If you’re craving a dish that captures the vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean coast, then the Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. This recipe is a beautiful harmony of tangy lemon, briny olives, and tender artichokes paired with perfectly seasoned chicken breasts, creating a meal that feels fresh, hearty, and utterly satisfying. It’s the kind of dish that brightens your dinner table and invites warm conversations over every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives Recipe plays a vital role, bringing bright citrus notes, herbaceous depth, and savory richness that make every mouthful memorable. Simple, accessible ingredients come together here to create a dish with wonderful texture and color contrast.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: These provide a lean and juicy base that soaks up all the lovely flavors.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Essential for searing the chicken and adding that silky Mediterranean richness.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: Adds an earthy, aromatic herb note that complements the lemon and olives perfectly.
- 1 tsp dried thyme: A subtle, slightly floral herb that deepens the flavor complexity.
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder: Offers a quick punch of garlic flavor without overpowering, enhancing the sautéed garlic.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: The simple seasoning essentials to highlight each ingredient’s natural taste.
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced: Provides zesty brightness and visual appeal, with a bit of tartness in every bite.
- 1 cup green olives, pitted: Brings a salty, slightly tangy undertone that pairs beautifully with the lemon.
- 1 cup artichoke hearts, drained and quartered: These add a unique texture and mild, nutty flavor that balances the dish.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Creates a moist environment for cooking the chicken and forms the base of the flavorful sauce.
- 1/4 cup white wine (optional): Adds depth and subtle acidity to the sauce, but can easily be swapped for more broth.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic is sautéed to infuse the sauce with its unmistakable aromatic essence.
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): A final touch of freshness and color to brighten the finished plate.
How to Make Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chicken
Start by seasoning your chicken breasts generously on both sides with salt, pepper, dried oregano, thyme, and garlic powder. This simple step layers in flavor that will penetrate the meat during cooking, ensuring every bite is deliciously savory and well-balanced.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the chicken breasts and let them sear undisturbed for about 4 to 5 minutes per side. This creates a beautiful golden crust that locks in juices and adds a wonderful texture contrast to the tender inside. Once seared, remove them from the skillet and set aside for the next steps.
Step 3: Sauté the Garlic
In the same skillet, toss in the minced garlic and sauté gently for 1 to 2 minutes until it becomes fragrant and slightly golden. This quick step builds a savory foundation for the sauce, releasing those mouthwatering aromas that hint at what’s to come.
Step 4: Add the Broth and Wine
Pour the chicken broth and white wine into the skillet, carefully scraping up all those delicious browned bits stuck to the pan’s bottom. These bits are packed with flavor and create a rich, complex base for your sauce. Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer to marry the flavors.
Step 5: Combine the Ingredients
Now, stir in the thin lemon slices, pitted green olives, and quartered artichoke hearts. These ingredients not only bring beautiful color and texture but also infuse their unique flavors into the simmering sauce, creating that signature Mediterranean vibe you’re aiming for.
Step 6: Cook the Chicken
Return the seared chicken breasts back to the skillet, nestling each piece in the citrusy, olive-studded sauce. Cover the skillet, reduce the heat to low, and let the chicken simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes until it’s cooked through and tender. This slow cooking step allows the flavors to deepen and meld together irresistibly.
Step 7: Finish and Serve
Once the chicken’s perfectly cooked, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a vibrant hit of color and freshness. Serve this Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives Recipe nestled in the luscious sauce right over a bed of fluffy rice, nutty quinoa, or even a fresh bed of greens to soak up every bite.
How to Serve Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives Recipe
Garnishes
Finishing touches matter, especially with a dish this flavorful. Aside from the fresh parsley that adds an aromatic greenery, consider a few lemon wedges for extra tang or a light drizzle of good quality olive oil to bring out the richness. A sprinkle of crushed red pepper flakes can add a subtle kick if you’re feeling adventurous.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with simple, complementary sides that won’t overshadow its bright flavors. Light roasted vegetables, a crisp green salad with lemon vinaigrette, or fluffy couscous make ideal accompaniments. The goal is to build a meal that feels balanced, wholesome, and satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special occasion, serve the chicken family-style on a large platter, scattered with lemon slices, olives, and artichokes for a rustic Mediterranean feast. You can also spoon the sauce over toasted rustic bread as a savory bruschetta topping or turn the leftovers into filling for wraps or pitas for a casual, delicious lunch.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Wrap any remaining Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives Recipe tightly and place it in an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, allowing those vibrant flavors to develop even more as it rests.
Freezing
If you’d like to enjoy this flavorful dish later, the chicken and sauce freeze nicely in a sealed freezer-safe container for up to 2 months. Just be sure to cool completely before freezing to preserve texture and food safety.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm leftovers in a skillet over medium heat, adding a splash of broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much. Avoid the microwave when possible to preserve the tender texture of the chicken and prevent it from drying out.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs have a bit more fat, which makes them extra juicy and flavorful. Just adjust the cooking time slightly to ensure they’re cooked fully through without drying out.
Is it necessary to use white wine?
No, the white wine is optional. You can simply substitute it with additional chicken broth to keep the dish alcohol-free without sacrificing much in flavor.
Can I use canned artichokes for this recipe?
Yes, jarred or canned artichoke hearts are a convenient choice. Just make sure to drain them well before adding to the dish to avoid excess moisture.
How can I make this dish gluten-free?
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you check that your chicken broth and any added ingredients don’t contain gluten additives. It’s perfect for anyone avoiding gluten!
What side dishes go best with this Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives Recipe?
Light sides such as rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad complement the dish beautifully, balancing its bold Mediterranean flavors without overpowering them.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives Recipe—whether it’s the vibrant colors, the bright yet comforting flavors, or how effortlessly it comes together to make a fantastic weeknight meal. I can’t recommend enough giving it a try; it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will charm your taste buds and bring some sunshine to your table, no matter the season.
Print
Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Halal
Description
Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives is a flavorful, healthy dish featuring juicy seared chicken breasts simmered in a tangy lemon, olive, and artichoke sauce. This easy-to-make recipe combines classic Mediterranean herbs and ingredients for a delicious meal perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Chicken and Seasoning
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried thyme
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Sauce and Garnish
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 1 cup green olives, pitted
- 1 cup artichoke hearts, drained and quartered (fresh or jarred)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/4 cup white wine (optional, or use more chicken broth)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chicken: Season the chicken breasts on both sides generously with salt, pepper, dried oregano, dried thyme, and garlic powder to evenly coat them with herbs and spices.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the chicken breasts and sear them for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté the Garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1-2 minutes until it becomes fragrant, being careful not to burn it.
- Add the Broth and Wine: Pour in the chicken broth and white wine, scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen any flavorful browned bits. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
- Combine the Ingredients: Add the lemon slices, green olives, and artichoke hearts to the skillet, stirring to combine well with the sauce.
- Cook the Chicken: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Cover the skillet and simmer gently for 15-20 minutes until the chicken is thoroughly cooked and reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (75°C).
- Finish and Serve: Garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley. Serve the Mediterranean lemon chicken hot with the sauce and vegetables spooned over rice, quinoa, or a fresh bed of greens.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken thighs for breasts if you prefer a juicier, more flavorful meat.
- If you don’t have white wine, use extra chicken broth as a substitute.
- Fresh herbs can be used instead of dried oregano and thyme for a fresher taste.
- For a low-sodium option, rinse the olives or use low-sodium broth.
