Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives Recipe
If you are craving a dish that bursts with bright, fresh flavors and transports you straight to a sun-drenched Mediterranean coast, look no further than the Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives Recipe. This vibrant dish combines tender chicken breasts with tangy lemon, briny olives, and tender artichokes, creating a melody of tastes and textures that is as inviting as it is delicious. It’s quick enough for a weeknight but elegant enough to impress guests, making it a true gem in any culinary repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are delightfully simple yet essential for capturing the authentic Mediterranean flair of this recipe. Each item brings its own unique note to the final dish, whether it’s the richness of olive oil, the brightness of lemon, or the savory punch of Kalamata olives.
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts: The lean protein base, perfect for soaking up all the wonderful flavors.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Adds richness and helps in browning the chicken to golden perfection.
- 1 lemon, zest and juice: Provides a fresh, zesty acidity that lifts the entire dish.
- 1 cup artichoke hearts, drained and chopped: Brings a tender, slightly nutty flavor that complements the chicken beautifully.
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced: Offers a salty, briny kick that intensifies the Mediterranean character.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced: Adds depth and a fragrant aroma that’s simply irresistible.
- 1/2 cup chicken broth: Creates a flavorful sauce that keeps everything moist and flavorful.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano: Contributes a warm, herbaceous note true to Mediterranean cooking.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance all the other flavors.
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish): Adds brightness and a pop of color for the finishing touch.
How to Make Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives Recipe
Step 1: Prep and Sear the Chicken
Begin by heating olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat—this will ensure a nice, even cook on the chicken. Season the chicken breasts generously with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Once the oil is shimmering, add the chicken to the skillet and let it cook undisturbed for about 6 to 7 minutes per side, until it develops a gorgeous golden brown crust and is cooked through. Once done, remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside to rest.
Step 2: Build the Flavor in the Skillet
In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about one minute until its aroma fills your kitchen. This quick step unlocks the garlicky base for your sauce and ensures no flavor is wasted from the pan.
Step 3: Add Artichokes, Olives, and Lemon
Next, toss in the chopped artichoke hearts, sliced Kalamata olives, lemon zest, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Stir everything together so these vibrant, tangy ingredients combine harmoniously, infusing your sauce with that signature Mediterranean flair.
Step 4: Create the Sauce and Simmer
Pour the chicken broth into the skillet, scraping the bottom to loosen all those delicious browned bits left from the chicken. Those little bits are pure flavor gold. Return the chicken breasts back to the skillet and let them simmer gently for 5 to 7 minutes. This step thickens the sauce and allows the chicken to soak in all the delicious, zesty goodness.
Step 5: Garnish and Finish
Before serving, sprinkle fresh chopped parsley over the skillet for a fresh aroma and a burst of color. This final touch brightens the dish visually and adds a lovely herbal finish to each bite.
How to Serve Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives Recipe
Garnishes
A handful of fresh parsley is a classic way to finish this dish, but you can also add a sprinkle of freshly grated lemon zest or some thinly sliced red chili for a gentle heat contrast. The garnishes should highlight the freshness and vibrancy that define this recipe.
Side Dishes
This Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives Recipe pairs beautifully with simple sides like fluffy couscous, herb-roasted potatoes, or a crisp Greek salad. These accompaniments help balance the richness of the chicken and soak up every drop of that luscious sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a stunning presentation, serve the chicken atop a bed of creamy polenta or alongside grilled seasonal vegetables arranged artfully on the plate. Drizzle any extra sauce over the top, and don’t forget to garnish with fresh herbs — presentation can elevate the entire dining experience.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer any leftovers to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it a perfect meal to enjoy the next day.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives Recipe for up to three months. Just be sure to use a freezer-safe container and thaw it gently in the refrigerator before reheating for best texture and flavor.
Reheating
Reheat gently in a skillet over low-medium heat or in the microwave at short intervals to avoid drying out the chicken. Add a splash of chicken broth or water if the sauce has thickened too much during storage.
FAQs
Can I use chicken thighs instead of chicken breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and can add even more flavor, but cooking times may vary slightly. Adjust accordingly to ensure they’re cooked through but still tender.
What if I can’t find Kalamata olives?
If Kalamata olives are unavailable, you can substitute with green olives or another briny olive variety. Just be mindful of the saltiness, and adjust seasoning as needed.
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 anyone looking for clean, wholesome flavors.
Can I make this dish dairy-free?
Definitely. This recipe does not call for any dairy ingredients, so it’s already suitable for dairy-free diets without any modifications.
How can I make the sauce thicker?
If you prefer a thicker sauce, allow the skillet to simmer a few extra minutes uncovered to reduce the liquid further, or stir in a small slurry of cornstarch and water to thicken quickly.
Final Thoughts
The Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives Recipe is a wonderful celebration of fresh, vibrant ingredients that come together to create a mouthwatering meal. It’s straightforward enough for busy nights yet impressive enough for sharing around the dinner table with friends or family. Give it a try and let the bright flavors and hearty textures bring a little Mediterranean sunshine into your kitchen!
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Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- 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, Kalamata olives, and garlic. This easy-to-make recipe combines classic Mediterranean ingredients to create a savory and refreshing meal perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or casual gathering.
Ingredients
Chicken
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
Sauce
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 lemon, zest and juice
- 1 cup artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
- 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
Garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Heat the oil. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat to prepare for cooking the chicken.
- Cook the chicken. Season the chicken breasts with salt, pepper, and dried oregano. Add them to the skillet and cook for 6-7 minutes per side until golden brown and cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Sauté garlic. In the same skillet, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant to build the base flavor of the sauce.
- Add artichokes, olives, and lemon. Add the artichoke hearts, Kalamata olives, lemon zest, and lemon juice to the skillet. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Deglaze the skillet. Pour in the chicken broth while scraping the bottom of the skillet to loosen any browned bits, adding depth to the sauce.
- Simmer the chicken. Return the chicken breasts to the skillet and simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly and the chicken is heated through.
- Garnish and serve. Sprinkle with freshly chopped parsley before serving to add brightness and color.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in lemon juice, olive oil, garlic, and oregano for 30 minutes before cooking.
- You can use frozen or canned artichoke hearts if fresh are unavailable; just make sure to drain well.
- Adjust salt and pepper according to taste, especially considering the saltiness of Kalamata olives.
- This dish pairs beautifully with rice, couscous, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
