Zesty Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives Recipe

Mediterranean nights buzz with culinary magic, and this lemon chicken recipe captures that vibrant spirit perfectly.

Sunlight-drenched ingredients dance together in a symphony of flavors.

Tangy artichokes and briny olives complement succulent chicken pieces beautifully.

Mediterranean cuisine brings such incredible depth to simple ingredients.

Bright citrus notes weave through each tender bite, creating an irresistible melody of taste.

Regional herbs and zesty seasonings promise an authentic experience that transports you instantly.

Dive into this dish and savor every incredible moment of Mediterranean cooking.

Reheat Mediterranean Chicken with Artichokes

• Store leftover chicken in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days, ensuring the meat stays moist and flavorful.
• Carefully pack the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container, where it will maintain quality for 2-3 months.
• Gently warm the chicken in a skillet over medium-low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out. Alternatively, microwave in 30-second intervals, stirring between each to distribute heat evenly.
• Allow reheated chicken to sit for 1-2 minutes before serving to help redistribute internal moisture and maintain tenderness.

Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives Complements

• Pair with Crisp White Wine: Select a zesty Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the bright lemon and herbal notes of the Mediterranean chicken, cutting through the richness of the dish.
• Serve with Rustic Bread: Grab a crusty sourdough or ciabatta to soak up the flavorful pan sauce, allowing you to enjoy every delicious drop of the artichoke and olive-infused liquid.
• Create Mediterranean Side Salad: Toss together a quick Greek-style salad with cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and feta cheese to enhance the Mediterranean flavors and add a fresh, light contrast to the tender chicken.
• Match with Herbal Cocktail: Prepare a refreshing herb-infused cocktail like a rosemary gin fizz or a thyme-based martini that echoes the oregano and bright citrus elements in the dish.

Mediterranean Chicken with Flavor Infusions

• Gluten-Free Version: Replace white wine with gluten-free chicken broth and ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free. Serve with cauliflower rice instead of traditional grains.
• Low-Carb Mediterranean Option: Swap artichokes and olives for zucchini and bell peppers. Use bone-in chicken thighs and reduce cooking liquid to create a more concentrated sauce.
• Vegetarian Adaptation: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas. Marinate protein in lemon juice and Mediterranean spices before pan-searing. Increase vegetable content with extra artichokes and roasted eggplant.
• Dairy-Free Mediterranean Style: Confirm all ingredients are dairy-free. Focus on herbs like oregano and parsley for flavor enhancement. Skip any potential dairy-based garnishes and use extra virgin olive oil for richness.

FAQs

• Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?

Yes, you can substitute chicken breasts, but reduce cooking time to prevent drying out. Chicken breasts cook faster and might become tough if overcooked, so monitor the internal temperature carefully.

• Is this dish spicy?

The recipe includes optional red pepper flakes, which add a mild heat. If you prefer no spice, simply omit the red pepper flakes. The dish will still have robust Mediterranean flavors from the herbs and ingredients.

• What type of white wine works best?

A dry white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc complements the chicken’s flavor. If you prefer not to use wine, chicken broth is an excellent substitute that maintains the dish’s overall taste profile.

• How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Use a meat thermometer to check that the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). The meat should be white throughout with no pink areas, and juices should run clear when pierced.

Mediterranean Chicken With Lemon, Olives, and Artichokes

• Quick Weeknight Wonder: Ready in under 40 minutes, this one-skillet recipe saves time and reduces cleanup, making it ideal for families juggling hectic evening schedules.
• Flavor Explosion: Bright lemon, briny olives, tender artichokes, and perfectly seared chicken create a harmonious blend of Mediterranean tastes that transport your taste buds to coastal sunshine without leaving home.
• Versatile Crowd-Pleaser: Adaptable for multiple dietary preferences, this dish works beautifully as a family dinner, casual gathering meal, or elegant dinner party centerpiece that impresses without overwhelming.

Mediterranean Chicken with Artichokes and Olives Ingredients

• Chicken Thighs: Tender, flavorful meat that becomes juicy when seared and simmered; bone-in, skin-on preferred for maximum flavor.

• Artichoke Hearts, Kalamata Olives: Briny, tangy ingredients that add Mediterranean character; choose marinated artichoke hearts for extra flavor; select pitted olives for easier eating.

• Onion, Garlic: Classic flavor base that builds depth in the dish; fresh garlic provides more robust taste.
• Dry White Wine or Chicken Broth: Liquid for deglazing and creating sauce; wine adds complexity; broth works as a substitute.
• Oregano, Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Herb and spice that bring traditional Mediterranean warmth; adjust pepper flakes for heat preference.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning chicken and balancing overall flavor.

