Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives
A Zesty, Elegant Classic from the Heart of the Mediterranean
Introduction
Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives is a dish that captures the essence of Mediterranean cooking: bright citrus notes, savory herbs, briny olives, and tender chicken cooked to juicy perfection. This recipe is a vibrant fusion of textures and flavors — a perfect balance between richness and freshness. Ideal for family dinners or special occasions, it’s a dish that feels both rustic and gourmet.
A Brief History of Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives
The combination of lemon, chicken, olives, and artichokes is deeply rooted in Mediterranean cuisine, particularly in regions like Southern Italy, Greece, and Spain. Citrus fruits have been cultivated in these regions for centuries, and olives and artichokes are staples of the Mediterranean diet. This dish reflects a farm-to-table philosophy, where simple, seasonal ingredients are transformed into soul-satisfying meals. It’s also inspired by classic Provençal and Greek lemon-chicken stews.
Health Benefits
- Rich in Lean Protein – Chicken provides high-quality protein essential for muscle health.
- Antioxidant-Rich – Artichokes are loaded with antioxidants and fiber.
- Heart-Healthy Fats – Olives and olive oil are excellent sources of monounsaturated fats.
- Anti-inflammatory Lemon – Lemons are rich in vitamin C and support detoxification.
- Low Carb, High Nutrient – Perfect for balanced diets like Mediterranean, Paleo, or Keto.
Ingredients (Serves 6)
- 6 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or breasts)
- 1 can (400g) artichoke hearts (drained & halved) (or 3 fresh artichokes if you prefer fresh)
- 1 cup mixed olives (Kalamata, green, or Castelvetrano, pitted)
- 1 large lemon (zested & juiced)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 large onion (sliced thinly)
- 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
- 1/2 cup dry white wine (optional, for depth)
- 1/2 cup chicken broth
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon thyme
- 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
- Salt & freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions & Method
Preparation Steps:
- Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F). - Season the Chicken
- Pat the chicken thighs dry.
- Season generously with salt, pepper, lemon zest, and a light sprinkle of oregano and thyme.
- Sear the Chicken
- In a large oven-safe skillet or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat.
- Sear chicken skin-side down until golden brown and crispy (about 5-6 minutes).
- Flip and cook the other side for 2-3 minutes. Remove chicken and set aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics
- In the same pan, reduce heat to medium.
- Add sliced onions and garlic; sauté until softened and fragrant (about 3-4 minutes).
- Deglaze & Build Flavor
- Pour in the white wine to deglaze the pan, scraping up any browned bits.
- Add chicken broth, lemon juice, and crushed red pepper flakes.
- Stir in artichoke hearts and olives, ensuring they’re well coated in the sauce.
- Braise in the Oven
- Return the seared chicken to the pan, skin-side up.
- Spoon some sauce over the chicken but leave skins exposed (for crispiness).
- Transfer the entire pan to the preheated oven and bake uncovered for 25-30 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 75°C (165°F).
- Final Touch & Serve
- Garnish with fresh parsley and a few extra lemon wedges for squeezing.
- Serve hot with crusty bread, rice, or couscous to soak up the luscious sauce.
Formation of Flavors
- The chicken skin crisps up while its juices enrich the lemony broth.
- Olives add a briny, savory contrast, which balances the brightness of the lemon.
- Artichokes soak up all the flavors, turning tender and juicy.
- Wine and broth reduce to a tangy, savory glaze that coats every bite.
- The final squeeze of fresh lemon juice elevates the dish with zesty freshness, cutting through the richness of the chicken.
Lovers of This Dish
- Mediterranean cuisine lovers who enjoy bold, herbaceous flavors.
- Home cooks looking for elegant yet easy dishes for dinner parties.
- Health-conscious eaters on Mediterranean, Keto, or Low-Carb diets.
- Fans of rustic, one-pan meals that are simple yet visually impressive.
- Foodies who love pairing savory dishes with citrus brightness.
- Lemon & olive lovers who can’t resist that combination of zesty and briny.
Conclusion
Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives is more than a recipe — it’s a celebration of fresh, wholesome ingredients that come together effortlessly. This dish embodies the best of Mediterranean cooking: rustic, healthy, and packed with bold yet balanced flavors. Whether you’re serving it as a weeknight dinner or for a festive gathering, it will always feel special. It’s a recipe that will make you fall in love with the simplicity and richness of Mediterranean food over and over again.