Zesty Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives Recipe

Mediterranean zest transforms ordinary lemon chicken into a culinary adventure that beckons you to the sunny shores of Greece.

Fragrant herbs and briny olives dance together, creating a vibrant harmony of flavors.

Artichoke hearts add a delicate, earthy texture to this classic dish.

Juicy chicken pieces absorb the bright citrus and aromatic seasonings, promising a meal that transports you instantly.

Olive oil glistens across the skillet, infusing each bite with rich Mediterranean essence.

Simple ingredients combine to craft an elegant yet approachable dinner that feels both comforting and sophisticated.

Dive into this recipe and let your kitchen become a Mediterranean escape.

Mediterranean Escape: Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives

• Boost Flavor Instantly: Packed with Mediterranean ingredients like artichokes, olives, and lemon, this dish delivers an explosion of tangy and savory flavors in every bite.
• Master One-Pan Magic: Prepare the entire meal in a single skillet, reducing cleanup time and making cooking super simple for busy home chefs.
• Create Restaurant-Quality Meal at Home: Impress family and guests with a sophisticated dish that looks and tastes like it came straight from a gourmet restaurant, without complex cooking techniques.
• Customize with Ease: Swap ingredients or adjust spice levels to match personal preferences, making this recipe adaptable for different taste buds and dietary needs.

Ingredients for Zesty Mediterranean Chicken Dish

• Chicken: Tender, juicy protein that serves as the main star of this Mediterranean-inspired dish.

• Parsley, Oregano: Herbs that add bright, fresh flavor and aromatic complexity to the dish.

• Onions, Garlic: Foundational ingredients that provide deep, savory flavor base for the chicken.

• White Wine, Chicken Broth: Liquids that create a flavorful braising liquid and help tenderize the chicken.

• Lemon Slices: Citrus component that adds bright, acidic notes to balance the rich flavors.

• Artichokes, Olives: Mediterranean ingredients that contribute unique tangy and salty flavor profiles.

• Salt, Black Pepper, Crushed Red Pepper: Spices that enhance and layer the overall taste of the dish.

• Olive Oil: Traditional Mediterranean cooking fat that helps sear the chicken and develop rich flavors.

How to Prepare Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives

Step 1: Prepare the Chicken

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle chicken with salt and pepper.

Sear the chicken skin-side down until it turns a beautiful golden brown, about 5 minutes. Flip the chicken and cook for an additional 3 minutes.

Transfer the chicken to a separate plate and set aside.

Step 2: Create Flavor Base

Using the same skillet, add onions and garlic.

Sauté until the aromatics become fragrant and softened, releasing their delicious flavors into the pan.

Step 3: Deglaze with Wine

Pour white wine into the skillet, carefully scraping up all the delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom of the pan.

Allow the wine to reduce slightly, concentrating its rich flavor.

Step 4: Build the Mediterranean Sauce

• Chicken broth
• Dried oregano
• Crushed red pepper
• Artichoke hearts
• Kalamata olives
• Fresh lemon slices

Gently return the seared chicken back to the skillet, nestling it into the vibrant sauce.

Step 5: Simmer to Perfection

Cover the skillet and let everything simmer for approximately 20 minutes. The chicken will become incredibly tender and absorb all the Mediterranean flavors.

Step 6: Finish and Plate

Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the dish. Serve immediately while hot, allowing the aromatic herbs and zesty lemon to tantalize your taste buds.

Tips to Capture Mediterranean Flavors Perfectly

• Pat chicken dry before searing to ensure a golden, crispy exterior that locks in delicious flavors.
• Choose a dry white wine like pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc to enhance the dish's brightness without overpowering other ingredients.
• Adjust crushed red pepper quantity based on personal heat preference, allowing customization for mild or spicy lovers.
• Use marinated artichoke hearts for extra tang and complexity, or drain canned artichokes thoroughly to prevent excess liquid.
• Replace dried oregano with fresh oregano leaves for a more vibrant, aromatic Mediterranean profile if available.

Variations on Mediterranean Lemon Chicken

• Greek Style Chicken: Replace white wine with ouzo, add feta cheese crumbles, and garnish with fresh dill for an authentic Greek flavor profile.
• Spicy Moroccan Chicken: Swap oregano for ras el hanout spice blend, include preserved lemons, and add harissa paste to create a North African inspired version.
• Herb Garden Chicken: Incorporate fresh rosemary, thyme, and basil instead of just oregano, use green olives, and add roasted bell peppers for extra complexity.
• Mediterranean Pescatarian Version: Substitute chicken with firm white fish like halibut or sea bass, reduce cooking time to 10-12 minutes, and maintain the same aromatic ingredients and technique.

