Every now and then, a recipe comes along that feels like a warm hug on a plate—and trust me, this Mediterranean Keto Ground Chicken Skillet with Olives and Feta is precisely that. Picture this: a busy weeknight, you’ve got a million things on your mind, but you want something that not only nourishes but also sparks joy. This dish captures all the vibrant, sunny flavors of the Mediterranean in a delightful, easy-to-make skillet.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
First off, let’s talk taste. The combination of ground chicken, juicy tomatoes, and salty, briny olives creates a symphony of flavor that practically dances on your taste buds. And with the richness of feta cheese and a hint of lemon at the end, it’s a well-rounded medley that makes you want to dive in for seconds (and maybe thirds!).
Now, let’s not forget the benefits. Being keto-friendly, this dish is low on carbs but high on flavor and protein—perfect for those looking to fuel their bodies without excess carbs weighing them down. Plus, it’s a one-skillet wonder, meaning less cleanup. Who doesn’t love that? It’s an excellent go-to for meal prep as well, just pack it up in containers for an effortless lunch or dinner throughout the week. Trust me, you’ll find yourself reaching for this multi-layered dish again and again.
Key Ingredients Overview
To whip up this Mediterranean delight, gather the following ingredients:
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): The magical elixir that starts it all. Use extra virgin for a peppery kick.
- Ground Chicken (1 pound): This lean protein is your canvas. Feel free to swap in turkey if that’s what you have.
- Small Onion (1): Finely chopped, this brings sweetness and depth. A shallot could also work wonderfully if you want a subtler taste.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced): Ah, garlic—the aromatics that elevate any dish. Add more if you’re a garlic lover like I am!
- Bell Pepper (1, chopped): Red or green, it adds color and crunch. Don’t shy away from trying a poblano for a smoky twist.
- Dried Oregano (1 teaspoon): This herb truly transports you to the Mediterranean—dried thyme could be a nice alternative if you’re out.
- Smoked Paprika (1 teaspoon): This smoky spice rounds out the flavors beautifully, but if you can’t find it, regular paprika will suffice.
- Ground Cumin (1/2 teaspoon): A pinch of warmth that elevates the dish; caraway seeds could be an interesting swap if you’re out of cumin.
- Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential for balancing flavors.
- Cherry Tomatoes (1 cup, halved): Sweet and juicy, they burst with flavor and color. Grape tomatoes can work too, but I’m partial to cherries!
- Kalamata Olives (1/3 cup, sliced): Their salty goodness is one of the highlights! You can substitute green olives if you prefer.
- Feta Cheese (1/4 cup, crumbled): The salty creaminess of feta is unmatched—go for a sheep’s milk version for extra flavor.
- Fresh Parsley (2 tablespoons, chopped): A fresh garnish that brightens it all up—basil could be a lovely twist.
- Lemon Juice (juice of half a lemon): The finishing touch that adds zing—don’t skip it!
Preparing Mediterranean Keto Ground Chicken Skillet with Olives and Feta
Let’s get cooking! Here’s how it comes together:
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat until shimmering.
- Add the ground chicken and cook it for about 6 to 8 minutes, breaking it apart with a spoon until it’s browned and cooked through.
- Next, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until the onion turns translucent—this is key for building flavor.
- Stir in the bell pepper, oregano, smoked paprika, cumin, along with salt and pepper. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until the pepper softens a bit.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes and olives. Mix everything well and allow the mixture to cook down for about 5 minutes, letting the tomatoes release their juices.
- Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the top and let it melt slightly into the mixture; this will create a creamy goodness.
- Remove from heat and stir in the fresh parsley and lemon juice. Give it a taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary.
- Serve hot and watch everyone enjoy!
Best Way to Enjoy It
This dish is decidedly versatile. You can serve it over a bed of zoodles (zucchini noodles) for extra veggies, or just enjoy it on its own! A side of roasted cauliflower or a crisp Greek salad pairs beautifully. If you want to keep the Mediterranean spirit alive, some warm, crusty keto-friendly bread for dipping is just the thing.
Storage and Reheating Tips
You might be wondering how to store leftovers (if you have any). Let the skillet cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It keeps well in the fridge for about 3-4 days, and reheating is as simple as popping it into the microwave or warming it on the stovetop over low heat.
If you’re thinking of making a double batch, this dish freezes fabulously! Just make sure to store it in a freezer-safe container. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Extra Tips
- For a little extra kick, consider adding some red pepper flakes while cooking.
- Want a creamier texture? Stir in a dollop of Greek yogurt right before serving.
- Experiment with different herbs; fresh basil or dill would also bring an interesting flavor profile.
Creative Twists
Feeling adventurous? Here are some variations you might love:
- Swap out the ground chicken for ground beef or lamb for a richer flavor.
- Add some spinach for an extra health boost—toss it in right after the tomatoes so it wilts perfectly.
- Try different cheeses! Goat cheese can provide a tangy alternative to feta.
Now that you have this cozy, colorful, and satisfying dish at your fingertips, give it a whirl! I’m excited to hear how your version of this Mediterranean delight turns out. Whether you stick to the classic recipe or mix things up a bit, remember that the kitchen is your canvas. Happy cooking!
Mediterranean Keto Ground Chicken Skillet with Olives and Feta
Description
This Mediterranean Keto Ground Chicken Skillet with Olives and Feta is a warm, flavorful dish that's low in carbs and high in protein. It's quick to prepare and perfect for busy weeknights while sparking joy with its vibrant flavors.Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Instructions
Cooking Steps
-
Heat Olive Oil
In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat until shimmering. -
Cook Chicken
Add the ground chicken and cook for 6 to 8 minutes, breaking it apart until browned and cooked through. -
Sauté Aromatics
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until translucent. -
Add Vegetables and Spices
Stir in bell pepper, oregano, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until pepper softens. -
Incorporate Tomatoes and Olives
Add halved cherry tomatoes and olives, mixing well. Allow to cook for 5 minutes. -
Finish with Feta
Sprinkle crumbled feta cheese on top and let it melt slightly. -
Garnish and Serve
Remove from heat, stir in parsley and lemon juice, adjust seasoning if necessary, and serve hot.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 350kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 23g36%
- Saturated Fat 5g25%
- Trans Fat 0g
- Cholesterol 90mg30%
- Sodium 720mg30%
- Potassium 700mg20%
- Total Carbohydrate 10g4%
- Dietary Fiber 3g12%
- Sugars 4g
- Protein 30g60%
- Vitamin A 600 IU
- Vitamin C 30 mg
- Calcium 120 mg
- Iron 2.5 mg
- Vitamin E 2 IU
- Vitamin K 5 mcg
- Thiamin 0.1 mg
- Riboflavin 0.3 mg
- Niacin 10 mg
- Vitamin B6 0.5 mg
- Folate 20 mcg
- Vitamin B12 2 mcg
- Pantothenic Acid 1 mg
- Phosphorus 300 mg
- Magnesium 30 mg
- Zinc 2 mg
- Selenium 25 mcg
- Copper 0.3 mg
- Manganese 0.5 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
