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

• Elevate Wine Pairing: Choose a crisp, acidic white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to complement the bright lemon and herb flavors of the Mediterranean chicken dish.
• Bread Companion: Select a rustic, crusty sourdough or Mediterranean-style bread to soak up the delicious pan juices and provide a satisfying textural contrast.
• Sidekick Salad: Prepare a simple Greek salad with cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and feta cheese to enhance the Mediterranean profile and add fresh, light elements to the meal.
• Herbal Beverage Boost: Brew a refreshing mint tea or sparkling water with lemon to cleanse the palate and echo the citrusy notes in the chicken recipe.

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

• What flavors define this Mediterranean chicken dish?

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.

• Can I use different types of chicken for this recipe?

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.

• Is this dish considered healthy?

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

• Burst with Exotic Flavors: Mediterranean cuisine shines through with tangy lemon, briny olives, and hearty artichokes creating a complex taste profile that dances on your palate.
• Simplify Weeknight Cooking: One-skillet technique means minimal cleanup and maximum convenience, perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious meals without extensive preparation.
• Nutritious and Balanced Meal: Packed with lean protein from chicken, vegetables, and Mediterranean ingredients, this dish delivers a wholesome dinner that feels both indulgent and healthy.
• Adaptable to Preferences: Easy to customize by swapping chicken broth for wine, adjusting spice levels with red pepper flakes, or serving with different side dishes to suit individual tastes.

Ingredients for Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives

• Chicken: Tender meat that becomes the star of this Mediterranean-style dish.

• Onions, Garlic: Create a flavorful base that adds depth and aroma to the dish.
• Oregano, Red Pepper Flakes, Parsley: Provide classic Mediterranean seasonings and a fresh finish.

• White Wine or Chicken Broth: Helps deglaze the pan and adds moisture and flavor.
• Chicken Broth: Creates a rich, savory cooking liquid for the chicken.
• Artichokes, Olives: Bring tangy Mediterranean character and textural interest to the dish.
• Lemon Slices: Adds bright, citrusy notes that complement the chicken.

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

• Sliced onions
• Minced garlic
• Red pepper flakes

Saute until onions become translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

Step 4: Build Liquid Layers

• White wine
• Chicken broth
• Freshly squeezed lemon juice

Scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan to incorporate deep flavors.

Step 5: Introduce Mediterranean Touches

• Artichoke hearts
• Kalamata olives
• Lemon slices

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

• Choose a dry, crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc to enhance the dish's brightness and complement the lemon flavors.
• Pat chicken dry before searing to achieve a golden, crispy skin that locks in moisture and adds rich texture.
• Remove artichoke stems and tough outer leaves for a more tender and enjoyable eating experience.
• Adjust red pepper flakes based on your spice tolerance, starting with a small amount and gradually increasing for desired heat level.
• Use fresh lemon slices for maximum citrusy aroma and flavor, which will infuse the chicken and vegetables during simmering.

Variations on Mediterranean Lemon Chicken

• Spicy Mediterranean Chicken: Replace red pepper flakes with harissa paste for a North African kick. Add smoked paprika for deeper flavor complexity.
• Greek-Style Adaptation: Swap olives for kalamata olives and add crumbled feta cheese on top. Use fresh dill instead of parsley for an authentic Greek profile.
• Low-Carb Mediterranean Option: Remove artichokes and serve over cauliflower rice. Use chicken thighs for extra moisture and richness.
• Vegetarian Mediterranean Transformation: Replace chicken with large portobello mushrooms or firm tofu. Keep all other seasonings identical for a plant-based version that maintains the original recipe's robust Mediterranean flavors.

Mediterranean Lemon Chicken With Artichokes & Olives Recipe

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4.8 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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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.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

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Instructions

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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