Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives

If you’re craving a light yet bold meal that’s bursting with flavor, this Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives will be your new go-to! This dish is all about fresh, vibrant flavors and wholesome ingredients that come together effortlessly. The tangy lemon, briny olives, and tender chicken will transport your taste buds straight to the Mediterranean coast. It’s the perfect balance of savory, zesty, and comforting—whether you’re making it for a cozy dinner or a special gathering, this dish is bound to impress. Trust me, every bite will have you dreaming of sunny Mediterranean shores!

Why You’ll Love Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives

• Fresh & Flavorful: The combination of zesty lemon, savory olives, and briny artichokes creates an explosion of flavors that will make your taste buds dance.
• Simple & Elegant: With just a few ingredients, this dish is simple to prepare but tastes like a five-star meal. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or even a special occasion.
• Healthy & Light: Packed with lean chicken, artichokes, and olives, this dish is a lighter option that still feels indulgent. It’s full of healthy fats and lean protein, making it both nourishing and satisfying.
• One-Pan Wonder: Everything cooks together in one skillet, so cleanup is a breeze! The chicken soaks up all the vibrant flavors, making each bite as delicious as the last.

Ingredients

This Mediterranean-inspired recipe uses just a handful of ingredients to create a dish that’s as fresh and flavorful as it is easy to make. Here’s what you’ll need:

Chicken Breasts or Thighs: Boneless, skinless chicken breasts or thighs are perfect for this dish. They cook up juicy and tender, soaking up all the Mediterranean flavors.

Lemon: Fresh lemon is essential for that zingy, bright flavor that will really elevate the dish. Both the zest and juice are used to infuse the chicken with that tangy punch.

Garlic: Fresh garlic adds a savory depth of flavor that complements the other ingredients perfectly.

Artichoke Hearts: The tender, slightly earthy flavor of artichoke hearts adds a wonderful texture and richness to the dish.

Green Olives: Briny green olives add that Mediterranean flair with a pop of flavor and a nice contrast to the other ingredients.

Olive Oil: For cooking the chicken and creating a deliciously savory base.

Chicken Broth: To deglaze the pan and create a light sauce for the chicken to simmer in.

Fresh Herbs (Oregano, Thyme, or Parsley): Fresh herbs really bring the Mediterranean flavors together. You can choose from oregano, thyme, or parsley, or a combination of all three.

Salt & Pepper: For seasoning the chicken and bringing out the natural flavors of the ingredients.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Now that we have everything, let’s dive into the steps for making this Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives!

Prepare the Chicken:

Season your chicken breasts or thighs with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of lemon zest. This will give the chicken a burst of fresh flavor right from the start.

Sear the Chicken:

In a large skillet, heat a couple of tablespoons of olive oil over medium heat. Once hot, add the chicken and cook for about 5-7 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set it aside.

Sauté the Garlic:

In the same skillet, add a little more olive oil if needed and sauté the garlic for about 1 minute until fragrant. Be careful not to burn it!

Add the Artichokes & Olives:

Add the artichoke hearts and olives to the skillet. Stir them around for about 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.

Deglaze with Chicken Broth:

Pour in the chicken broth and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan. This is where all that great flavor is hiding! Stir well.

Add the Lemon:

Squeeze in the juice of one lemon, and add a bit more lemon zest if you want an extra punch of citrus. Stir everything together, making sure all the ingredients are well combined.

Return the Chicken to the Pan:

Place the chicken back in the skillet, spoon some of the sauce over the top, and cover the pan. Let everything simmer together for 5-10 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked and infused with all the delicious flavors.

Garnish & Serve:

Once the chicken is done, remove the skillet from the heat and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or thyme. Serve the chicken alongside the artichokes and olives, spooning some of the sauce over the top.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 310

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives

This Mediterranean-inspired dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are a few ways to serve it:

• Over Rice or Quinoa: Serve the chicken and sauce over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa to soak up all the flavorful juices.
• With Roasted Vegetables: Roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus make the perfect accompaniment and add some color to your plate.
• With Pita or Flatbread: For a more casual meal, serve the chicken with warm pita or flatbread to scoop up the delicious sauce.
• On a Salad: Serve the chicken on a bed of mixed greens for a lighter option. The zesty lemon sauce makes a perfect salad dressing.
• With Mediterranean Sides: Pair this dish with classic Mediterranean sides like tzatziki, hummus, or tabbouleh for a full spread.

Additional Tips

• Customize the Olives: If you prefer Kalamata olives, feel free to swap them in for green olives for a different flavor profile.
• Add a Little Heat: If you like a bit of spice, throw in some red pepper flakes or a sliced chili pepper while sautéing the garlic.
• Use Bone-In Chicken: For extra flavor, you can use bone-in chicken thighs or drumsticks. Just adjust the cooking time to ensure they cook through completely.
• Double the Sauce: If you love extra sauce, double the chicken broth and lemon juice to make sure there’s plenty to spoon over your rice or veggies.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?
A1: Yes, you can use bone-in chicken. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time, as bone-in cuts may take a little longer to cook through.

Q2: Can I make this dish ahead of time?
A2: Yes, you can prep the chicken and sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 24 hours. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat in a skillet until warmed through.

Q3: Can I use frozen artichokes?
A3: Yes, you can use frozen artichokes. Just thaw them before adding to the skillet and make sure they are well-drained.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of chicken broth if needed to keep the sauce moist.

Q5: Can I freeze this dish?
A5: Yes, you can freeze the chicken and sauce in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat when ready to serve.

Q6: Can I add other vegetables to the dish?
A6: Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or spinach to the skillet along with the artichokes and olives for added flavor and color.

Q7: Can I use different herbs in this recipe?
A7: Yes, you can use any fresh herbs you like! Thyme, oregano, or basil would all be great alternatives to parsley for a slightly different flavor.

Q8: Can I make this dish spicy?
A8: If you enjoy a bit of heat, try adding red pepper flakes or fresh chili peppers when sautéing the garlic for a spicy kick.

Q9: How do I serve this dish to guests?
A9: Serve this dish family-style in a large platter with fresh herbs sprinkled on top. You can also serve it with a few Mediterranean sides like hummus or roasted potatoes.

Q10: Can I cook this dish in the oven instead?
A10: Yes, you can! After searing the chicken, transfer everything to an oven-safe dish and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked.

Conclusion

Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives is the perfect dish when you’re craving something light, flavorful, and satisfying. It’s simple enough for a weeknight dinner but impressive enough for a special occasion. The combination of lemon, olives, and artichokes gives this dish that Mediterranean magic, and the best part is that it’s easy to prepare in just one skillet. Whether you’re serving it over rice, alongside veggies, or on a salad, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire!

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