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.
Ingredients
Scale
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)
Instructions
- Prepare a large skillet over medium-high heat, warming olive oil until it shimmers with anticipation.
- Season chicken pieces generously with salt and pepper, then place skin-side down to create a golden, crispy exterior for approximately 5 minutes.
- Flip chicken and cook an additional 3 minutes, developing rich caramelization. Transfer to a waiting plate.
- In the same skillet, introduce diced onions and minced garlic, sautéing until they release their aromatic essence and soften translucently.
- 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.
- Incorporate chicken broth, oregano, crushed red pepper, tender artichoke hearts, briny olives, and vibrant lemon slices into the bubbling mixture.
- Nestle seared chicken back into the fragrant sauce, ensuring each piece is partially submerged.
- Reduce heat and cover, allowing the dish to gently simmer for 20 minutes until chicken reaches perfect tenderness and flavors meld harmoniously.
- Finish by scattering fresh parsley across the surface, creating a bright, herbaceous garnish.
- 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