BEST KETO CHICKEN SKILLET OLIVES FETA

Tired of the same old keto chicken recipes that leave you feeling deprived? Imagine tender, juicy chicken simmered in a flavorful Mediterranean-inspired sauce, bursting with briny olives and tangy feta cheese. This Keto Chicken Skillet Olives Feta is your answer to a satisfying, easy, and incredibly delicious low-carb meal that will banish those keto cravings! I promise this will become a weeknight staple.

Ingredients

Chicken & Marinade:

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Skillet Goodness:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 1/4 cup green olives, pitted and halved
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained
• 2 tablespoons capers, drained
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
• 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Marinating the Chicken (Flavor Boost!)

1. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
2. Toss to coat the chicken evenly.
3. Cover the bowl and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours for maximum flavor. This step is crucial for tender and flavorful chicken.

Sautéing the Veggies (Building the Base)

1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and chopped red bell pepper. Cook for another 3 minutes, until the bell pepper is slightly tender.

Cooking the Chicken (The Star of the Show)

1. Add the marinated chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Make sure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Don’t overcrowd the pan; cook in batches if necessary to ensure even browning.

Simmering in Flavor (The Magic Happens)

1. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet (this adds tons of flavor!).
2. Add the Kalamata olives, green olives, sun-dried tomatoes, capers, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using).
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Finishing Touches (The Grand Finale)

1. Remove the skillet from the heat.
2. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly over the chicken and vegetables.
3. Cover the skillet and let it sit for a minute or two, allowing the feta to soften slightly.
4. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Tips and Tricks for Skillet Success

Chicken Prep is Key:

Don’t skip the marinating step! It really makes a difference in the tenderness and flavor of the chicken. If you’re short on time, even 30 minutes will help. Also, pat the chicken dry before searing it in the pan. This helps the chicken to brown instead of steam.

Olive Oil Considerations:

Use good quality olive oil for the best flavor. Extra virgin olive oil is ideal.

Veggie Variations:

Feel free to customize the vegetables to your liking! Zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach would also be delicious in this skillet. Just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

Controlling the Salt:

Feta cheese and olives can be quite salty, so be mindful of the amount of salt you add during the cooking process. Taste and adjust as needed.

Spice it Up (or Down):

Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes to your desired level of spiciness. Omit them entirely if you prefer a milder flavor.

Serving Suggestions:

This Keto Chicken Skillet Olives Feta is delicious served on its own, or you can pair it with a side of cauliflower rice, zucchini noodles, or a simple green salad for a complete and satisfying meal.

Making it Ahead and Storing

Meal Prep Marvel:

This recipe is fantastic for meal prep! You can cook the entire skillet ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave before serving.

Freezing for Later:

While the texture of the feta may change slightly, you can also freeze this skillet for longer storage. Let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container and freezing for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Keto-Friendly Swaps and Substitutions

Dairy-Free Delight:

If you’re dairy-free, you can omit the feta cheese or substitute it with a dairy-free feta alternative. Nutritional yeast can also add a cheesy flavor.

Olive Alternatives:

Not a fan of Kalamata or green olives? Use any type of olives you like, or even a mix of different varieties.

Chicken Choices:

While chicken thighs are recommended for their flavor and tenderness, you can also use chicken breasts. Just be careful not to overcook them, as they can dry out more easily.

Why This Recipe Rocks: The Keto Benefits

Low-Carb Champion:

This Keto Chicken Skillet Olives Feta is naturally low in carbohydrates, making it perfect for those following a ketogenic diet. It helps you stay in ketosis while enjoying a flavorful and satisfying meal.

Healthy Fats and Protein:

The olive oil, olives, and feta cheese provide healthy fats, while the chicken provides a good source of protein. This combination helps keep you feeling full and satisfied.

Nutrient-Rich Ingredients:

This skillet is packed with nutrient-rich ingredients, including vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. It’s a delicious way to nourish your body while staying on track with your keto goals.

Other Delicious Keto Recipes to Try

Looking for more easy and delicious keto recipes? Be sure to check out my recipe for Keto Philly Cheesesteak Rolls for a fun twist on a classic favorite. Or try the Sheet Pan Chicken Fajitas for a quick and easy weeknight meal. For a comforting and satisfying dish, the Low Carb Chicken Bake is a must-try. And if you’re craving something cheesy and delicious, you’ll love these Keto Philly Cheesesteak Bombs! Don’t forget to also try the Low Carb Chicken Bake for another delightful option.

The Bottom Line: Your New Go-To Keto Skillet

This Keto Chicken Skillet Olives Feta is more than just a recipe; it’s a flavorful, satisfying, and easy way to enjoy a keto-friendly meal. With its Mediterranean-inspired flavors and simple ingredients, it’s sure to become a new favorite in your kitchen. So, grab your skillet, gather your ingredients, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece that will keep you coming back for more!

Lady Maria

Keto Chicken Skillet with Olives and Feta

This Keto Chicken Skillet with Olives and Feta delivers a flavorful Mediterranean-inspired meal that’s both satisfying and low-carb. Tender chicken thighs are simmered in a delicious sauce with briny olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and tangy feta cheese, making it a perfect weeknight dinner.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 25 minutes mins

Total Time 40 minutes mins

Servings: 4

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Mediterranean

Calories: 450

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs, cut into 1-inch pieces
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano, divided
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1/2 cup chicken broth
• 1/4 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
• 1/4 cup green olives, pitted and halved
• 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, oil-packed, drained
• 2 tablespoons capers, drained
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
• 4 ounces feta cheese, crumbled
• Fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Equipment

• medium bowl
• large skillet
• Measuring spoons
• Measuring cups
• knife
• Cutting board
• Spatula
• Lid for skillet

Method

 

1. In a medium bowl, combine the chicken pieces with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, lemon juice, 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss to coat evenly.
2. Cover the bowl and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours.
3. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
4. Add the chopped onion and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
5. Add the minced garlic and chopped red bell pepper. Cook for another 3 minutes, until the bell pepper is slightly tender.
6. Add the marinated chicken to the skillet and cook until browned on all sides and cooked through, about 7-10 minutes. Ensure the internal temperature reaches 165°F (74°C). Cook in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding.
7. Pour in the chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the skillet.
8. Add the Kalamata olives, green olives, sun-dried tomatoes, capers, the remaining 1 teaspoon of dried oregano, and red pepper flakes (if using).
9. Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook for 5 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
10. Remove the skillet from the heat.
11. Sprinkle the crumbled feta cheese evenly over the chicken and vegetables.
12. Cover the skillet and let it sit for a minute or two, allowing the feta to soften slightly.
13. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes. Use good quality olive oil for optimal flavor. Feel free to customize the vegetables; zucchini, mushrooms, or spinach work well. Be mindful of the salt content in the feta and olives. Adjust red pepper flakes to your spice preference. Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 2 months. For a dairy-free option, omit the feta or substitute with a dairy-free alternative.