Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives
Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives is a vibrant and zesty one-pan dish that perfectly balances bright citrus, salty olives, and tender artichokes. This wholesome and flavorful chicken recipe brings the essence of the Mediterranean coast to your table, ideal for quick weeknight dinners or elegant gatherings.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Total Time: 30-35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Skillet Cooking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken & Seasonings
- 1.5 lbs boneless chicken thighs
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 tsp paprika
Citrus & Aromatics
- 2 fresh lemons (juice and sliced for garnish)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Vegetables & Olives
- 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained
- 1 cup mixed olives (such as Kalamata, Castelvetrano, or green olives)
Herbs & Oil
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley or thyme, chopped
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the boneless chicken thighs with salt, pepper, and paprika. Let them rest for a few minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken thighs and cook until golden brown on both sides, about 3-4 minutes per side, to lock in juices and develop a crust.
- Add Garlic and Lemons: Reduce the heat to medium and add the minced garlic along with fresh lemon slices. Stir gently to release their aromas and soften the garlic without burning.
- Incorporate Artichokes and Olives: Add the drained artichoke hearts and mixed olives to the skillet. Let them soak up the lemony pan juices, enhancing the dish’s flavor layers.
- Simmer and Finish: Cover the pan and simmer on low heat for 10-12 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley or thyme before serving.
Notes
- Choose chicken thighs over breasts for juicier and more flavorful results.
- Use fresh lemons for zest and juice to maximize the citrus brightness.
- Don’t overcrowd the pan to ensure even searing and caramelization.
- Drain artichokes thoroughly to avoid excess moisture and watery sauce.
- Let the chicken rest a few minutes before serving to retain juices and flavor.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving (approx. 1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 600 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 3 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 7 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
Keywords: Mediterranean chicken, lemon chicken, artichokes, olives, one-pan dinner, healthy, gluten free, Mediterranean diet