Savory Ground Chicken Skillet Recipe – Easy Mediterranean Keto

Name: Savory Ground Chicken Skillet Recipe – Easy Mediterranean Keto
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 lb ground chicken; 1 cup cherry tomatoes; 1 medium zucchini, diced; 1/2 medium red onion, diced; 1/2 cup sliced olives; 3 cloves minced garlic; 2 tbsp olive oil; 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese; 1 tsp oregano; 1/2 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/4 tsp black pepper; 1 tbsp lemon juice

Posted on November 9, 2025

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Last week, I was standing in my kitchen staring at a pack of ground chicken, wondering what on earth to make for dinner. I wanted something quick, healthy, and flavorful without needing a million ingredients or hours of prep time. That’s when this Savory Ground Chicken Skillet was born—a Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s keto-friendly and ridiculously easy to throw together.

If you love bold flavors, minimal cleanup, and recipes that make you feel like a kitchen genius, this one’s for you. It’s packed with vibrant spices, juicy chicken, and fresh veggies, all cooked in one pan—because who has time for extra dishes?

Oh, and the best part? You can mix and match ingredients based on what you have in your fridge. This recipe has saved me from many “What’s for dinner?” crises, and now I’m sharing it with you.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Okay, let me tell you why I’m obsessed with this recipe. It checks all the boxes for a perfect weeknight meal:

Fast and Easy: Ready in 30 minutes, start to finish. Perfect for busy weeknights when you’re this close to ordering takeout.
Keto-Friendly: Low-carb and packed with protein, healthy fats, and fiber. It’s filling, but doesn’t leave you feeling weighed down.
One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks in one skillet. Less cleanup means more time to actually relax after dinner.
Big Mediterranean Flavor: Garlic, oregano, olives, and lemon bring a zesty, herby punch that’s so satisfying.

This is the kind of recipe that makes you feel like a pro—even if you’re just throwing it together after a long day.

What Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. Here’s the breakdown:

Ground chicken (1 lb / 450g) – Lean and protein-packed, it’s the star of the dish. Ground turkey works well too!
Cherry tomatoes (1 cup / 150g) – Sweet and juicy, they burst with flavor as they cook. Grape tomatoes work too.
Zucchini (1 medium, diced) – Adds texture and freshness. You can sub with yellow squash or bell peppers.
Red onion (½ medium, diced) – Sweet and tangy when sautéed, it ties the flavors together beautifully.
Olives (½ cup / 80g, sliced) – Kalamata olives are my favorite for their briny, bold flavor. Use what you love!
Minced garlic (3 cloves) – Because garlic makes everything better. Fresh is best, but jarred works in a pinch.
Olive oil (2 tbsp / 30ml) – For cooking and flavor. A good extra virgin olive oil makes a big difference.
Feta cheese (½ cup / 75g, crumbled) – Creamy, salty, and tangy. This is the finishing touch that makes the dish irresistible.
Spices: Oregano (1 tsp), smoked paprika (½ tsp), salt (½ tsp), and black pepper (¼ tsp) – The ultimate Mediterranean flavor combo.
Lemon juice (1 tbsp) – For brightness and zing. Freshly squeezed is best!

Quick tip: If you don’t have ground chicken, you can easily chop up chicken thighs or substitute with shrimp or tofu for a vegetarian twist.

Equipment Needed

You don’t need much to make this dish, which is part of its charm:

Large skillet: A 12-inch skillet works best. Non-stick or cast iron are my go-tos for even cooking.
Wooden spoon: Perfect for breaking up the ground chicken and stirring everything together.
Cutting board and knife: For chopping veggies. A sharp knife makes all the difference!
Measuring spoons: Eyeballing is fine for some recipes, but spices need precision.

That’s it! No fancy equipment, no stress. Just the basics.

How to Make It: Step-by-Step

Let’s get cooking! Here’s how I make this dish, step by step:

Heat the skillet: Place your large skillet over medium heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil. Let it warm up for about 30 seconds.
Cook the chicken: Add the ground chicken to the skillet and break it up with a wooden spoon. Cook for 5-7 minutes until it’s golden brown and no longer pink.
Add the garlic: Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant—don’t let it burn!
Add the veggies: Stir in the diced zucchini, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the veggies soften and the tomatoes start to burst.
Season: Sprinkle the oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly over the skillet. Mix well to coat everything in those Mediterranean flavors.
Add the olives: Stir in the sliced olives and cook for another 2-3 minutes to heat through.
Finish with lemon and feta: Remove the skillet from heat and squeeze the lemon juice over the top. Sprinkle with crumbled feta cheese for a creamy, salty finish. Serve hot!

That’s it—done in under 30 minutes. Your kitchen will smell like a Mediterranean paradise!

My Best Tips & Techniques

Here’s what I’ve learned from making this dish a dozen times:

Don’t skip the lemon juice: It’s the secret to brightening up all the flavors and making them pop.
Use high-quality olive oil: Since it’s a key ingredient, a good olive oil makes a huge difference.
Don’t overcook the veggies: You want the zucchini to stay slightly crisp and the tomatoes to be juicy—not mushy.
Adjust seasoning to taste: Everyone’s palate is different. Taste the dish before serving and add more salt or spices if needed.
Prep everything ahead: Chop your veggies and measure your spices before starting. It makes the cooking process so much smoother.

Real talk: I’ve burned the garlic once or twice by multitasking. Don’t be me—keep an eye on the skillet while cooking!

Ways to Mix It Up

Once you’ve mastered the base recipe, try these fun variations:

Spicy Kick: Add ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or a splash of hot sauce to the skillet for some heat. Perfect for spice lovers!
Herb Explosion: Toss in fresh basil, parsley, or cilantro at the end for extra freshness.
Creamier Version: Stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream or coconut milk right before serving for a richer texture.
Cheesy Upgrade: Replace feta with shredded mozzarella or Parmesan for a gooey, melty twist.
Vegetarian Option: Swap ground chicken for crumbled firm tofu or cooked chickpeas—it’s just as delicious!

Don’t be afraid to experiment. This recipe is super forgiving, so have fun with it!

Serving Ideas & Storage

This skillet is a meal in itself, but here are some ways to serve it:

Over cauliflower rice: Keep it keto-friendly with a bed of cauliflower rice for soaking up all the flavors.
With a side salad: Pair with a crisp green salad and a drizzle of balsamic vinaigrette for a balanced meal.
In lettuce wraps: Scoop the chicken and veggies into crisp Romaine leaves for a low-carb wrap.
On its own: Honestly, it’s perfect in a bowl with just a fork. No frills needed!

For storage:

Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat in the microwave or a skillet.
Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months in individual portions. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat as needed.

Pro tip: This makes a great meal prep option. Portion it out into containers for easy lunches all week!

Nutritional Info & Health Benefits

Here’s why this dish is a winner for your health:

Nutrient	Per Serving
Calories	280
Protein	25g
Carbs	8g
Fat	16g
Fiber	3g

Health Highlights:

High protein: Keeps you full and supports muscle health.
Low carb: Perfect for keto followers or anyone cutting back on carbs.
Rich in healthy fats: Thanks to olive oil, feta, and olives.
Loaded with veggies: Zucchini and tomatoes add fiber, vitamins, and antioxidants.

Honestly, it’s the kind of meal that feels indulgent but is secretly good for you.

Final Thoughts

So that’s my Savory Ground Chicken Skillet—a Mediterranean-inspired, keto-friendly meal that’s as easy as it is delicious. It’s perfect for busy nights, meal prep, or impressing friends with minimal effort.

Every time I make this, I’m reminded why I love it so much. It’s simple, packed with flavor, and so versatile. Whether you stick to the original recipe or try one of the variations, I have no doubt you’ll love it as much as I do.

If you make this, let me know how it turns out! Drop a comment below or tag me on Instagram @yourhandle—I can’t wait to see your creations. Happy cooking!

FAQs

Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

A: Absolutely! Ground turkey works just as well. It’s slightly leaner, so you may want to add an extra splash of olive oil for richness.

Q: What’s the best way to make this dish dairy-free?

A: Skip the feta cheese and add a sprinkle of nutritional yeast for a cheesy flavor without the dairy.

Q: How do I know the chicken is fully cooked?

A: Ground chicken should be cooked until it’s no longer pink and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). Use a meat thermometer if you’re unsure.

Q: Can I make this ahead of time?

A: Yes! This dish reheats beautifully. Make it up to 3 days ahead and store in the fridge. Warm it up in a skillet or microwave before serving.

Q: What’s a good substitute for zucchini?

A: Yellow squash, bell peppers, or even diced eggplant work great as substitutes. Use whatever you have on hand!

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