Mediterranean Keto Ground Chicken Skillet

The smell of garlic hitting hot olive oil always pulls me straight into the moment. I threw this skillet together on a Wednesday when the fridge was half-empty and my energy was running on fumes. Ground chicken browned fast, olives added that salty punch I was craving, and somehow the feta made everything feel like I'd actually tried. It tasted better than it had any right to, and I've been making it ever since.

I made this for my sister when she visited last spring, and she kept going back for seconds. She's the type who usually picks at food, so watching her scrape the skillet clean felt like a small victory. We sat at the kitchen counter with the windows open, and she told me it reminded her of a trip we took to Greece years ago. I hadn't been thinking about that when I cooked it, but now I can't make this dish without remembering that conversation.

Ingredients

• Ground chicken: Leaner than beef or pork, it soaks up the Mediterranean flavors without weighing you down, and it cooks quickly so dinner happens fast.
• Feta cheese: The creamy, tangy finish that makes this dish feel special, and it melts just enough to coat everything without disappearing.
• Yellow onion: Diced small, it softens into sweetness and builds the flavor base without overpowering the other ingredients.
• Garlic: Minced fresh, it blooms in the oil and fills the kitchen with that unmistakable aroma that makes everyone hungry.
• Cherry tomatoes: Halved so they burst open while cooking, releasing their juices and creating a light, fresh sauce.
• Baby spinach: Wilts in seconds and adds a pop of green, though arugula works if you want a peppery bite.
• Fresh parsley: Chopped and stirred in at the end, it brightens everything and adds a hint of earthiness.
• Kalamata olives: Pitted and halved, they bring that briny, salty depth that makes the dish taste like the Mediterranean coast.
• Dried oregano: A classic herb that ties all the flavors together and smells like sunshine.
• Paprika: Optional but worth it for a subtle smoky undertone that adds warmth.
• Lemon juice: A tablespoon at the end cuts through the richness and makes every bite feel lighter.
• Olive oil: The foundation for sautéing and the healthy fat that keeps this keto-friendly.
• Salt and black pepper: Essential for balancing and bringing out all the other flavors.

Instructions

Soften the Onion:

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, then add the diced onion and let it cook for 3 to 4 minutes until it turns translucent and smells sweet. This step builds the flavor foundation, so don't rush it.

Brown the Chicken:

Toss in the minced garlic and ground chicken, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks until browned and cooked through, about 6 to 7 minutes. The chicken should be crumbly and no longer pink.

Add the Mediterranean Flavors:

Stir in the cherry tomatoes, Kalamata olives, dried oregano, paprika if using, salt, and black pepper, then cook for another 3 to 4 minutes until the tomatoes start to soften and release their juices. The skillet should smell incredible at this point.

Wilt the Greens:

Add the baby spinach or arugula and cook just until wilted, about 1 to 2 minutes. The greens will shrink down fast, so keep an eye on them.

Finish with Brightness:

Remove the skillet from heat, then stir in the lemon juice and chopped parsley. The lemon cuts through the richness and makes everything taste fresher.

Top and Serve:

Sprinkle the crumbled feta over the top and serve warm, straight from the skillet. The feta will soften slightly from the heat, creating little creamy pockets throughout.

Save

This skillet became my go-to when I needed to feel like I had my life together without actually having it together. It's the kind of dish that makes you look like you know what you're doing in the kitchen, even if you're just winging it. I've served it to friends, eaten it alone on the couch, and packed it for lunch the next day, and it's never let me down.

Customizing Your Skillet

If you want extra richness, drizzle tahini over the top or add a dollop of Greek yogurt before serving. I've tried both, and the tahini adds a nutty depth that's unexpected and delicious. For a dairy-free version, swap the feta for a plant-based alternative or just skip it entirely and let the olives carry the salty, briny notes. If you're craving crunch, toast some pine nuts or slivered almonds in a dry pan until golden and sprinkle them over the finished dish.

Storing and Reheating

Leftovers keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days, and honestly, they taste even better after the flavors have had time to meld. Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems dry. I've also eaten it cold straight from the container, and it's surprisingly good that way too, almost like a Mediterranean grain bowl without the grains.

What to Serve Alongside

This skillet is hearty enough to stand alone, but I've served it over cauliflower rice when I wanted something to soak up the juices. A simple cucumber and tomato salad with a lemon vinaigrette makes a crisp, refreshing side that balances the richness of the feta. If you're not strictly keto, warm pita or crusty bread for scooping turns this into a more casual, shareable meal.

• Cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles for extra vegetables.
• A side of tzatziki for dipping or drizzling.
• A glass of dry white wine if you're feeling fancy.

Save

This dish has pulled me through more tired evenings than I can count, and it never feels boring. I hope it does the same for you.

Recipe FAQs

→ Can I use ground turkey instead of chicken?

Yes, ground turkey works beautifully as a substitute. It has a similar texture and mild flavor that absorbs the Mediterranean seasonings well. Cook times remain the same.

→ How do I store leftovers?

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of water or olive oil if needed to prevent drying.

→ Can I make this dairy-free?

Absolutely. Simply omit the feta or use a dairy-free feta alternative made from nuts or tofu. The dish remains flavorful without it, thanks to the olives and seasonings.

→ What can I serve with this skillet?

Cauliflower rice pairs perfectly for keeping it keto. For non-keto eaters, serve over regular rice, quinoa, or with crusty bread to soak up the juices. A simple cucumber salad also complements the Mediterranean flavors.

→ Can I use other types of olives?

Yes, while Kalamata olives provide that distinct Greek flavor, you can use black olives, green olives, or a mix. Just adjust the quantity to taste since some varieties are saltier than others.

→ Is this dish freezer-friendly?

You can freeze it for up to 3 months, though the texture of the tomatoes and spinach will soften more upon thawing. Freeze in portion-sized containers and thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.