This Mediterranean Keto Ground Chicken Skillet with Olives and Feta is a delicious and healthy meal option that perfectly sits on the spectrum of low-carb eating while being rich in Mediterranean flavors. Packed with protein, colorful vegetables, and the tanginess of feta cheese, this dish is both satisfying and nutritious. You can whip it up quickly on a weeknight or serve it to impress guests at a dinner party.
Why Make This Recipe
There are many reasons to try this recipe. Firstly, it is keto-friendly, meaning it’s low in carbohydrates and high in healthy fats. This makes it a great choice for those following a ketogenic diet or anyone looking to cut down on carbs. The use of lean ground chicken provides a good source of protein without too much fat, which keeps it healthier than traditional ground meat options.
Additionally, the combination of olives, feta, and spices creates a delicious blend of flavors that transport your taste buds to the Mediterranean. The dish is also incredibly versatile; you can customize it to fit your taste preferences or what you have on hand in the kitchen. Whether you serve it alone, over a bed of greens, or with a side of veggies, this skillet meal is appealing to many.
How to Make Mediterranean Keto Ground Chicken Skillet with Olives and Feta
Making this Mediterranean Ground Chicken Skillet is straightforward and requires only a few steps. Below, I’ll guide you through each one, so you’ll have a delicious dish in no time.
Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (red or green)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/3 cup pitted Kalamata olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of half a lemon
Directions:
Heat the Skillet
Start by heating the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Use a sturdy skillet, such as cast iron or non-stick, to make sure everything cooks evenly.Cook the Chicken
Once the oil is hot, add the ground chicken to the skillet. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to break the meat apart. Cook the chicken until it turns brown, which should take about 6-8 minutes. Make sure to stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.Add the Aromatics
Next, incorporate the finely chopped onion and minced garlic into the skillet. Sauté these for about 2-3 minutes. You want the onion to become translucent and the garlic to become fragrant, which enhances the dish’s overall flavor.Mix in the Bell Pepper and Spices
Stir in the chopped bell pepper, along with the dried oregano, smoked paprika, ground cumin, salt, and pepper. Continue to cook this mixture for another 3-4 minutes, letting the bell pepper soften slightly.Introduce the Tomatoes and Olives
Now, add the halved cherry tomatoes and the sliced Kalamata olives into the skillet. Mix everything well and allow the tomatoes to cook down for about 5 minutes. The tomatoes will release their juices, which helps create a delicious sauce.Add the Feta
Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese over the skillet mixture. Allow the cheese to melt slightly into the dish. This step adds creaminess and tang to the recipe.Finish with Freshness
Remove the skillet from heat and stir in the chopped fresh parsley and lemon juice. The lemon juice gives the dish a bright flavor, and the parsley adds freshness.Taste and Adjust
Finally, taste your creation and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more salt or pepper to fit your palate.Serve Warm
Serve the Mediterranean Keto Ground Chicken Skillet warm. The colorful presentation and aromatic scent will make it a delightful meal.
How to Serve Mediterranean Keto Ground Chicken Skillet with Olives and Feta
This dish can be served in various ways, depending on your preference. Here are some serving suggestions:
- On Its Own: Enjoy the skillet directly from the pan as a low-carb meal.
- Over Greens: Serve it over a bed of leafy greens like spinach or arugula for a refreshing salad option.
- With Keto Bread: Pair it with a slice of keto-friendly bread to soak up any remaining juices.
- With Cauliflower Rice: Serve it atop cauliflower rice for a grain-free alternative.
Each of these options allows you to enjoy the flavors of Mediterranean cuisine while keeping it low in carbs.
How to Store Mediterranean Keto Ground Chicken Skillet with Olives and Feta
If you have leftovers, the Mediterranean Keto Ground Chicken Skillet stores well in the refrigerator. Here are some tips:
- Refrigeration: Place any leftovers in an airtight container. It can stay fresh for up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Freezing: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the skillet meal for up to 2 months. Make sure to use freezer-safe containers.
- Reheating: To reheat, thaw in the refrigerator if frozen. Then, warm it in a skillet over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, or heat it in the microwave in 30-second intervals.
Tips to Make Mediterranean Keto Ground Chicken Skillet with Olives and Feta
To ensure the best results, consider the following tips:
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Always opt for fresh vegetables, as they bring out the best flavors.
- Don’t Overcook: Avoid overcooking the chicken to prevent it from becoming dry. Ideally, it should be cooked just until the pink disappears.
- Customize to Taste: Feel free to adjust the spices or add additional ingredients, like other vegetables, to suit your preferences.
- Quality Feta: Whenever possible, use high-quality feta cheese to enhance the dish’s flavor.
- Garnish: Add extra parsley or a sprinkle of extra feta on top just before serving for an appealing presentation.
Variation
This dish has plenty of room for variation. Here are some ideas to customize your skillet meal:
- Different Proteins: Swap out the ground chicken for ground turkey, beef, or lamb for a different flavor profile.
- Add More Vegetables: Incorporate other veggies like zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach for more color and nutrition.
- Change the Cheese: If feta isn’t your favorite, goat cheese or even mozzarella can work nicely in this dish.
- Add Nuts: For a crunch, consider sprinkling some pine nuts or slivered almonds on top just before serving.
FAQs
Can I use other meat instead of ground chicken?
Yes! You can easily swap ground chicken for turkey, beef, or lamb based on your preferences.
Is this recipe dairy-free?
No, this recipe contains feta cheese. To make it dairy-free, you can omit the cheese or use a dairy-free alternative.
Can I prepare this meal in advance?
Yes, you can prepare the components ahead of time. Cook the chicken and veggies, then store them separately. Combine and heat when ready to serve.
How spicy does this dish get?
This recipe is not very spicy. However, if you like heat, consider adding red pepper flakes or a chopped chili pepper.
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, you can replace the ground chicken with a mix of beans or lentils, adjusting the cooking time accordingly.
What should I serve as a side dish?
This dish pairs well with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
This Mediterranean Keto Ground Chicken Skillet with Olives and Feta is an easy, quick, and healthy choice for anyone looking for a flavorful meal. With minimal prep time and a fantastic taste, it’s sure to become a favorite!
Print
Mediterranean Keto Ground Chicken Skillet with Olives and Feta
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Keto
Description
A delicious, healthy, and keto-friendly skillet meal featuring ground chicken, olives, and feta cheese, rich in Mediterranean flavors.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 pound ground chicken
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (red or green)
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/3 cup pitted Kalamata olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of half a lemon
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
- Add ground chicken, breaking it apart as it cooks for 6-8 minutes until brown.
- Incorporate chopped onion and minced garlic; sauté for 2-3 minutes until onion is translucent.
- Stir in chopped bell pepper, oregano, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper, cooking for another 3-4 minutes.
- Add cherry tomatoes and Kalamata olives; mix well and cook for 5 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Sprinkle feta cheese over the dish, allowing it to melt slightly.
- Remove from heat, stir in parsley and lemon juice for brightness.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
- Serve warm, either by itself, over greens, or with keto bread or cauliflower rice.
Notes
Use fresh ingredients for the best flavor and avoid overcooking the chicken.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: keto, Mediterranean, ground chicken, healthy dinner, low carb
