Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives
Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives is a zesty and savory dish that combines tender chicken with bright lemon, nutty artichoke hearts, and rich olives. This healthy and easy-to-make recipe offers a vibrant Mediterranean flavor profile, perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
- Author: Gloria
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Sautéing
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free, Dairy Free
Protein
- 4 boneless chicken breasts or thighs
Citrus
- 2 fresh lemons (zest and juice)
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 cup canned or jarred artichoke hearts, drained
- 1/2 cup Kalamata or green olives
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Herbs & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or oregano, chopped
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Liquids & Oils
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1/2 cup white wine or chicken broth
- Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken dry, then season generously with salt, pepper, and a sprinkle of lemon zest. This gives the chicken a base flavor that enhances the final dish.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and brown on each side for 4-5 minutes until golden but not fully cooked. This step locks in juices and develops a flavorful crust.
- Add Aromatics and Liquids: Reduce heat to medium and add minced garlic to the skillet, sautéing until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Pour in white wine or chicken broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan to build a flavorful sauce.
- Incorporate Artichokes, Olives, and Lemon: Add the drained artichoke hearts and olives, along with fresh lemon juice. Stir gently to combine and nestle the chicken back into the skillet to simmer and absorb the flavors.
- Finish with Fresh Herbs: Once the chicken is cooked through and the sauce has thickened slightly, sprinkle chopped fresh parsley or oregano on top to add brightness and authentic Mediterranean aroma.
Notes
- Use room temperature chicken to ensure even cooking and juiciness.
- Don’t skip the searing step; browning adds depth and locks flavor in.
- Drain artichokes thoroughly to avoid diluting the sauce.
- Add lemon juice gradually to balance acidity and avoid overpowering the dish.
- Allow the dish to rest for a few minutes after cooking to let flavors meld.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 chicken breast with sauce
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 40g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
Keywords: Mediterranean lemon chicken, artichokes, olives, lemon chicken recipe, healthy chicken dinner, gluten free chicken