und Chicken Skillet with Olives and Feta Recipe

The und Chicken Skillet with Olives and Feta is a vibrant, Mediterranean-inspired dish that perfectly balances juicy ground chicken with the briny pop of olives and the creamy tang of feta cheese. This skillet meal is not only bursting with fresh, wholesome flavors but also wonderfully simple to prepare, making it a go-to weeknight dinner that feels both satisfying and special. With its colorful ingredients and healthful twist, this recipe transforms an everyday ingredient into something truly memorable.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering the right ingredients for this und Chicken Skillet with Olives and Feta is the first step toward a delicious meal. Each component is carefully chosen to bring out the authentic Mediterranean flavors, while adding great texture and color to your skillet.

• Ground chicken: The lean protein base that cooks quickly and soaks up all the wonderful seasonings.
• Olive oil: Adds richness and helps sauté the vegetables and chicken evenly.
• Yellow onion: Provides sweetness and depth when softened in the pan.
• Garlic cloves: Infuse the dish with aromatic flavor that’s absolutely irresistible.
• Cherry tomatoes: These burst with juicy freshness, brightening every bite.
• Kalamata olives: Bring a bold, briny punch that pairs perfectly with the chicken and feta.
• Baby spinach or arugula: Adds vibrant green color and a tender leafy texture.
• Feta cheese: Offers a creamy, tangy topping that melts slightly from the residual heat.
• Fresh parsley: Brings a burst of herby freshness to finish the dish.
• Dried oregano: Essential Mediterranean seasoning for authentic flavor depth.
• Lemon juice: Brightens and balances all the savory elements with a citrus zing.
• Salt and black pepper: Basic yet crucial to enhance every flavor in the skillet.
• Paprika (optional): Adds a subtle smoky warmth, perfect if you enjoy a little extra complexity.

How to Make und Chicken Skillet with Olives and Feta

Step 1: Sauté the Onion

Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. When it’s hot but not smoking, add the diced yellow onion. Let it cook gently until it becomes translucent and soft, about three to four minutes. This step is key to build a flavorful base for your dish.

Step 2: Cook the Garlic and Ground Chicken

Add the minced garlic to the softened onions and stir it around for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then, crumble in the ground chicken. Cook it thoroughly while breaking it apart with your spatula to ensure it browns evenly and cooks through, approximately five to seven minutes.

Step 3: Incorporate Tomatoes, Olives, and Spices

Once the chicken is browned, toss in the halved cherry tomatoes and Kalamata olives along with the dried oregano, paprika if using, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Cook this mixture for another three to four minutes, allowing the tomatoes to soften and release their juices, blending beautifully with the olives and spices.

Step 4: Add the Greens

Next, stir in the baby spinach or arugula. Cook it just until wilted, about one to two minutes, so it retains its vibrant color and fresh flavor. The greens add not only nutrition but also a lovely texture contrast to the tender chicken and bursting tomatoes.

Step 5: Finish with Lemon Juice, Parsley, and Feta

Remove the skillet from heat and gently mix in the fresh lemon juice and chopped parsley. These bright, fresh ingredients elevate the entire dish with their zesty and aromatic notes. Finally, sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese on top while it’s still warm, letting it soften slightly without melting completely for that perfect creamy tang.

How to Serve und Chicken Skillet with Olives and Feta

Garnishes

To make your und Chicken Skillet with Olives and Feta even more inviting, consider adding a few extra toppings like a drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil, a sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes for heat, or a few whole olives and parsley leaves for a pretty, rustic finish.

Side Dishes

This skillet dish shines on its own, especially for a low-carb meal, but pairing it with some warm pita bread, cauliflower rice, or a simple cucumber and tomato salad can turn it into a full feast that everyone will love. The fresh sides complement the rich and savory flavors perfectly.

Creative Ways to Present

You can get creative by serving the und Chicken Skillet with Olives and Feta in individual cast-iron skillets for a charming, rustic look. Another fun idea is to spoon the skillet mixture over a bed of quinoa or your favorite grain to customize the dish to your nutritional needs and presentation style.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftovers of the und Chicken Skillet with Olives and Feta, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to three days, making it a convenient meal option for busy days when you need a quick, tasty bite.

Freezing

This dish freezes beautifully, so if you want to make a larger batch, portion it out into freezer-safe containers. It will maintain its flavors for up to two months. Just be mindful that fresh greens might lose some texture, so you may want to add fresh spinach or arugula when reheating.

Reheating

To reheat, warm your leftovers gently in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave until thoroughly heated. Adding a splash of water or broth can help maintain moisture. After reheating, stir in fresh parsley or a squeeze of lemon to revive the bright flavors.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well and will still soak up all the delicious Mediterranean flavors of the olives and feta.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?

Yes, this recipe is designed to be keto-friendly, focusing on lean protein, healthy fats, and low-carb vegetables to keep it light and nutritious.

What if I don’t have Kalamata olives?

You can substitute with other briny olives like green olives or Castelvetrano, but Kalamata gives that classic tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with feta.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

For a vegetarian version, try using crumbled tofu or tempeh instead of ground chicken, and make sure to adjust the seasoning to your taste.

How spicy is this dish?

This recipe isn’t naturally spicy unless you add paprika or red pepper flakes. You can easily adjust the heat level to suit your preference.

Final Thoughts

Once you try the und Chicken Skillet with Olives and Feta, you’ll wonder why it hasn’t been part of your dinner rotation all along. It’s easy, flavorful, and bursting with that perfect balance of savory, tangy, and fresh Mediterranean goodness that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Trust me—you’re going to want to make this one again and again!

Print