Some nights you want something fast, filling, and packed with those sunny Mediterranean flavors that just make you feel good. This Mediterranean Keto Ground Chicken Skillet delivers exactly thatjuicy ground chicken tossed with olives, tomatoes, feta, and herbs in one pan.
I tested this back in February when I was craving something bright but keto-friendly, and the balance of salty olives with sweet tomatoes hit perfectly. The chicken stays tender if you don’t overcook itjust break it apart gently and let it brown in spots. After ten years of recipe testing, I’ve learned that ground poultry needs less fussing than you think.
Joe Rooney
Mediterranean Keto Ground Chicken Skillet Recipe Easy and Delicious
Enjoy a vibrant and healthy Mediterranean Keto Ground Chicken Skillet that’s loaded with flavorful ground chicken, tangy feta, and salty Kalamata olives. This easy-to-make dinner is bursting with fresh veggies and aromatic spices, perfect for a beginner-friendly keto meal.
Warm the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and crumble in the ground chicken, cooking until it’s nicely browned, about 6 to 8 minutes.
Add the onion and garlic and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion softens and turns translucent, roughly 2 to 3 minutes.
Mix in the chopped bell pepper, oregano, smoked paprika, cumin, and season with salt and pepper; cook for 3 to 4 minutes until the pepper begins to tender.
Stir in the cherry tomatoes and sliced Kalamata olives, letting everything simmer so the tomatoes soften, about 5 minutes.
Scatter the crumbled feta on top and allow it to warm and meld into the mixture.
Take the skillet off the heat and fold in the chopped parsley and fresh lemon juice.
Give everything a taste and adjust seasonings if needed before serving warm.
Notes
Pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad. Ground turkey or beef can be swapped in place of chicken. Add chili flakes if you want some heat. This meal stores well in the fridge up to 3 days and is great for meal prepping. For extra nutrients, feel free to add zucchini or spinach. This dish is keto-friendly and gluten-free.
Why You’ll Love This Mediterranean Keto Ground Chicken Skillet
Here’s why this recipe keeps showing up in my meal rotationit’s fast, forgiving, and loaded with those tangy, herby flavors that make weeknight cooking feel special.
Done in 30 minutes: From skillet to table in half an hour, no complicated prep or fancy techniques required.
One-pan wonder: Everything cooks in a single skillet, which means less cleanup and more time to relax after dinner.
Keto-friendly without feeling restrictive: Packed with protein, healthy fats from olives and feta, and tons of flavoryou won’t miss the carbs.
Bright, sunny flavors: The combination of lemon, oregano, and briny olives brings that Mediterranean vibe right to your kitchen.
What You’ll Need (Ingredients & Tools)
You probably have most of these items already. I keep Kalamata olives and feta stocked because they transform simple proteins into something memorable.
Key Ingredients: Ground chicken forms the baseit’s lean but stays juicy with the olive oil. Cherry tomatoes add sweetness, while the olives and feta bring that salty, tangy punch. Fresh parsley and lemon juice at the end brighten everything up.
Essential Tool: A large skillet with enough surface area to brown the chicken properly. I use a 12-inch pan so nothing steams or crowds.
How to Make It (Step-by-Step)
The process is straightforwardbrown the chicken first to build flavor, then layer in aromatics, veggies, and finishing touches. After testing this dozens of times, I’ve found that gentle heat and patience with the tomatoes make all the difference.
Step
What to Do
Time
1
Heat olive oil, brown ground chicken in skillet, breaking apart gently
6-8 min
2
Add onion and garlic, sauté until translucent
2-3 min
3
Stir in bell pepper and spices (oregano, paprika, cumin, salt, pepper)
3-4 min
4
Add cherry tomatoes and olives, let tomatoes cook down
5 min
5
Sprinkle feta on top, let melt slightly
1 min
6
Remove from heat, stir in parsley and lemon juice
1 min
Pro Tip: Don’t rush the tomatoes in step 4letting them soften and release their juices creates a light, flavorful sauce that coats the chicken beautifully.
Ingredient Swaps & Tweaks
One thing I love about skillet meals is how adaptable they are. Swap proteins, add veggies, or dial up the heatit all works.
Want more heat? Toss in a pinch of chili flakes when you add the spices. Need more veggies? Spinach wilts beautifully in the last two minutes of cooking.
How to Serve and Store
Straight from the skillet is my favorite way to serve thisit feels casual and inviting. Pair it with a crisp green salad or roasted cauliflower for a complete meal.
Storage: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen overnight, making it perfect for meal prep. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water if needed.
Freezing: This dish freezes well for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight and warm through before serving.
Tips for the Best Results
A few small tricks make this dish even better. After years of testing ground poultry recipes, these are the details that matter most.
Don’t overcook the chicken: Ground chicken can dry out fast. Pull it off the heat when it’s just cooked throughit’ll stay tender and juicy.
Use fresh lemon juice: Bottled juice doesn’t have the same brightness. Squeeze half a lemon right before serving for that fresh, tangy finish.
Let the feta melt slightly: Give it a minute in the warm skillet so it gets creamy and melts into the chicken mixture.
Season at the end: Olives and feta are salty, so taste before adding more salt. I usually add a crack of black pepper and call it good.
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Can I use chicken thighs instead of ground chicken?
Yes, you can substitute with diced boneless chicken thighs for extra flavor. Cut them into small bite-sized pieces and cook for 6-8 minutes until fully cooked through. The cooking time will be slightly longer than ground chicken, but the Mediterranean flavors work beautifully with thighs.
What type of olives work best for this recipe?
Kalamata olives provide the most authentic Mediterranean taste with their rich, briny flavor. Green olives or a mix of both also work well. I recommend using pitted olives and adding them during the last 2-3 minutes to prevent them from becoming too salty.
How long does this dish keep in the refrigerator?
This meal stays fresh for up to 4 days when stored in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors actually improve overnight as the herbs and spices meld together. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat or microwave in 30-second intervals.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Absolutely! Simply omit the feta cheese or replace it with dairy-free feta alternatives available at most grocery stores. You can also add extra herbs like fresh basil or oregano to boost the flavor without dairy. The dish remains delicious and keto-friendly.
What vegetables can I add to make it more filling?
Zucchini, bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and spinach are perfect low-carb additions that complement the Mediterranean flavors. Add firmer vegetables like peppers early in cooking, while leafy greens like spinach should go in during the last minute to prevent wilting.
Final Thoughts
You’ll love how this Mediterranean Keto Ground Chicken Skillet comes together in just thirty minutes. The chicken stays tender, the olives and feta add that salty-tangy punch, and the lemon juice at the end brightens everything. It’s the kind of meal that feels special without any fuss.
Want to switch things up? Try stirring in fresh spinach during the last two minutes, or swap the feta for creamy goat cheese. Leftovers taste even better the next dayjust reheat gently with a splash of water to keep everything moist. A trick I learned from my grandmother’s kitchen: always taste before adding extra salt, since the olives and cheese bring plenty on their own.
If you make this, I’d love to see how it turns out for you. Did you add your own twist, or serve it with a favorite side? Share a photo or tag meI always enjoy hearing what worked in your kitchen. And if this recipe hits the spot, save it or pass it along to someone who’d appreciate a fast, flavorful dinner. Happy cooking, friend.
