Picture this: tender chicken, golden and crisp on the outside, nestled with vibrant artichokes, plump olives, and a zesty lemon kick. This Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives is the perfect dish for when you want something fresh, flavorful, and just a little bit indulgent. With a few simple ingredients, you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to a sunny Mediterranean terrace, enjoying a light yet satisfying meal with friends or family. Trust me, you’re going to love this one!

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

Name: Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup artichoke hearts, drained and halved; 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper, to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

This recipe isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating an experience. Whether you’re cooking for a weeknight dinner or a cozy weekend gathering, this dish is sure to impress. Here’s why it’s a favorite:

Versatile: You can serve this with a side of couscous, rice, or a simple salad to make it your own. It’s incredibly adaptable to whatever you’re in the mood for!

Budget-Friendly: The ingredients are easy to find and won’t break the bank, making this a delicious meal that’s both affordable and special.

Quick and Easy: With just a few steps, you’ll have a beautifully cooked meal ready in less than an hour. Perfect for those days when you want something healthy without spending hours in the kitchen.

Customizable: The beauty of Mediterranean cuisine is its flexibility! You can add other ingredients like cherry tomatoes or bell peppers, or even switch up the olives for a different variety.

Crowd-Pleasing: The combination of zesty lemon, savory olives, and tender chicken is sure to be a hit with everyone at the table. It’s a dish that will have everyone coming back for seconds!

Ingredients in Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives

This dish is packed with flavors that will transport you straight to the Mediterranean. Here’s what you’ll need to create this vibrant, delicious meal:

Chicken Thighs: The juicy, tender thighs are perfect for soaking up all the zesty flavors from the marinade. They’re a little richer than breasts, making this dish extra comforting.

Lemon: The star of the show! Fresh lemon juice and zest bring the perfect amount of brightness and tanginess to balance out the richness of the chicken.

Artichoke Hearts: These tender artichokes add a subtle earthy flavor that pairs perfectly with the tangy lemon and briny olives.

Green Olives: The olives lend a salty, briny bite that gives the dish that authentic Mediterranean flair.

Garlic: Aromatic and full of flavor, garlic brings a wonderful depth to the dish and enhances the overall taste.

Olive Oil: To sauté and bring all the flavors together—plus, it’s the perfect oil for Mediterranean cooking.

Oregano & Thyme: These herbs add the perfect touch of Mediterranean flavor, making the chicken taste like it’s been marinated in sunshine.

Salt & Pepper: Simple, yet essential for seasoning the dish to perfection.

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

Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives

Instructions

Let’s walk through the steps to create this beautiful Mediterranean dish:

Preheat Your Pan: Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. This ensures the chicken will sear to golden perfection.

Sear the Chicken: Season the chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and thyme. Add the chicken to the pan and cook for 5-6 minutes per side, or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove from the pan and set aside.

Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pan, add a bit more olive oil if needed, and sauté the garlic for 1-2 minutes until fragrant. This will bring out all those delicious flavors!

Add the Artichokes & Olives: Toss in the artichoke hearts and green olives, stirring everything together. Cook for another 2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

Bring it All Together: Return the chicken to the pan and pour in the lemon juice and zest. Sprinkle in some oregano and let everything simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the chicken to soak in all that delicious lemony goodness.

Finishing Touches: Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can add a bit more salt, pepper, or lemon juice depending on your preference.

Serve and Enjoy: Serve the chicken hot, topped with the artichokes, olives, and a drizzle of the pan sauce. Pair it with your favorite side dish and enjoy this Mediterranean masterpiece!

Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: ~350

(put them as notes)

Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes

How to Serve Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives

This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Here are a few ideas to elevate your meal:

Serve it with a side of fluffy couscous or quinoa to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Pair it with a simple Greek salad of cucumbers, tomatoes, and feta for a fresh, vibrant contrast.
Serve it over a bed of rice or roasted potatoes to round out the meal.
For a lighter touch, serve it alongside steamed or sautéed vegetables like broccoli or green beans.

Additional Tips

Here are some extra tips to help you get the most out of this recipe:

If you prefer, you can use chicken breasts instead of thighs, though they’ll be a little less juicy.
If you don’t have green olives, you can use Kalamata olives or any other variety you like.
To add more color and flavor, feel free to toss in some cherry tomatoes or bell peppers while sautéing the artichokes and olives.
This dish also makes a great meal prep option—just store the chicken in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat it gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.

FAQ’s

1. Can I use chicken breasts instead of thighs?
Yes, you can use chicken breasts, but they may not be as juicy as thighs. If you do, make sure to adjust the cooking time so they don’t dry out.

2. Can I use frozen artichokes?
Absolutely! Just thaw them before using. Frozen artichokes will work just as well as fresh.

3. What other olives can I use?
You can use Kalamata olives or black olives for a different flavor profile. The key is to pick olives you enjoy!

4. Can I make this dish in the oven?
Yes, you can roast the chicken and artichokes in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for about 20-25 minutes. Be sure to add the lemon and olives toward the end.

5. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
Yes, this dish reheats beautifully. Prepare it a day ahead and store in the fridge, then reheat it gently when you’re ready to serve.

6. Can I add more vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! You can add things like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or spinach to the pan for extra flavor and color.

7. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat in a pan or microwave before serving.

8. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Yes, this dish is naturally dairy-free! Just be sure to check the label on the olives to ensure they don’t contain any dairy-based preservatives.

9. Can I use a different protein?
Yes, you could substitute chicken with lamb or fish for a different Mediterranean twist. Just be sure to adjust cooking times accordingly.

10. What wine pairs best with this dish?
A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio would pair beautifully with the lemony chicken and artichokes. For red wine lovers, a light Pinot Noir would also work well.

Conclusion

There you have it—Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives! A light, flavorful, and satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion. The combination of tender chicken, tangy lemon, savory olives, and earthy artichokes will transport you straight to the Mediterranean. Serve it up with a side of your favorite dish, and you’ve got a meal that’s as delicious as it is easy. Happy cooking!

Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives

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Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives is a flavorful and vibrant dish that combines tender chicken with tangy lemon, briny olives, and savory artichokes. This Mediterranean-inspired recipe is perfect for a light yet satisfying meal.

Author: Grace Sullivan
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Main Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Diet: Gluten Free

Instructions

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Add the chicken to the skillet and cook for 5-7 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the artichoke hearts, olives, lemon juice, lemon zest, and chicken broth to the skillet. Stir to combine.
Return the chicken to the skillet, nestling it into the sauce. Cover and simmer for 5-7 minutes, allowing the chicken to absorb the flavors and the sauce to reduce slightly.
Garnish with fresh parsley and serve the chicken with the artichoke and olive mixture on top.

Notes

For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil for 30 minutes before cooking.
Serve with a side of couscous or roasted vegetables for a complete Mediterranean meal.
Olives and artichokes can be adjusted to taste depending on your preference for briny flavors.