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Craving something satisfying yet healthy This Mediterranean keto ground chicken skillet brings together juicy chicken savory olives and creamy feta for a meal that tastes bright and soulful while fitting your low carb needs It comes together in under half an hour and truly feels like an escape to the coast every time
The first time I made this I was skeptical my family would want seconds Now they ask for it every week and no leftovers ever make it to the fridge
Ingredients
- Ground chicken: brings lean protein and soaks up all those spices look for fresh not frozen for best browning
- Olive oil: adds fruitiness and helps everything cook evenly go for extra virgin if you can
- Garlic powder and onion powder: give a savory backbone without fuss choose for freshest scent and fine texture
- Dried oregano and basil: lend that classic herby aroma aim for brightly colored dried herbs
- Red pepper flakes: bring a gentle heat opt for flakes that are vivid and not stale
- Salt and pepper: season to taste select coarse kosher salt and freshly cracked pepper
- Kalamata olives: deliver a briny bite and a pop of color pitted and sliced makes prep easy
- Crumbled feta cheese: makes things creamy and tangy use real Greek feta if available
- Chopped fresh parsley: wakes up every bite with a burst of green always choose flat leaf parsley with no yellowing
Step by Step Instructions
- Preheat the Skillet:
- Set a large skillet over medium high heat and let it get hot you want the chicken to sizzle when it hits the pan
- Add the Olive Oil:
- Pour olive oil into the hot skillet swirl it to coat the pan fully so nothing sticks
- Brown the Chicken:
- Add ground chicken straight in use a spatula to break it into small crumbles let it cook undisturbed for a minute to get some browning then keep breaking and stirring frequently until it is no longer pink and fully cooked through
- Season the Meat:
- As the chicken cooks sprinkle in the garlic powder onion powder dried oregano dried basil red pepper flakes salt and pepper mix them in evenly so every bite gets seasoned
- Add the Olives:
- Toss in your sliced Kalamata olives and fold them into the chicken mixture they are key for that trademark Mediterranean punch
- Melt the Feta Cheese:
- Scatter crumbled feta over the chicken then cover the skillet with a lid trap the heat just for about two minutes so the feta softens and melts into creamy pockets
- Finish with Parsley:
- Remove from the heat then shower the top with fresh parsley it brightens and freshens the whole dish
- Serve Hot:
- Spoon up while hot right from the skillet this tastes best when fresh and bubbling
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I am always amazed by how the briny Kalamata olives wake everything up in this dish Those little bites of olive make every forkful feel special My kids fondly call this the magic chicken dinner and love sprinkling on extra feta
Storage Tips
Leftovers keep well in a sealed container in the fridge for up to three days When reheating add a splash of water or a little extra olive oil to keep it moist If you want to freeze it let it cool and store in a freezer safe bag for up to two months but be aware the feta will change texture slightly
Ingredient Substitutions
You can swap out ground chicken for ground turkey or beef if that is what you have on hand Ground turkey is especially good because it takes on the Mediterranean flavors beautifully If you want an extra kick try mixing in sun dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts These additions bring even more depth and color
Serving Suggestions
I love piling this over a bed of warm cauliflower rice for a classic rice bowl feel It is also great tucked into lettuce cups for a fresh party appetizer or paired with a big Greek salad for crunch Try squeezing just a little fresh lemon on top for brightness
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Cultural and Historical Context
This skillet dinner nods to classic Mediterranean comfort food Simple rustic and big on bold flavors Dishes like this often feature briny olives and creamy cheese because those ingredients are pantry staples throughout Greece and Southern Europe Their combination offers richness and a balance of savory and tangy in every serving
Recipe FAQs
- → Can I use a different protein?
Yes, ground turkey or beef work well in place of ground chicken, offering similar texture and taste.
- → What can I serve alongside this skillet?
This dish pairs nicely with cauliflower rice, fresh salad, or grilled vegetables for a balanced meal.
- → How do I enhance the Mediterranean flavors?
Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the finished dish or add sun-dried tomatoes and artichoke hearts for extra zest.
- → Is it necessary to use Kalamata olives?
Kalamata olives provide robust flavor, but you can substitute with green or black olives if you prefer.
- → How do I ensure the chicken is cooked safely?
Cook the ground chicken thoroughly until it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) before serving.
- → Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the skillet ahead and reheat gently, adding fresh parsley just before serving for best flavor.