Tangy Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Recipe with Artichokes & Olives
Crafting a zesty mediterranean lemon chicken promises a culinary adventure that’ll spark your taste buds.
Fragrant herbs and bright citrus notes dance through this vibrant dish.
Succulent chicken becomes the canvas for Mediterranean flavors that sing with complexity.
Artichokes and olives add rich, briny undertones to each delectable bite.
Simple ingredients combine to create an effortless meal bursting with sunshine-inspired goodness.
Tender meat infused with lemon’s tangy embrace transports you straight to coastal Greece.
Pairing Ideas for Mediterranean Lemon Chicken
Storage Advice for Mediterranean Lemon Chicken
Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days. Separate chicken from sauce to maintain texture and prevent sogginess.
Pack chicken and sauce in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
Place chicken in microwave-safe dish, add splash of chicken broth to prevent drying. Cover and heat on medium power for 1-2 minutes, stirring midway.
Warm chicken in skillet over medium-low heat. Add small amount of broth, cover and heat gently for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally to ensure even warming.
FAQs
The combination of lemon, oregano, olives, and artichokes creates a bright, tangy profile typical of Mediterranean coastal cuisine, offering a perfect balance of zesty and savory notes.
Absolutely! While the recipe works best with bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs, you can substitute chicken breasts or drumsticks, adjusting cooking time to ensure they’re fully cooked.
Yes, this recipe is relatively healthy. It’s protein-rich, uses olive oil, includes vegetables like artichokes, and features lean protein with minimal added fats, making it a nutritious meal option.
Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives: Bright and Flavorful
Ingredients for Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives
For the Protein:For the Aromatics and Herbs:For the Supporting Ingredients:How to Cook Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives
Step 1: Warm Up the Cooking Surface
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drizzle olive oil to coat the bottom of the pan evenly.
Step 2: Prepare Chicken Pieces
Pat chicken dry with paper towels. Season generously with salt, pepper, and dried herbs.
Place chicken in the hot skillet and cook until golden brown on both sides.
Step 3: Create Flavor Base
Add these ingredients to the skillet:Saute until onions become translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 4: Build Liquid Layers
Pour into the skillet:Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate deep flavors.
Step 5: Introduce Mediterranean Touches
Gently add these ingredients:Stir to distribute ingredients evenly across the skillet.
Step 6: Simmer and Infuse
Nestle chicken pieces back into the skillet. Cover and reduce heat to low.
Allow everything to simmer and meld together for 15-20 minutes.
Step 7: Final Flourish
Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the dish.
Remove from heat and let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Step 8: Plate and Enjoy
Transfer chicken and sauce to serving plates.
Accompany with your favorite grain like rice, quinoa, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce.
Pro Tips for Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Success
Variations on Mediterranean Lemon Chicken
Print
Mediterranean Lemon Chicken With Artichokes & Olives Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
Zesty Mediterranean Lemon Chicken dances with tangy artichokes and briny olives, creating a sun-kissed culinary journey. Sizzling skillet magic brings Mediterranean flavors straight to your dinner table, promising a delightful escape with each savory bite.
Ingredients
Main Proteins:
- 4 chicken breasts
- 1/2 pound chicken thighs
Vegetables and Aromatics:
- 1 cup artichoke hearts
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives
- 3 garlic cloves
- 1 medium onion
Liquids and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/4 cup chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley (chopped)
Optional Garnish:
- Fresh lemon wedges
- Additional chopped parsley
Instructions
- Warm a skillet over medium-high heat and create a fragrant base by sautéing finely chopped onions and minced garlic until they become translucent and release their aromatic essence, approximately 2-3 minutes.
- Deglaze the skillet with a splash of white wine or chicken broth, using a wooden spoon to lift the caramelized bits from the pan’s surface, allowing the liquid to reduce and concentrate its flavors for 1-2 minutes.
- Introduce a symphony of Mediterranean ingredients: artichoke hearts, briny olives, vibrant lemon slices, dried oregano, and a whisper of red pepper flakes, stirring gently to distribute the seasonings evenly.
- Carefully nestle the seared chicken pieces into the skillet, ensuring the skin faces upward, then cover and allow the dish to simmer gently for 18-22 minutes at a low temperature, enabling the chicken to absorb the rich, tangy flavors while becoming fork-tender.
- Once the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F, remove the lid and let the remaining liquid slightly reduce, creating a glossy, concentrated sauce that clings to the meat.
- Finish the dish by scattering freshly chopped parsley across the top, adding a burst of color and herbaceous freshness, and serve immediately alongside fluffy rice, couscous, or crusty artisan bread to soak up the delectable pan juices.
Notes
- Swap white wine with chicken broth for an alcohol-free version that maintains rich flavor depth.
- Pat chicken dry before searing to achieve crispy, golden-brown skin with maximum caramelization.
- Reduce cooking time by using boneless chicken thighs, which cook faster and stay more tender.
- Fresh herbs like oregano and parsley can be substituted with dried versions in equal proportions, though fresh provides brighter flavor profile.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Dinner
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 8 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Michael Thompson
Founder & Recipe Developer
Expertise
Education
Cascade Culinary Institute – Bend, OR
ServSafe Food Handler Certification – Portland, OR
Focus: Certified in core food safety and hygiene principles for both home and professional kitchens, with emphasis on ingredient handling, kitchen cleanliness, and safe preparation methods.
Mike’s kitchen journey began with a single goal: to make everyday meals feel like something worth celebrating.
After earning his Certificate in Culinary Arts from Cascade Culinary Institute, he spent years working with local farmers and small kitchens across Oregon, learning the beauty of seasonal, small-batch cooking.
Mike’s approach is simple, cook with what’s fresh, keep it approachable, and always leave room for a little creativity. When he’s not testing yogurt marinades or designing single-serving meals, you’ll find him hiking trails or hunting down the best berries at local markets.