If you’re craving a dish that perfectly balances zesty brightness with hearty Mediterranean flavors, then you’ve absolutely got to try this Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives Recipe. It’s a vibrant, satisfying meal that feels fancy enough for guests but easy enough for a weeknight dinner. Tender chicken breasts meld with tangy lemon, briny olives, and tender artichokes, all brought together in a savory sauce that will have your taste buds singing. Once you make this recipe, it’s likely to become a beloved staple in your kitchen rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These simple yet essential ingredients each play a starring role in creating the rich flavor and inviting texture of this Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives Recipe. From the fruity olive oil to the punch of lemon zest, every element combines to create a harmonious dish packed with personality.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The perfect lean protein that absorbs flavors beautifully.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds a fruity richness and helps brown the chicken perfectly.
- 1 lemon, zest and juice: Brings a bright, fresh acidity that lifts all the flavors.
- 1 cup artichoke hearts, drained and chopped: Offers a tender, slightly tangy texture with Mediterranean charm.
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced: Adds a savory, briny complexity that complements the lemon.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the dish with a warm, aromatic base note.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Creates a luscious sauce that keeps the chicken moist and flavorful.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: A classic herb that deepens the Mediterranean vibe.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance all the ingredients.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds a fresh, vibrant finish and beautiful color contrast.
How to Make Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives Recipe
Step 1: Searing the Chicken
Start by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. While the oil warms, season each chicken breast generously with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. This seasoning layer not only flavors the meat but also helps develop a golden crust. Place the chicken in the skillet and cook for about 6 to 7 minutes on each side until beautifully browned and cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken and set it aside to rest while you prepare the sauce. This step builds the base for all the rich flavors to come.
Step 2: Creating the Flavorful Sauce
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about one minute until fragrant but not browned—this gentle cooking releases that wonderful aroma. Next, toss in the artichoke hearts, Kalamata olives, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Stir everything together to combine those bright and briny notes perfectly. Pour in the chicken broth to deglaze the pan, scraping up those delicious browned bits stuck to the bottom—this is where much of the deep flavor develops. Let it simmer briefly to meld the ingredients.
Step 3: Simmering the Chicken in Sauce
Return your chicken breasts to the skillet, nestling them into the sauce. Let everything gently simmer for another 5 to 7 minutes, allowing the chicken to warm through and the sauce to thicken just slightly. This final simmer ensures every bite is soaked with the zesty lemon, briny olives, and tender artichokes, making each forkful bursting with Mediterranean goodness.
How to Serve Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives Recipe
Garnishes
Finish by sprinkling freshly chopped parsley over the top to add a pop of vivid green and a fresh herbal note. The parsley is not just for color—it brightens the dish and brings a lovely balance to the robust flavors on the plate.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with light, simple sides. Think fluffy couscous, herbed quinoa, or a buttery rice pilaf to soak up the luscious sauce. Roasted or steamed vegetables, such as asparagus or green beans, also make excellent companions, adding texture and freshness.
Creative Ways to Present
Want to impress your guests? Serve the chicken on a large platter, drizzled with extra sauce and topped with olives and fresh herbs. Add lemon wedges around for an extra citrus hit. Alternatively, spoon the sauce and chicken over a bed of creamy polenta or alongside warm pita bread to scoop up every last bit. Presentation that invites sharing makes the meal even more memorable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives Recipe is cooled, store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 3 days, making it a perfect option for next-day meals.
Freezing
You can freeze this dish for longer storage, but be sure to use a freezer-safe container. Freeze the chicken and sauce separately, if possible, to preserve texture. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently on the stovetop over low to medium heat, covered, to prevent drying out. Adding a splash of chicken broth or water will help maintain the sauce’s lovely consistency as you warm it. Avoid microwaving directly as it can make the chicken tough.
FAQs
Can I use bone-in chicken instead of boneless breasts?
Absolutely! Bone-in chicken thighs or breasts will add extra flavor and moisture but will require longer cooking times. Just be sure to cook them thoroughly before moving to the sauce step.
What can I substitute if I don’t have Kalamata olives?
You can use green olives or other black olives if Kalamatas are unavailable. Just choose olives that are pitted and chopped or sliced to keep the balance of flavors.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives Recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it perfect for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Just double-check your chicken broth to ensure it’s gluten-free as well.
Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time for guests?
Definitely! You can prepare the chicken and sauce components separately a few hours ahead, then combine and warm through just before serving. It helps reduce stress and lets the flavors meld even better.
What wine pairs well with this dish?
A crisp, acidic white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio complements the bright lemon and briny olives beautifully, enhancing the Mediterranean flavors without overwhelming them.
Final Thoughts
If you want a dish that’s bursting with sunshine and Mediterranean charm, you really need to try this Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives Recipe. It’s easy enough for any day, but special enough to impress your friends and family. Once the zesty lemon and savory olives dance across your plate, you’ll see why this recipe has become such a personal favorite. Happy cooking!
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Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives is a vibrant and flavorful dish featuring tender chicken breasts simmered in a tangy lemon sauce with artichoke hearts and Kalamata olives. This quick and easy skillet recipe captures the essence of Mediterranean cuisine, perfect for a healthy and satisfying weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Sauce & Flavorings
- 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
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat the oil: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat, ensuring it is hot enough to sear the chicken properly.
- Cook the chicken: Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Add them to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
- Sauté garlic: In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned, infusing the oil with flavor.
- Add artichokes, olives, and lemon: Stir in the chopped artichoke hearts, sliced Kalamata olives, lemon zest, and lemon juice, mixing well to combine all the vibrant Mediterranean flavors.
- Deglaze and simmer: Pour in the chicken broth while scraping the bottom of the skillet to release any browned bits. This will add depth to the sauce.
- Return chicken and finish cooking: Place the cooked chicken breasts back into the skillet. Simmer everything together for an additional 5-7 minutes, allowing the sauce to thicken slightly and the chicken to reheat and absorb the flavors.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the dish just before serving for a fresh, herbaceous finish.
Notes
- You can substitute fresh oregano for dried if available, adjusting quantity to taste.
- For extra richness, a splash of white wine can be added when deglazing instead of part of the chicken broth.
- If using frozen artichokes, ensure they are fully thawed and drained before adding.
- To make it gluten-free, just confirm your chicken broth is gluten-free.
- This dish pairs beautifully with couscous, quinoa, or crusty bread to soak up the flavorful sauce.
