Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives: A Flavorful One-Pan Meal

If you’re looking for a dish that’s?fresh, vibrant, and packed with Mediterranean flavors, this?Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives?is the perfect recipe. Juicy, tender chicken breasts are infused with?zesty lemon, aromatic oregano, and savory garlic, then simmered in a delicious broth with?briny Kalamata olives, tangy artichoke hearts, and fresh parsley. Every bite bursts with?bright, bold flavors, making this dish a fantastic option for a?healthy weeknight dinner, meal prep, or even an elegant dinner party.

This dish is inspired by the?flavors of Greece and the Mediterranean region, known for its?simple yet deeply flavorful ingredients. The combination of?citrus, herbs, olives, and artichokes?creates a light yet satisfying meal that’s?low-carb, protein-packed, and naturally gluten-free. The best part? It all comes together in?one pan in under 30 minutes, making it a go-to recipe for busy days.

Whether you’re following a?Mediterranean diet, looking for a healthy meal, or simply craving a delicious and easy chicken recipe, this dish is perfect. Pair it with?couscous, quinoa, or a fresh salad, and you’ll have a restaurant-quality meal right at home.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

?One-Pan Meal?– Less cleanup, more convenience.??Healthy & Nutritious?– High in?protein, low in carbs, and rich in?heart-healthy fats.??Bright Mediterranean Flavors?– A perfect balance of?savory, tangy, and briny notes.??Quick & Easy?– Ready in?30 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights.??Meal-Prep Friendly?– Tastes even better the next day!

Ingredients

For the Chicken:

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 lemon, zest and juice
• 2 teaspoons dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• ? teaspoon salt
• ? teaspoon black pepper

For the Mediterranean Sauce:

• 1 cup artichoke hearts, drained and chopped
• ? cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
• ? cup fresh parsley, chopped
• ? cup chicken broth
• 1 tablespoon capers (optional)

How to Make Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives

?Marinate the Chicken

In a bowl, combine?olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Add the chicken breasts and?coat them evenly?with the marinade. Let the chicken sit for?10-15 minutes?while you prepare the other ingredients.

?Sear the Chicken

Heat a?large skillet or pan?over?medium-high heat. Add a drizzle of olive oil and place the chicken breasts in the pan. Cook for?4-5 minutes per side, until golden brown and almost cooked through. Remove the chicken from the pan and set aside.

?Make the Mediterranean Sauce

In the same pan, add?chicken broth?to deglaze, scraping up any browned bits. Stir in?artichoke hearts, Kalamata olives, and capers (if using). Let the mixture simmer for?2-3 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.

?Simmer the Chicken

Return the chicken to the pan, spooning some of the sauce over the top. Cover and let simmer for?5-7 minutes, until the chicken is fully cooked (internal temperature should reach?165°贵).

?Garnish & Serve

Sprinkle the dish with?fresh parsley?and serve warm. This Mediterranean lemon chicken pairs beautifully with?roasted potatoes, quinoa, couscous, or a fresh Greek salad.

Helpful Tips for the Best Mediterranean Chicken

?Use Fresh Lemon Juice?– It enhances the flavors better than bottled lemon juice.??Pound the Chicken Evenly?– This ensures even cooking and prevents dry spots.??Choose High-Quality Olives?– Kalamata olives add authentic Mediterranean flavor.??Deglaze for More Flavor?– Scraping up the browned bits in the pan adds depth to the sauce.??Add More Herbs?– Try adding fresh basil, thyme, or rosemary for a flavor boost.

What to Serve with Mediterranean Lemon Chicken

?Grains:?Serve with?quinoa, couscous, or brown rice?to soak up the delicious sauce.??Vegetables:?Roasted asparagus, sautéed spinach, or grilled zucchini complement this dish.??Bread:?Pair with warm?pita bread or crusty sourdough?to scoop up the sauce.??Salad:?A fresh?Greek salad or cucumber-tomato salad?adds a refreshing contrast.

Storage & Leftovers?Refrigerate:?Store in an?airtight container?for up to?4 days.??Reheat:?Warm in a skillet over?medium heat?with a splash of broth to keep it moist.??Freeze:?Store in a freezer-safe container for?up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts??Yes! Boneless, skinless chicken thighs work well and add extra juiciness.

2. How do I prevent the chicken from drying out??Don’t overcook it! Use a meat thermometer and remove it from heat at?165°贵.

3. Can I make this dish dairy-free??Absolutely! The recipe is already dairy-free, making it a great option for lactose-intolerant diets.

4. What’s the best substitute for artichoke hearts??If you don’t like artichokes, try?sun-dried tomatoes or roasted bell peppers?for a different Mediterranean twist.

5. Can I prepare this meal ahead of time??Yes! Marinate the chicken up to?24 hours?in advance, then cook when ready.

6. What can I use instead of Kalamata olives??Try?green olives, black olives, or even capers?for a similar briny flavor.

7. Can I bake this dish instead of cooking it on the stovetop??Yes! After searing, transfer everything to a baking dish and bake at?375°F for 20-25 minutes.

8. How can I make this dish spicier??Add?red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper?to the seasoning mix.

9. Can I use fresh oregano instead of dried??Yes! Use?3 teaspoons of fresh oregano?instead of 2 teaspoons dried.

10. Is this dish keto-friendly??Yes! This recipe is?low-carb, high-protein, and full of healthy fats, making it great for a keto diet.

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Conclusion

This?Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives?is the perfect balance of?bright citrus, savory herbs, and briny olives, bringing the fresh, vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean right to your table. Whether you’re cooking for a?weeknight dinner, meal prep, or a special gathering, this dish is easy to make, full of nutrition, and incredibly satisfying. Serve it with?your favorite sides, and enjoy a?restaurant-quality meal?made in your own kitchen. Once you try it, you’ll keep coming back for more!?