What Complements Mediterranean Chicken Best

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio perfectly complements the zesty lemon and herb flavors, cutting through the richness of the chicken with its bright, acidic profile.
• Mediterranean-Style Salad Companion: Create a simple Greek salad with cucumber, tomatoes, feta, and a light vinaigrette to echo the Mediterranean ingredients and add fresh texture to the meal.
• Crusty Bread Sidekick: Serve warm, rustic sourdough or ciabatta bread to soak up the delicious pan juices, enhancing the dish's complex flavor profile and providing a satisfying carbohydrate element.
• Herbal Iced Tea Refresher: Brew a chilled mint or rosemary-infused iced tea that mirrors the dish's herbaceous notes and provides a cooling contrast to the warm, savory chicken.

Storage Tips for Mediterranean Chicken Dishes

• Seal chicken and sauce in an airtight container, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator. Remove lemon slices before storing to prevent bitterness.
• Pack the dish in freezer-safe containers, removing excess air. Freeze for up to 2 months, ensuring chicken remains tender and flavors stay intact.
• Place chicken and sauce in a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute warmth evenly and prevent drying.

FAQs

• What ingredients give this dish its Mediterranean flavor?

The combination of artichokes, olives, white wine, oregano, and lemon creates an authentic Mediterranean taste profile that captures the region’s fresh and vibrant culinary essence.

• Is this recipe considered healthy?

Yes, it’s a nutritious dish with lean protein from chicken, heart-healthy olive oil, and nutrient-rich vegetables like artichokes, providing a balanced and wholesome meal.

• Can I use bone-in or boneless chicken for this recipe?

Both work well. Bone-in chicken offers more flavor and tends to be juicier, while boneless chicken cooks faster and is easier to eat.

• What type of white wine works best for this recipe?

A dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the dish perfectly, adding brightness and depth without overpowering other flavors.

Mediterranean Lemon Chicken With Artichokes & Olives Recipe

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4.6 from 12 reviews

• Total Time: 38 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Succulent Mediterranean Lemon Chicken dances with zesty artichokes and briny olives, creating a sun-kissed culinary journey. Garlic, herbs, and citrus elevate this simple dish, promising a delightful escape you’ll savor with each flavorful bite.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 4 chicken thighs (bone-in, skin-on or boneless)

Produce:

• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 small onion
• 1 lemon
• Fresh parsley (for garnish)

Pantry and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 can (14 ounces) artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
• 1/2 cup mixed olives (green and black)
• 1/2 cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt (to taste)
• Black pepper (to taste)

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Instructions

1. Prepare a large skillet over medium-high heat, warming olive oil until it shimmers with anticipation.
2. Season chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper, then place skin-side down to create a golden, crispy exterior for approximately 5 minutes.
3. Flip chicken and cook an additional 3 minutes, developing rich caramelization. Transfer to a waiting plate.
4. In the same skillet, introduce diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they release their aromatic essence and soften translucently.
5. Splash white wine into the pan, using a wooden spoon to liberate the flavorful browned bits clinging to the skillet’s surface. Allow liquid to reduce slightly.
6. Incorporate chicken broth, oregano, crushed red pepper, tender artichoke hearts, briny olives, and vibrant lemon slices into the bubbling mixture.
7. Nestle seared chicken back into the fragrant sauce, ensuring each piece is partially submerged.
8. Reduce heat and cover, allowing the dish to gently simmer for 20 minutes until chicken reaches perfect tenderness and flavors meld harmoniously.
9. Finish by scattering fresh parsley across the surface, creating a bright, herbaceous garnish.
10. Serve immediately, presenting a Mediterranean-inspired masterpiece directly from skillet to plate.

Notes

• Choose bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum flavor and juiciness during cooking.
• Pat chicken dry before searing to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that seals in moisture.
• Use a heavy-bottomed skillet to distribute heat evenly and prevent burning while creating delicious browned bits.
• Adjust red pepper flakes based on personal spice tolerance, starting with less and adding more if desired.
• Opt for fresh artichoke hearts or high-quality jarred versions for the best texture and taste.
• Select dry white wines like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio that complement the Mediterranean flavors.
• For a lighter version, remove chicken skin before cooking to reduce fat content.
• Swap chicken thighs with chicken breasts if preferred, but reduce cooking time to prevent drying out.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 28 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 360 kcal
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 700 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg