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Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives

Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives
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Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives is a bright, flavorful, and easy-to-make one-pan dish that combines tender chicken with tangy lemon, briny Kalamata olives, and tender artichoke hearts. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner or entertaining guests, this recipe delivers vibrant Mediterranean flavors with minimal cleanup.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or breasts for a leaner option)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano

Citrus & Aromatics

  • 2 fresh lemons (juice and zest)
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

Vegetables & Olives

  • 1 cup artichoke hearts (jarred or canned, drained and quartered)
  • 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted

Oils & Herbs

  • 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chicken: Pat the chicken thighs dry and season them generously with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. This step builds the flavor base and ensures the skin crisps nicely during cooking.
  2. Brown the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat and place the chicken, skin side down, searing for about 5-7 minutes until golden brown and crispy. Flip and cook for another 3 minutes to lock in juices and add robust flavor.
  3. Add Aromatics and Veggies: Reduce heat to medium, add minced garlic, and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant without burning. Stir in artichoke hearts and Kalamata olives, mixing to distribute flavors.
  4. Pour in Lemon and Simmer: Add fresh lemon juice and zest along with a little extra olive oil. Cover the pan and let everything simmer gently for about 15 minutes or until the chicken is cooked through and tender, allowing the flavors to meld.
  5. Finish with Fresh Herbs: Remove the skillet from the heat and sprinkle chopped fresh parsley on top for a bright, herbal finish before serving.

Notes

  • Dry the chicken skin thoroughly before cooking to ensure crispiness.
  • Don’t skip the lemon zest; it adds a more intense citrus flavor than juice alone.
  • Use good quality extra virgin olive oil for authentic taste and aroma.
  • Cook the chicken skin side down first to achieve golden, crunchy skin.
  • Adjust the salt carefully after adding olives since they are naturally salty.

Nutrition

Keywords: Mediterranean chicken, lemon chicken, artichokes, olives, one-pan dinner, healthy chicken recipe, gluten free, dairy free

Find it online: https://recipesbykaeli.com/mediterranean-lemon-chicken-with-artichokes-olives/