Zesty Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives Recipe

Golden rays of sunshine dance through the kitchen as Mediterranean lemon chicken sizzles with vibrant, tangy flavors.

Tender chicken breasts marinate in a zesty blend of herbs and citrus, promising a culinary journey through coastal landscapes.

Artichokes and olives add depth and richness to this Mediterranean-inspired dish.

Each bite transports you to sun-drenched terraces overlooking azure waters.

Fragrant rosemary and garlic weave their magic, transforming simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

The recipe balances bright acidity with savory undertones, creating a harmonious symphony of taste.

Prepare to savor a simple yet elegant dinner that celebrates the fresh, bold spirit of Mediterranean cuisine.

Quick Recipe Overview

Mediterranean Lemon Chicken: Ingredient Guide

• Chicken Breasts: Lean protein that forms the heart of the dish, choose fresh, plump cuts with minimal visible fat for best texture and flavor.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Essential flavor enhancers that awaken the natural taste of chicken and create depth.
• Dried Oregano: Classic Mediterranean herb that infuses authentic, earthy Mediterranean notes with a slightly peppery undertone.
• Paprika: Adds warm, sweet complexity and beautiful reddish color to the chicken’s exterior.

• Olive Oil: High-quality Mediterranean staple that provides rich, smooth cooking base and enhances overall dish richness.

Tools for This Bright Mediterranean Dish

• Large skillet: Essential for searing chicken and creating a flavorful base for the dish.
• Tongs: Perfect for flipping chicken and moving pieces around the pan without piercing the meat.
• Cutting board: Needed for seasoning and prepping chicken before cooking.
• Sharp knife: Used for trimming chicken and chopping any additional ingredients.
• Measuring spoons: Helps accurately add salt, pepper, oregano, and paprika to the chicken.

Cooking This Chicken with Flair

• Awaken the Flavors

Sprinkle a vibrant blend of herbs and spices onto the chicken, creating a delicious Mediterranean profile that’ll make your taste buds dance.

• Golden Sizzle

Warm a splash of olive oil in a spacious skillet, letting it shimmer with anticipation. Gently place the seasoned chicken into the pan, watching it transform into a golden-brown masterpiece with crispy edges.

• Create the Mediterranean Symphony

Nestle artichoke hearts and briny olives around the chicken, letting them mingle and release their rich, tangy essence. Pour in a splash of white wine or chicken broth to create a luxurious sauce that brings everything together.

• Slow Magic

Lower the heat and let the chicken simmer, covered, allowing the flavors to marry and the meat to become tender and juicy. This is where the magic happens – transforming simple ingredients into a culinary adventure.

• Final Touch

Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish, adding a bright, zesty finish that cuts through the richness and elevates the entire meal. Garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or oregano for an extra burst of freshness.

• Serve with Love

Transfer the chicken and its colorful companions to a serving platter, making sure each plate gets a generous portion of those irresistible olives and artichokes. Pair with crusty bread or rice to soak up the delicious sauce.

Lemon Chicken Flavor Upgrades

• Quick Sear Technique: Pat chicken completely dry before searing to achieve a perfect golden-brown crust and lock in those delicious juices.
• Olive Variety Swap: Experiment with different olive types like Kalamata, green Spanish olives, or mixed Mediterranean olive blends to customize flavor profiles.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use cornstarch instead of flour for coating chicken to make the recipe completely gluten-free without compromising texture.
• Low-Carb Adaptation: Replace traditional side dishes with cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles to reduce carbohydrate intake while maintaining the Mediterranean essence.
• Vegetarian Transformation: Substitute chicken with firm tofu or chickpeas, adjusting cooking times to create a plant-based version that captures the same vibrant Mediterranean flavors.

Mediterranean Serving Vibes

• Rustic Mediterranean Feast: Serve this vibrant chicken over a bed of fluffy couscous or herbed rice, allowing the savory juices to soak into the grains and enhance every bite.
• Bright Salad Companion: Pair the dish with a crisp Greek salad featuring cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and feta cheese, which will complement the tangy lemon and briny olives perfectly.
• Wine and Dine Pairing: Enjoy alongside a chilled glass of crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc, which will highlight the zesty Mediterranean flavors and cut through the richness of the chicken.
• Fresh Herb Garnish: Sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or oregano on top just before serving to add a burst of color and an extra layer of aromatic freshness to the dish.

Storing & Reheating with Olive Love

• Refrigeration Rhythm: Store leftover chicken in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking, keeping it fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Make-Ahead Magic: Prepare the chicken and marinade up to 24 hours in advance, allowing flavors to deepen and intensify before cooking.
• Freezer-Friendly Strategy: Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe wrap, where the dish will maintain quality for up to 2 months when properly sealed.
• Reheating Wisdom: Warm refrigerated chicken gently in a skillet with a splash of chicken broth to restore moisture and prevent drying out, ensuring tender and delicious results.

Succulent Mediterranean Lemon Chicken With Artichokes & Olives Recipe

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4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Mediterranean lemon chicken with artichokes & olives brings zesty flavors from Greece to your dinner table. Bright herbs and tangy citrus create a simple yet elegant meal home cooks will savor.

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Ingredients

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• 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs
• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 tsp salt
• 0.5 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1 small onion
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 tsp Dijon mustard
• 0.5 tsp red pepper flakes
• 0.5 cup white wine
• 1 cup chicken broth
• Juice of 1 lemon
• 1 cup canned or jarred artichoke hearts
• 0.5 cup green or Kalamata olives
• 2 tbsps capers
• Fresh parsley or basil (for garnish)
• Extra lemon slices (for garnish)

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Instructions

1. Seasoning Preparation: Combine salt, ground pepper, dried oregano, and smoky paprika to create a robust spice blend, thoroughly coating each chicken piece for maximum flavor infusion.
2. Searing Stage: Heat olive oil in a spacious skillet over medium-high heat, strategically positioning chicken pieces to develop a deep golden crust, allowing 3-4 minutes of uninterrupted cooking per side to seal in natural juices.
3. Aromatic Foundation: Introduce minced garlic, sliced shallots, and diced onions to the skillet, sautéing until fragrant and translucent, creating a flavor-rich base for the Mediterranean-inspired dish.
4. Liquid Integration: Pour white wine and chicken broth into the skillet, deglazing the pan and capturing all the concentrated flavor remnants from the chicken searing process.
5. Vegetable Incorporation: Gently add quartered artichoke hearts, halved kalamata olives, and fresh lemon slices, nestling them around the browned chicken pieces to infuse complex Mediterranean flavors.
6. Braising Process: Reduce heat, cover the skillet, and allow the chicken to simmer gently for 25-30 minutes, ensuring the meat becomes tender and absorbs the surrounding aromatic liquid and vegetable essences.
7. Final Flourish: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley and additional lemon zest over the dish, creating a bright, herbaceous finish that elevates the overall Mediterranean profile.
8. Serving Recommendation: Transfer chicken and vegetable medley to a serving platter, drizzling the remaining pan sauce for an extra layer of rich, vibrant flavor.

Notes

• Optimize Seasoning Technique: Massage spices directly into chicken skin for deeper flavor penetration and more even coating.
• Control Skillet Temperature: Maintain medium-high heat to achieve golden-brown crust without burning, using a cast-iron skillet for superior heat distribution.
• Avoid Overcrowding: Sear chicken pieces in batches to prevent steam buildup, ensuring crispy exterior and preventing soggy texture.
• Rest Chicken Properly: Allow seared chicken to rest for 5-10 minutes before final cooking to lock in juices and maintain optimal tenderness.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Frying
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 2 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 40 g
• Cholesterol: 120 mg