Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives
Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives is a bright and flavorful dish combining juicy chicken thighs, tangy lemon, briny Kalamata olives, and tender artichoke hearts. This healthy, easy-to-prepare meal showcases fresh herbs and classic Mediterranean ingredients, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 45 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken
- 1.5 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
- Sea salt, to taste
- Cracked black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp lemon zest
Sauce and Vegetables
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
- 1 cup artichoke hearts (canned or fresh), chopped if large
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry with paper towels, then season generously with sea salt, cracked black pepper, and lemon zest to ensure a flavorful crust during searing.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear on each side until golden brown, about 3-4 minutes per side. Remove the chicken and set aside temporarily.
- Build the Sauce: In the same skillet, add minced garlic and sauté until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in white wine or chicken broth, scraping the browned bits from the bottom of the pan for extra flavor. Stir in lemon juice, Kalamata olives, and artichoke hearts, then reduce heat to low.
- Simmer and Finish Cooking: Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Cover and simmer gently for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is cooked through and tender, absorbing the vibrant flavors.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley and oregano over the top before serving for a fresh, aromatic finish. Optionally, garnish with lemon slices and herb sprigs.
Notes
- Use bone-in chicken thighs for deeper flavor if time permits.
- Don’t skip the lemon zest; it adds a bright citrus aroma.
- Choose high-quality Kalamata olives to enhance brininess.
- Simmer gently to keep chicken juicy and tender.
- Let chicken rest a few minutes before serving to lock in moisture.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 6 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: Mediterranean chicken, lemon chicken, artichokes, Kalamata olives, healthy chicken recipe, gluten-free dinner