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Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes and Olives Recipe

4.5 from 87 reviews

Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives is a flavorful and healthy dish featuring tender chicken breasts seasoned with aromatic herbs, seared to perfection, and baked with tangy lemon, artichokes, green olives, and a savory white wine sauce. This rustic Mediterranean recipe balances bright citrus notes with briny olives and earthy herbs, making it perfect for a family dinner or entertaining.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken and Seasoning

  • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Sauce and Vegetables

  • 1 lemon, juiced and zested
  • 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
  • 1/2 cup pitted green olives, halved
  • 1/2 cup chicken broth
  • 1/4 cup white wine (optional)
  • 1/2 red onion, sliced
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to prepare for baking the chicken dish.
  2. Season the chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly on both sides with salt, pepper, dried oregano, dried basil, and garlic powder to build a flavorful base.
  3. Sear the chicken: Heat olive oil in a large ovenproof skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and sear for about 3-4 minutes per side until golden brown and crispy to lock in juices.
  4. Sauté aromatics: Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside. In the same skillet, add sliced red onion and minced garlic. Sauté for 2 minutes until fragrant and softened, releasing the flavors.
  5. Add vegetables: Stir in the artichoke hearts and green olives. Cook for another 2 minutes, allowing the vegetables to warm and meld flavors.
  6. Make sauce: Pour in the chicken broth, white wine (if using), lemon juice, and lemon zest. Bring the mixture to a simmer to blend the bright citrus with the savory base.
  7. Return chicken to skillet: Place the seared chicken breasts back into the skillet, spooning some of the sauce, artichokes, and olives over each piece to infuse the chicken while baking.
  8. Bake the chicken: Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature of 165°F/74°C) and the sauce is slightly reduced and flavorful.
  9. Garnish and serve: Remove from oven and garnish the dish with freshly chopped parsley before serving warm, perfect with rice, couscous, or crusty bread.

Notes

  • If you do not have an ovenproof skillet, transfer the seared chicken and sauce to a baking dish before placing it in the oven.
  • White wine is optional but adds depth; substitute with additional chicken broth if preferred.
  • For a spicier kick, add red pepper flakes when sautéing the garlic and onions.
  • This dish pairs exceptionally well with Mediterranean sides such as couscous, quinoa, or roasted vegetables.
  • Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days and reheated gently to retain moisture.

Keywords: Mediterranean chicken, lemon chicken, artichokes recipe, olives dish, baked chicken, healthy chicken recipe, one-pan chicken dinner