• Fresh Parsley: Bright, fresh herb for garnish and added flavor; chop just before serving.

• Lemon Slices: Adds bright, zesty note to the dish; fresh lemons provide best flavor.

• Olive Oil: Traditional Mediterranean cooking fat for searing and sautéing; extra virgin provides richer taste.

Chicken with Artichoke & Olive Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Sizzling Chicken

Grab a large skillet and warm olive oil over medium-high heat.

Generously season chicken thighs with salt and pepper.

Gently lay the chicken skin-side down, letting it develop a gorgeous golden-brown crust for about 5 minutes.

Flip the chicken and cook for another 3 minutes.

Transfer the beautifully seared chicken to a waiting plate.

Step 2: Awaken the Aromatics

• Sliced onions
• Minced garlic

Sauté these flavor bombs for 2-3 minutes until they become soft and release their tantalizing aroma.

Step 3: Create Flavor Magic

Pour in dry white wine or chicken broth, gently scraping up all those delicious browned bits clinging to the pan’s bottom.

Let the liquid reduce and concentrate its flavors for about 2 minutes.

Step 4: Build the Mediterranean Symphony

• Chicken broth
• Oregano
• Crushed red pepper flakes
• Artichokes
• Olives
• Lemon slices

Stir everything together, creating a vibrant, fragrant mixture.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, positioning them skin-side up.

Cover and let everything simmer for 20 minutes, allowing the chicken to become incredibly tender and absorb all the amazing Mediterranean flavors.

Step 6: Finish with Fresh Flair

Sprinkle fresh parsley over the top for a pop of color and freshness.

Serve piping hot alongside rice, quinoa, or a crisp green salad.

Chicken Tips for Lemon Artichoke Mediterranean Plates

• Pat chicken thighs completely dry before searing to achieve a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in incredible flavor and creates a beautiful texture.
• Choose a crisp, dry white wine like pinot grigio or sauvignon blanc to complement the Mediterranean flavors and add depth to the sauce without overpowering other ingredients.
• Add artichokes towards the end of cooking to maintain their tender-crisp texture and prevent them from becoming mushy or losing their delicate taste.
• Include kalamata olives instead of standard black olives for a more traditional Mediterranean flavor profile that brings bold, briny richness to the dish.
• Start with a small amount of red pepper flakes and gradually increase to suit personal heat preferences, ensuring the spice enhances rather than overwhelms the delicate chicken and vegetable flavors.

Mediterranean Lemon Chicken With Artichokes & Olives Recipe

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4.8 from 23 reviews

• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Mediterranean lemon chicken dazzles with zesty citrus and briny Mediterranean flavors, marrying tender chicken with tangy artichokes and rich olives. Sunlight-soaked ingredients create a simple yet elegant dish that brings Greek coastal charm directly to your dinner table.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs

Fresh Produce and Herbs:

• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, sliced
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced
• Fresh parsley, for garnish
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Additional Ingredients:

• 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
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Prepare the protein by seasoning chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then create a golden sear in heated olive oil over medium-high heat. Develop a rich caramelized exterior for approximately 5 minutes on the skin side, then flip and cook an additional 3 minutes before transferring to a separate plate.
2. Utilize the same skillet to transform aromatic foundations by gently sweating sliced onions and minced garlic until they become translucent and release their fragrant essence.
3. Introduce dry white wine to deglaze the pan, carefully scraping accumulated flavor-rich browned bits from the cooking surface. Allow liquid to reduce and concentrate its complex profile.
4. Construct a vibrant Mediterranean landscape within the skillet by incorporating chicken broth, oregano, red pepper flakes, briny artichoke hearts, robust olives, and bright lemon slices. Gently integrate these ingredients to create a harmonious blend.
5. Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the fragrant liquid, ensuring skin remains exposed. Cover and allow gentle simmering for approximately 20 minutes, enabling chicken to become supremely tender while absorbing surrounding flavors.
6. Elevate the dish’s visual and herbaceous appeal by scattering fresh parsley across the surface. Serve immediately alongside complementary accompaniments like fluffy rice, nutty quinoa, or crisp seasonal salad.

Notes

• Pick bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs for maximum flavor and juiciness during cooking.
• Allow chicken to sit at room temperature for 15 minutes before searing to ensure even cooking and beautiful golden-brown color.
• Use a heavy-bottomed skillet to distribute heat evenly and prevent burning while developing rich caramelization.
• Opt for high-quality jarred artichoke hearts packed in water or olive oil for the best texture and taste in the dish.
• Reduce sodium by using low-sodium chicken broth and rinsing canned olives before adding them to the skillet.
• Swap chicken thighs with boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a leaner protein option, adjusting cooking time to prevent dryness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 30 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 2 g
• Protein: 27 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg