Description
A vibrant Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes and Olives dish featuring tender, marinated chicken thighs seared and simmered in a zesty lemon, garlic, and oregano sauce enriched with briny olives, artichoke hearts, and capers. This flavorful skillet meal is perfect served with couscous, quinoa, or roasted vegetables for a wholesome Mediterranean-inspired dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Marinade
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken thighs (or breasts)
- Juice of 2 lemons
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Cooking and Sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 cup green or kalamata olives, pitted
- 1 cup canned or frozen artichoke hearts, drained
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
- 1 tbsp capers (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/2 tsp honey (optional)
Instructions
- Marinate the Chicken: In a bowl, combine the lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Coat the chicken thighs thoroughly with the mixture, then cover and let them marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 4 hours to enhance flavor.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add the marinated chicken and sear for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Build the Sauce: In the same skillet, add the chicken broth (or white wine if preferred) to deglaze the pan, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom. Stir in the olives, artichoke hearts, red pepper flakes (if using), and capers (if using) to create a flavorful sauce.
- Simmer: Return the seared chicken to the skillet. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pan, and let everything simmer gently for 15 to 20 minutes until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
- Finishing Touches: Remove the lid, stir in the chopped fresh parsley and honey (if using) to balance the acidity, and let it cook uncovered for 1-2 minutes to meld the flavors. Serve warm.
- Serving Suggestions: Perfectly pairs with couscous, quinoa, or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Additional Pairings: Serve alongside a side of hummus and warm pita bread for a complete Mediterranean experience.
- Garnish: Add extra lemon slices on the plate for a fresh, citrusy finish.
Notes
- Marinating the chicken longer (up to 4 hours) intensifies the lemon and herb flavors.
- You can substitute chicken breasts if preferred, adjusting cooking time to ensure doneness.
- Use kalamata olives for a deeper, fruitier flavor or green olives for a milder taste.
- Adjust red pepper flakes according to your preferred spice level or omit for milder flavor.
- Honey is optional but helps balance the acidity from the lemon juice and capers.
- For a gluten-free meal, serve with quinoa or gluten-free grain options.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheat gently on stovetop.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: Mediterranean chicken, lemon chicken, artichokes, olives, one-pan chicken, healthy dinner, lemon garlic chicken, skillet chicken recipe
