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 lemon, zest and juice; 1 cup artichoke hearts, drained and chopped; 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1/2 cup chicken broth; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

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This Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings together tender chicken with tangy lemon, savory artichokes, and briny olives. The combination creates a perfectly balanced Mediterranean-inspired meal that's both elegant and easy to prepare.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This dish captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine with its bright flavors and wholesome ingredients. The tangy lemon perfectly complements the savory depth of the artichokes and olives, while the chicken remains the juicy, protein-rich star of the show. It's a one-pan wonder that's impressive enough for guests yet simple enough for weeknight dinners. Plus, it's naturally gluten-free and low-carb, making it suitable for various dietary preferences.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Boneless, skinless chicken breasts provide the protein foundation for this dish. They cook quickly and absorb the Mediterranean flavors beautifully. You can substitute with chicken thighs for even juicier results if you prefer dark meat.

Olive oil helps to sear the chicken and create a flavorful base for the sauce. Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best Mediterranean flavor.

Lemon contributes both zest and juice, adding brightness and acidity that cuts through the richness of the dish. The zest contains aromatic oils that provide intense flavor, while the juice adds tanginess.

Artichoke hearts bring a tender, slightly nutty flavor that's quintessentially Mediterranean. The canned or jarred varieties work perfectly in this recipe—just be sure to drain them well.

Kalamata olives add a distinctive briny, fruity depth that's characteristic of Mediterranean cuisine. Their purple-black color also makes the dish visually appealing, but any olive variety you enjoy will work.

Garlic infuses the dish with aromatic flavor. Fresh minced garlic provides the best flavor punch, but pre-minced garlic can be used in a pinch.

Chicken broth forms the base of the sauce, adding savory depth while creating enough liquid to simmer and bind the flavors together.

Dried oregano brings an earthy, slightly minty flavor that's classic in Mediterranean cooking. It withstands the cooking process well and infuses the entire dish.

Salt and pepper are essential for bringing all the flavors to life—be sure to season to taste.

Fresh parsley adds a final burst of color and fresh herbaceous notes that brighten the finished dish.

Directions

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Add to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side, or 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 zest, and lemon juice to the skillet. Stir to combine.
Pour in the chicken broth and , scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits.
Return the chicken to the skillet and simmer for another 5-7 minutes, or until the sauce has thickened slightly and the chicken is heated through.
Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes 4 servings, with each serving containing approximately 320 calories. It takes just 10 minutes to prep and 20 minutes to cook, for a total time of 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights when you want something flavorful without spending hours in the kitchen.

Variations

Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Pasta: Serve the chicken and sauce over your favorite pasta for a heartier meal.
Spicy Mediterranean Chicken: Add ¼ teaspoon of red pepper flakes to give the dish a kick of heat.
Creamy Mediterranean Chicken: Stir in ¼ cup of heavy cream or Greek yogurt at the end for a richer, creamier sauce.
Herb-Infused Version: Add fresh herbs such as thyme, rosemary, or basil along with the parsley for more complex flavor notes.
Vegetable Boost: Include bell peppers, spinach, or cherry tomatoes for added nutrition and color.
Dairy-Free Option: Top with dairy-free pesto instead of cheese for an extra layer of flavor.
Mediterranean Chicken Soup: Add more broth and serve as a hearty soup with crusty bread on the side.

Storage/Reheating

This Mediterranean Lemon Chicken stores beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors often deepen overnight, making it even more delicious the next day.

To reheat, place in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of chicken broth to prevent drying out. Heat until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes. Alternatively, microwave on medium power in 30-second intervals until heated to your liking.

If you want to freeze this dish, let it cool completely, then transfer to a freezer-safe container. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?

Yes, boneless, skinless chicken thighs work wonderfully in this recipe and often result in juicier meat. Adjust cooking time as needed—thighs typically take slightly longer to cook through than breasts.

Are marinated artichoke hearts okay to use?

Absolutely! Marinated artichoke hearts add extra flavor to the dish. Just be mindful that they may contribute more oil and seasoning, so you might want to adjust other seasonings accordingly.

How do I know when the chicken is fully cooked?

Chicken is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). If you don't have a meat thermometer, cut into the thickest part—the meat should be opaque with no pink remaining.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?

Yes, this dish reheats beautifully and sometimes tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Prepare it up to 2 days ahead and reheat gently when ready to serve.

What sides go well with this chicken dish?

This Mediterranean chicken pairs wonderfully with rice, couscous, quinoa, roasted potatoes, or crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A simple green salad or steamed vegetables also make excellent accompaniments.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as written. Just verify that your chicken broth is gluten-free if you have celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity.

Can I use preserved lemons instead of fresh?

Preserved lemons would add an interesting twist to this dish. Use them sparingly as they're more intense than fresh lemons, and reduce the added salt in the recipe since preserved lemons are already salty.

How can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Great news! This recipe is already dairy-free as written. No modifications are needed for those avoiding dairy products.

Can I grill the chicken instead of pan-searing it?

Absolutely! Grill the seasoned chicken breasts until cooked through, then prepare the sauce separately in a skillet. Combine the grilled chicken with the sauce before serving for a delicious smoky variation.

Conclusion

This Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives beautifully captures the sun-drenched flavors of Mediterranean cuisine in a simple, one-pan meal. The bright citrus notes, savory herbs, and briny olives and artichokes create a symphony of flavors that transform ordinary chicken into something special. It's healthy, versatile, and comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions. Whether you serve it as is, over pasta, or with a side of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce, this dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy the taste of the Mediterranean in every bite!