Name: Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes and Olives Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts; Salt and pepper to taste; 2 tablespoons olive oil; 1 cup artichoke hearts (canned or frozen, drained); 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced; 1/2 cup diced onion; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice; 1 tablespoon lemon zest; 1/2 cup chicken broth; Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

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Introduction

Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives is a bright and flavorful dish that combines tender chicken breasts with tangy lemon, savory olives, and tender artichokes. This easy one-pan recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner with a touch of Mediterranean flair.

A black cast iron skillet holds six pieces of golden-brown roasted chicken thighs arranged in a circle on top. The chicken is crispy and well-seasoned. Under and between the chicken pieces, there are slices of light yellow lemon, both thin and slightly caramelized, sitting on a bed of beige artichoke pieces and mixed olives in dark purple and green tones. Sprigs of bright green parsley leaves are scattered around the skillet as garnish. The skillet is set on a white marbled surface with a large silver spoon nearby, green parsley sprigs and a small white bowl of ground pepper visible in the frame. A light beige cloth is partly under the skillet on the right side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

4 pieces boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1 cup artichoke hearts (canned or frozen, drained)
1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
1/2 cup diced onion
4 cloves garlic, minced
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon lemon zest
1/2 cup chicken broth
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Season the chicken breasts with salt and pepper on both sides.
Step 2: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for about 5-7 minutes on each side until golden brown. Remove them from the skillet and set aside.
Step 3: In the same skillet, add diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté until translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
Step 4: Pour in the chicken broth, fresh lemon juice, and lemon zest. Scrape the skillet to incorporate all the browned bits from searing the chicken.
Step 5: Return the chicken to the skillet and add the artichokes and Kalamata olives. Stir gently to coat the chicken in the flavorful sauce.
Step 6: Cover and let it simmer on low heat for another 5-10 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature should reach 165°F).
Step 7: Transfer the chicken to a serving plate and spoon the artichoke and olive mixture over the top. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.

Tips & Variations

Use fresh artichoke hearts if available for a more vibrant flavor.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle spicy kick.
Serve with couscous or rice to soak up the delicious sauce.
Try substituting green olives for a milder taste.

Storage

Store leftover chicken and sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through to keep the chicken tender and moist.

How to Serve

The image shows a close-up of a dish with three pieces of golden-brown cooked chicken thighs on top. Surrounding the chicken are layers of green olives and halved artichoke hearts, all cooked and slightly glossy. The chicken has a crispy skin with some small green herb sprinkles on top, and the olives and artichokes add texture and depth to the dish. The food is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use bone-in chicken for this recipe?

Yes, bone-in chicken breasts can be used, but cooking time will be longer. Make sure to check that the internal temperature reaches 165°F before serving.

Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?

Absolutely. You can prepare the sauce in advance and store it separately. When ready to serve, reheat the sauce and add freshly cooked chicken to maintain texture and flavor.