Mediterranean Keto Ground Chicken Skillet

The smell of garlic and oregano hit me the moment I opened the jar of olives, and I knew this skillet was going to be good. I'd been looking for a way to make ground chicken interesting without relying on heavy sauces or cheese overload. One evening, I tossed together what I had in the fridge: some cherry tomatoes, a handful of Kalamata olives, and a block of feta that had been waiting for its moment. The result was so bright and satisfying that I made it three times that week.

I made this for my sister when she visited last spring, and she kept going back for seconds. She said it reminded her of a little taverna we stumbled into on a trip to Crete, where everything tasted like sunshine and salt air. We sat at the table long after we finished eating, just talking and picking at the last bits of feta. That night, this skillet became more than just dinner, it became a reason to linger.

Ingredients

• Ground chicken: Lean and mild, it soaks up all the Mediterranean flavors beautifully without overpowering the dish.
• Feta cheese: The creamy, tangy punch that ties everything together, use a block and crumble it yourself for the best texture.
• Yellow onion: Adds sweetness and depth as it softens in the olive oil, forming the flavor base.
• Garlic: Fresh cloves are essential here, they release a fragrant warmth that makes the whole kitchen smell incredible.
• Cherry tomatoes: They burst and release their juices as they cook, creating a light, fresh sauce.
• Baby spinach: Wilts down in seconds and adds a pop of green, swap in arugula if you want a peppery bite.
• Fresh parsley: Brightens everything at the end, dont skip this step.
• Kalamata olives: Briny, meaty, and essential for that authentic Mediterranean flavor.
• Dried oregano: The backbone of the seasoning, it brings earthy, herby warmth.
• Paprika: Optional, but it adds a subtle smokiness that deepens the flavor.
• Lemon juice: A splash at the end lifts the whole dish and balances the richness.
• Olive oil: Use a good quality one, it matters when the flavors are this simple.

Instructions

Start with the aromatics:

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the diced onion and let it cook until soft and translucent, about 3 to 4 minutes. The kitchen will start to smell sweet and inviting.

Brown the chicken:

Add the minced garlic and ground chicken, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks until browned and no pink remains, about 6 to 7 minutes. Make sure to get some nice golden bits on the bottom of the pan.

Add the Mediterranean flavors:

Stir in the cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper, then cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until the tomatoes begin to soften and release their juices. The colors will start to brighten and blend.

Wilt the greens:

Toss in the baby spinach and cook just until it wilts, about 1 to 2 minutes. It will shrink down quickly, so dont worry if it looks like too much at first.

Finish with brightness:

Remove the skillet from the heat, stir in the lemon juice and chopped parsley, then sprinkle the crumbled feta over the top. Serve warm, straight from the skillet.

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The first time I served this, my husband looked at the skillet and said, This is it? Then he tasted it and went quiet for a moment before nodding with approval. Now he asks for it by name. Its funny how something so simple can become a regular request, but thats the beauty of dishes like this, they dont need to be complicated to be loved.

Serving Suggestions

I like to serve this straight from the skillet with a wedge of lemon on the side for anyone who wants an extra squeeze. A simple cucumber salad or some roasted cauliflower makes a great side, and if youre not strictly keto, a warm piece of crusty bread is perfect for soaking up the juices. Sometimes I dollop a spoonful of Greek yogurt on top for extra creaminess, and it never disappoints.

Storage and Reheating

Leftovers keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. I reheat it gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to loosen it up if it seems dry. The feta might melt a bit more when reheated, but honestly, that just makes it creamier. I wouldnt freeze this one, the tomatoes and spinach dont hold up as well after thawing.

Variations and Swaps

If you want to swap the protein, ground turkey or lamb both work beautifully here. For a dairy-free version, skip the feta or use a plant-based crumble, just check the label if youre avoiding soy or nuts. Arugula instead of spinach gives it a peppery kick, and adding a handful of toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds at the end brings a satisfying crunch.

• Try stirring in a tablespoon of tahini for a creamy, nutty richness.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like a little heat.
• Toss in some artichoke hearts for extra Mediterranean flair.

Save

This skillet has become my go-to when I want something quick, flavorful, and just a little bit special. I hope it finds a spot in your weekly rotation too.

Recipe Questions & Answers

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly as a substitute for ground chicken in this skillet. It has a similar texture and mild flavor that pairs well with the Mediterranean ingredients. Adjust cooking time slightly if needed to ensure the turkey is fully cooked through.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store cooled 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. The feta may soften when reheated but will maintain its flavor.

→ What can I serve with this skillet?

This dish pairs beautifully with cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or a simple Mediterranean salad with cucumber and red onion. For non-keto eaters, it works well over couscous or with crusty bread to soak up the juices.

→ Can I make this dairy-free?

Absolutely. Simply omit the feta cheese or use a dairy-free feta alternative made from almonds or coconut. The dish will still be flavorful thanks to the olives, tomatoes, and seasonings. You might want to add a bit more salt to compensate for the missing feta.

→ Is this freezer-friendly?

Yes, you can freeze this skillet meal for up to 2-3 months. Let it cool completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Note that the texture of the spinach may change slightly after freezing, but the flavor will remain delicious.

→ Can I add other vegetables?

Certainly. Bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, or artichoke hearts would all complement the Mediterranean profile. Add heartier vegetables like peppers or zucchini when cooking the onions, and add delicate vegetables like spinach or artichokes near the end as specified in the original instructions.