Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes and Olives Recipe
Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives is a vibrant, flavorful dish featuring golden seared chicken thighs simmered in a tangy sauce of lemon, white wine, artichokes, and mixed olives. This easy skillet recipe combines savory herbs and bright citrus for a hearty yet fresh Mediterranean-inspired meal perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining.
- Author: Felix
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Chicken
- 4 pieces bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or boneless)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp dried oregano, divided
Sauce and Aromatics
- 2 Tbsp olive oil (extra-virgin recommended)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 small onion, sliced
- 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
- 1/2 cup mixed olives (green and black)
- 1 lemon, thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (or extra chicken broth)
- 1 cup chicken broth
- 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Season the Chicken: Pat chicken thighs dry with a paper towel and season both sides evenly with salt, black pepper, and half of the dried oregano. Allow the chicken to rest for a few minutes while you prepare the aromatics and drain the artichokes and olives.
- Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Place the chicken thighs skin-side down and sear without moving for 5 to 7 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crisp. Flip the chicken and brown the other side for 3 to 4 minutes. Remove the chicken and set aside.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pan, add the sliced onion and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 to 45 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Deglaze and Build Sauce: Pour in the white wine or extra chicken broth and scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to lift the browned bits. Add the chicken broth, remaining oregano, crushed red pepper flakes if using, artichokes, and mixed olives. Stir all ingredients together well.
- Simmer the Chicken: Nestle the seared chicken thighs back into the skillet, placing them on top of the sauce mixture. Arrange lemon slices over the chicken. Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Cover and cook for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C). In the last 5 minutes of cooking, uncover the pan to allow the sauce to reduce and thicken slightly.
- Garnish and Serve: Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the cooked chicken and sauce. Serve the chicken warm, spooning the artichokes, olives, and sauce over it for a complete, flavorful Mediterranean meal.
Notes
- Bone-in chicken thighs provide more flavor but take slightly longer to cook than boneless.
- If you prefer less heat, omit the crushed red pepper flakes.
- Use extra-virgin olive oil for deeper flavor when searing the chicken.
- Marinated artichokes can be used instead of canned for added tang.
- This dish pairs well with couscous, rice, or crusty bread to sop up the flavorful sauce.
- Leftovers keep well refrigerated for up to 3 days.
Keywords: Mediterranean chicken, lemon chicken, artichoke chicken, olives, chicken thighs, easy dinner, skillet chicken, healthy Mediterranean recipe