Mediterranean Keto Chicken Skillet

The first time I threw this skillet together, I was racing against a deadline and honestly just throwing things from my fridge into a pan. Those salty Kalamata olives bursting alongside sweet cherry tomatoes created this incredible Mediterranean dance that I didnt plan but absolutely fell in love with. Now its the kind of dinner I make when I want something that feels like a vacation but takes less time than deciding what to order for takeout.

My friend Sarah came over recently and watched me make this, casually mentioning she hates cooking because it always feels like a chore. By the time I slid that steaming skillet onto the table, she was already asking when I could teach her how to make it. Theres something magical about watching spinach wilt into the chicken while those tomatoes release their juices into the pan.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground chicken: Lean protein that absorbs all those Mediterranean flavors beautifully
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese: The creamy tangy element that pulls everything together
• 1 small yellow onion, diced: Foundation of flavor that becomes sweet as it cooks down
• 3 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic makes such a difference here, dont skip it
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved: They burst and create their own sauce as they cook
• 1 cup baby spinach or arugula: Wilts down into the dish adding color and nutrients
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped: Brightens everything up at the end
• ½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved: That signature briny Mediterranean punch
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano: The Greek herb that grounds all the flavors
• ½ teaspoon paprika: Optional but adds a lovely smoky depth
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Essential brightness to cut through the rich cheese
• Salt and black pepper: Season as you go, tasting along the way
• 2 tablespoons olive oil: For cooking and that authentic Mediterranean finish

Instructions

Quickly chop vegetables, mince herbs, and blend sauces for faster, everyday meal preparation.

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Sauté the onion:

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat and cook diced onion for 3 to 4 minutes until it turns translucent and fragrant

Brown the chicken:

Add garlic and ground chicken, breaking it up with your spatula and cooking until browned and cooked through, about 6 to 7 minutes

Add the Mediterranean elements:

Stir in cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper, cooking for 3 to 4 minutes until tomatoes start to soften

Wilt the greens:

Toss in spinach or arugula and cook just 1 to 2 minutes until it wilts but still has some body

Finish with brightness:

Remove from heat and stir in lemon juice and fresh parsley

Serve it up:

Sprinkle crumbled feta over the top and bring the whole skillet to the table warm

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Last Tuesday I made this after a brutal day at work, and honestly, standing at that stove watching everything come together was the most peaceful moment Id had all day. My roommate wandered in, fork in hand, and we ended up eating straight from the skillet leaning against the counter because neither of us wanted to bother with plates.

Making It Your Own

Sometimes I swap ground turkey for the chicken when thats what I have on hand, and honestly, I can barely tell the difference once all those Mediterranean flavors get involved. The key is really letting the chicken brown well so you get those crispy edges that add texture to every bite.

Serving Ideas

This dish stands perfectly on its own, but if youre feeding people who insist on having something underneath, cauliflower rice works beautifully without adding extra carbs. I once served it over zucchini noodles for friends who werent watching their carb intake, and they cleaned their plates just as fast.

Meal Prep Magic

This recipe keeps surprisingly well in the fridge, making it perfect for those Sundays when you actually have your life together enough to prep for the week. The flavors actually get better after a day or two as everything marinates together.

• Store in individual containers for grab and go lunches
• Sprinkle fresh feta right before serving to keep it from getting soggy
• Reheat with a splash of water to refresh the sauce

Mix doughs, batters, and whipped cream easily for baking cakes, cookies, and everyday treats.

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Theres something so satisfying about a meal that comes together this quickly but tastes like it has a story behind it. Hope this skillet finds its way into your regular weeknight rotation.

Common Questions

→ Can I use a different ground meat in this skillet?

Yes, ground turkey or even ground beef are excellent substitutes for ground chicken. Adjust cooking time slightly to ensure the meat is fully browned and cooked through, as beef may take a bit longer.

→ How can I adapt this dish to be dairy-free?

To make this entirely dairy-free, simply omit the crumbled feta cheese. If you still want a creamy texture, look for plant-based feta alternatives, ensuring they fit your dietary needs.

→ Are there other vegetables I can add or swap?

Absolutely! Diced bell peppers, zucchini, or even chopped artichoke hearts would be delicious additions. You can also use sun-dried tomatoes for a more concentrated tomato flavor.

→ What's the best way to store and reheat this skillet meal?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or in the microwave until thoroughly warmed, stirring occasionally.

→ What are some good side dishes or serving suggestions?

This Mediterranean skillet is quite complete on its own. For a fuller meal, consider serving it alongside cauliflower rice, spiralized zucchini noodles, or a simple fresh green salad. A drizzle of extra virgin olive oil or a squeeze of fresh lemon adds brightness.