Mediterranean Keto Ground Chicken Skillet with Olives and Feta
Mediterranean Keto Ground Chicken Skillet with Olives and Feta is a vibrant, delicious dish that celebrates the colors and flavors of the Mediterranean. This one-pan wonder combines juicy ground chicken with the briny delight of Kalamata olives and creamy feta cheese. The experience of biting into tender chicken, sweet cherry tomatoes, and fresh spinach is simply irresistible. With minimal prep time and straightforward cooking steps, this recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or a leisurely weekend meal. Ready for a culinary adventure? Let’s dive into this step-by-step recipe and discover why it’s worth making.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Mediterranean Keto Ground Chicken Skillet is more than just another meal; it’s a delightful experience. First, its prep is incredibly simple. You can have this dish ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for those bustling evenings when time is of the essence. Plus, it’s family-friendly, making it an easy sell for even the pickiest of eaters.
With a handful of healthy ingredients, this dish captures the essence of Mediterranean flavors, promoting a low-carb lifestyle without sacrificing taste. Besides being delicious, the combination of ingredients provides vital nutrients, ensuring a wholesome meal. It also showcases the versatility of ground chicken, which lends itself beautifully to quick skillet recipes like this one.
Ingredients for Mediterranean Keto Ground Chicken Skillet with Olives and Feta
- 1 lb ground chicken: Lean and nutritious, this protein base keeps the dish light yet filling.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Essential for sautéing and imparting a rich flavor.
- 1 medium onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and depth to the dish.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Boosts the flavor profile with its aromatic essence.
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: Brings a burst of sweetness and color.
- 2 cups spinach, fresh: Adds a nutritional punch and vibrant green hue.
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, halved: Contributes a briny and savory element.
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese: Creamy and tangy, it ties all the flavors together.
- 1 tbsp lemon juice: Brightens the dish with its zesty freshness.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: Infuses Mediterranean flair with its earthy notes.
- 1/2 tsp paprika: Offers a subtle warmth to the dish.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance all flavors.
Step-by-Step Directions for Mediterranean Keto Ground Chicken Skillet with Olives and Feta
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Heat olive oil in a skillet: Begin by adding the olive oil to a medium skillet over medium heat. Let it warm up and shimmer slightly.
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Sauté the onion: Add the chopped onion and cook for about 3–4 minutes until it becomes fragrant and translucent.
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Add garlic and ground chicken: Stir in the minced garlic, followed by the ground chicken. Cook the mixture, breaking the chicken apart as it browns. This should take about 6–8 minutes, or until no pink remains.
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Season the mixture: Sprinkle in the dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to coat the chicken evenly with the seasonings.
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Incorporate cherry tomatoes: Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the skillet and cook for an additional 3–4 minutes until they soften.
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Add the spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until it wilts, which should take just a couple of minutes.
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Finish with olives and feta: Add the halved Kalamata olives and continue to cook for 2 minutes more. Once done, remove the skillet from heat. Top the dish with crumbled feta and drizzle with lemon juice before serving warm.
Tips & Tricks
- Chef’s Secret: For enhanced flavor, consider marinating the ground chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, and spices for about 30 minutes prior to cooking. This will allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Optional Extras: Feel free to add additional vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini for more texture.
- Cooking Hacks: If you’re short on time, you can use pre-cooked chicken or rotisserie chicken as a shortcut, just sauté the veggies and toss them together until heated through.
Serving Suggestions & Pairings
Serve this delectable Mediterranean Keto Ground Chicken Skillet warm, perhaps accompanied by a side of cauliflower rice or a fresh green salad drizzled with a simple vinaigrette. You might even enjoy it with some roasted asparagus or a side of grilled zucchini. For an elegant twist, serve in individual bowls and garnish with extra feta and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, such as parsley or dill.
Nutritional Information
This Mediterranean Keto Ground Chicken Skillet is not only flavorful but also nutritious. A serving size (approximately 1/4 of the skillet) contains about 400-450 calories. Here’s a rough breakdown of the nutritional values:
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Fat: 28g
This dish is packed with protein and healthy fats, making it an excellent choice for maintaining energy levels while on a keto diet.
Storing Tips & Variations for Mediterranean Keto Ground Chicken Skillet with Olives and Feta
If you happen to have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop, adding a splash of olive oil to keep it moist. For variations, try swapping the ground chicken for ground turkey or even a vegetarian option like lentils for a meat-free alternative. You can also experiment with different cheeses, such as goat cheese or mozzarella, to suit your taste.
Conclusion for Mediterranean Keto Ground Chicken Skillet with Olives and Feta
This Mediterranean Keto Ground Chicken Skillet with Olives and Feta is a feast for the senses, bringing together delightful flavors and vibrant colors in one easy dish. Its quick prep and minimal ingredient list make it a stellar choice for anyone looking to enjoy a satisfying, wholesome meal. Dive into a bowl of this deliciousness and treat yourself and your family to an unforgettable culinary experience.
FAQs
1. Can I use frozen ground chicken for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen ground chicken, but ensure it’s fully thawed before cooking for even browning.
2. What other vegetables can I add to this dish?
You can include bell peppers, mushrooms, zucchini, or even artichoke hearts for extra flavor and nutrition.
3. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator. It reheats beautifully, making it great for meal prep.
4. Is this dish suitable for a gluten-free diet?
Absolutely! All ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for gluten-sensitive individuals.
5. How can I customize the seasoning?
Feel free to adjust the herbs and spices according to your personal preference; adding a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes can give it a spicy kick if desired.
Mediterranean Keto Ground Chicken Skillet with Olives and Feta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Keto
Description
A vibrant, quick skillet dish featuring ground chicken, Kalamata olives, and feta, celebrating Mediterranean flavors in under 30 minutes.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground chicken
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 cups fresh spinach
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, halved
- 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a medium skillet over medium heat until it shimmers.
- Add the chopped onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
- Stir in minced garlic followed by ground chicken. Cook for 6-8 minutes until no pink remains.
- Sprinkle in dried oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir to coat evenly.
- Add halved cherry tomatoes and cook for another 3-4 minutes until softened.
- Stir in fresh spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Add halved Kalamata olives and cook for an additional 2 minutes, then remove from heat. Top with crumbled feta and drizzle with lemon juice before serving.
Notes
For enhanced flavor, consider marinating the ground chicken in olive oil, lemon juice, and spices for about 30 minutes before cooking. You can also add more vegetables for extra texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 100mg

