppery bite, while spinach keeps things milder and more kid friendly. For a dairy free version, skip the feta or use a plant based alternative, and the dish still holds its own with all those bold Mediterranean flavors.
Storing and Reheating
This keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to four days in an airtight container. Reheat it gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil if it looks dry. The feta won't be as creamy after reheating, but you can always crumble fresh feta on top to revive it.
Serving Suggestions
I love this spooned over cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for a complete keto meal. You can also serve it with a simple side salad dressed in lemon and olive oil, or alongside roasted vegetables like eggplant or bell peppers. If you're not strictly low carb, it's incredible with warm pita or over orzo.
- Top with toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds for crunch and richness.
- Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat threading through the dish.
- Serve with lemon wedges on the side so everyone can add extra brightness to taste.
Save This skillet has saved more weeknights than I can count, and it never feels boring. Keep the ingredients stocked, and you'll always have a meal that tastes like you traveled somewhere sunny.
Common Recipe Questions
- → Can I use ground turkey instead of ground chicken?
Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a substitute. Use the same cooking time and method, though turkey may release slightly more moisture during cooking.
- → How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if needed.
- → Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Absolutely. Simply omit the feta cheese or use a plant-based alternative. The dish will still be flavorful thanks to the olives, tomatoes, and Mediterranean seasonings.
- → What can I serve alongside this skillet?
For keto meals, serve with cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or a simple Greek salad. A side of roasted vegetables also complements the Mediterranean flavors beautifully.
- → Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Yes, bell peppers, zucchini, or artichoke hearts make excellent additions. Add heartier vegetables with the onions, and delicate greens toward the end of cooking.
- → Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
This skillet is ideal for meal prep. Portion into containers and refrigerate for quick weeknight dinners. The flavors actually develop and improve after a day in the fridge.