Mediterranean Keto Ground Chicken Skillet

This skillet was born out of a busy weeknight and my craving for bold Mediterranean flavors that fit my low carb goals It is packed with juicy ground chicken briny olives and creamy feta for a hearty meal that comes together fast and always leaves everyone at the table reaching for seconds

When I first tossed together this skillet I was amazed how quickly everything came together The kitchen always smells incredible and it is now a repeat request whenever friends come over for lunch

Ingredients

• Ground chicken: an excellent lean protein that soaks up Mediterranean spices for flavor in every bite Go for chicken that looks pink and has a fresh scent
• Olive oil: brings healthy richness and helps brown the chicken Use extra virgin for a fruitier flavor
• Garlic powder: delivers an aromatic kick without peeling Add a pinch more if you love garlic’s warmth
• Onion powder: for gentle sweetness that rounds out the dish Choose onion powder without additives for cleanest taste
• Dried oregano: one of the defining flavors of Mediterranean cuisine Look for leaves that are still green for the best aroma
• Dried basil: adds subtle earthy notes You want basil that still smells fragrant when you open the jar
• Red pepper flakes: give a gentle heat That hint of warmth wakes up the other flavors
• Salt and pepper: foundational seasoning Always taste as you go since feta and olives are salty too
• Sliced Kalamata olives: the signature briny accent Opt for pitted and sliced for ease and check they are glossy and plump
• Crumbled feta cheese: for creamy tanginess Sheep’s milk feta has the richest flavor and best crumble
• Fresh parsley: infuses a burst of color and herbal freshness Curly or flat leaf works but fresh is a must for brightness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preheat the Skillet:

Set a large skillet over medium high heat and let it warm for about a minute so the oil spreads and heats evenly

Add the Olive Oil:

Pour in the olive oil swirling to coat the bottom This helps prevent sticking and helps the chicken brown instead of steam

Brown the Chicken:

Add the ground chicken to the skillet Break it apart right away with a spatula so it cooks evenly and does not form large clumps

Season the Chicken:

Sprinkle garlic powder onion powder dried oregano dried basil red pepper flakes salt and pepper directly over the chicken Toss with your spatula until the chicken is fully coated and aromatic

Cook the Chicken:

Stir often so the meat browns on most sides and cooks through You are aiming for juicy pieces If any liquid pools let it simmer off so the flavors deepen Cook until the chicken is no longer pink at all

Add the Olives:

Scatter sliced Kalamata olives over the cooked chicken Stir so they are well distributed and begin to warm in the skillet infusing their briny goodness into the dish

Top with Feta Cheese:

Crumble feta over the mixture Try to spread it evenly so each bite gets a little cheese

Melt the Feta:

Cover the skillet briefly about two minutes The cheese should warm and get slightly melty but not disappear entirely This step makes the dish feel extra luxurious

Finish with Fresh Parsley:

Turn off the heat Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley for color and a clean crisp finish to balance the richness

Serve and Savor:

Dish out the skillet while it is hot for maximum flavor and best texture

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Feta is my absolute favorite part of this dish When it melts into the hot chicken and olives it creates the most crave worthy bites My most memorable batch was shared with friends on our patio while the sun was setting and we all scraped the skillet clean

Storage Tips

Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge It will stay fresh for up to three days The flavors get even better overnight making it perfect for make ahead lunches You can reheat in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or in the microwave just until steaming Avoid freezing as feta can change texture once thawed

Ingredient Substitutions

Ground turkey or lean beef can easily swap for ground chicken and each brings its own character Try using green olives for a slightly different flavor profile or goat cheese for a milder creamy touch You can add sun dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts for even more flavor depth

Serving Suggestions

Enjoy this skillet on its own or pile it over a bed of cauliflower rice for a true Mediterranean feast A simple cucumber tomato salad or grilled zucchini really rounds out the plate For extra freshness squeeze a bit of lemon juice over everything right before you eat

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Mediterranean Flavor Inspirations

This recipe draws from the bright bold flavors found all along the coastlines of Greece and southern Italy Olives and feta have long been pillars of regional cuisine prized for their ability to turn simple proteins into something unforgettable Make this dish part of your weeknight rotation and you bring a sunshine soaked taste of the Mediterranean to your table

Frequently Asked Questions

→ What can I substitute for ground chicken?

Ground turkey or ground beef are both excellent alternatives. Adjust seasoning as needed for your protein of choice.

→ Does this dish have a strong Mediterranean flavor?

Yes, ingredients like Kalamata olives, dried oregano, basil, and feta cheese give robust Mediterranean notes.

→ How can I enhance the flavor further?

Try adding sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice for extra depth and brightness.

→ What should I serve with this skillet?

This dish pairs well with cauliflower rice, a green salad, or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.

→ How do I know the chicken is cooked properly?

Ensure the ground chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C) and is no longer pink.