Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives
Mediterranean cuisine is famous for its fresh flavors and healthy ingredients. One standout dish is Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes and Olives. This delightful recipe brings together tender chicken, zesty lemon, and vibrant vegetables that will transport your taste buds to sunny shores. It’s a simple yet impressive dish perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
Why Make This Recipe
This recipe is not only delicious but also healthy. The chicken is lean, while the artichokes and olives add fiber and healthy fats. The bright flavors of lemon and herbs make each bite refreshing. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and works for any occasion. Whether you’re a beginner in the kitchen or a seasoned cook, this meal is sure to please everyone at the table.
How to Make Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon (zest and juice)
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup canned or jarred artichoke hearts (drained, halved or quartered)
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives (pitted and halved)
- 1 tablespoon capers (optional, for extra tang)
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Directions
Prep the chicken: Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture all over the chicken. Let it marinate for at least 15 minutes or refrigerate for up to 2 hours for a deeper flavor.
Sear the chicken: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and sear the chicken breasts for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown. They don’t need to be cooked through yet—just browned.
Add the good stuff: Reduce heat to medium. Add the artichoke hearts, olives, capers (if using), and chicken broth to the pan. Stir gently to coat everything in the sauce.
Simmer it down: Cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach 165°F/74°C) and the sauce is slightly reduced.
Garnish and serve: Sprinkle with fresh parsley just before serving. Serve warm with rice, couscous, or crusty bread to soak up that dreamy lemony sauce.
How to Serve Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives
This dish pairs well with a variety of sides. You can serve it with fluffy rice, warm couscous, or some crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. A fresh salad on the side can add to the Mediterranean flair and keep your meal light and wholesome.
How to Store Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives
To store leftovers, let the chicken cool completely, then place it in an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also freeze it for longer storage. Make sure to reheat thoroughly before serving.
Tips to Make Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives
- Marinate longer: For even more flavor, marinate the chicken for a few hours or overnight.
- Adjust the seasoning: If you love garlic, feel free to add more garlic powder or fresh minced garlic.
- Add veggies: Feel free to toss in other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach for added nutrition.
Variation
You can switch up your olives for green olives if you prefer a milder flavor. You might also try adding sun-dried tomatoes for an extra burst of flavor.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Yes, chicken thighs work well in this recipe and can add even more moisture and flavor.Is it necessary to use fresh parsley?
While fresh parsley adds a bright touch, you can skip it if you don’t have any on hand.Can this dish be made ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep the chicken and sauce ahead of time, then cook it just before serving for a quick meal.
Enjoy this tasty Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes and Olives, and impress your family and friends with your cooking skills!
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Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Paleo
Description
A delightful Mediterranean dish featuring tender chicken, zesty lemon, and vibrant artichokes and olives.
Ingredients
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 lemon (zest and juice)
- 2 teaspoons dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup canned or jarred artichoke hearts (drained, halved or quartered)
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives (pitted and halved)
- 1 tablespoon capers (optional, for extra tang)
- 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels. In a bowl, mix olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Rub the mixture all over the chicken and let it marinate for at least 15 minutes or refrigerate for up to 2 hours.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add olive oil and sear the chicken breasts for about 4-5 minutes per side until golden brown.
- Reduce heat to medium. Add artichoke hearts, olives, capers (if using), and chicken broth to the pan. Stir gently to coat everything.
- Cover and simmer for 10-15 minutes until chicken is fully cooked and the sauce has slightly reduced.
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley before serving. Serve warm with rice, couscous, or crusty bread.
Notes
For deeper flavor, marinate the chicken longer. Adjust seasoning and add other vegetables if desired.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Searing and Simmering
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 400
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: Mediterranean chicken, lemon chicken, healthy dinner, artichokes, olives