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
Scale
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