Name: Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives: A Flavorful One-Dish Wonder
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts; 2 tbsp olive oil; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 cup low-sodium chicken broth; 1/3 cup freshly squeezed lemon juice; 1 tbsp lemon zest; 1 tsp dried oregano; 1/2 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1 (14 oz) can artichoke hearts, drained and halved; 1/2 cup pitted Kalamata olives; 2 tbsp capers (optional); 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley; Lemon slices for garnish

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Tired of serving the same bland chicken dinners that leave your family pushing food around their plates? I’ve been there too.

When I first started experimenting with Mediterranean flavors in my kitchen, I discovered something magical happens when you combine bright lemon, briny olives, and tender artichokes with perfectly seasoned chicken.

This Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives transforms ordinary chicken into a restaurant-worthy meal that practically sings with flavor.

Hi there! I’m Alexandra, a 38-year-old self-taught chef from the USA, and this Mediterranean Lemon Chicken recipe holds a special place in my culinary journey.

I remember the first time I made it I was hosting my sister’s birthday dinner and wanted something impressive yet manageable. The combination of citrus brightness and savory Mediterranean elements created such a hit that it’s now requested at nearly every family gathering.

In this guide, I’ll share my tried-and-true technique for creating the most flavorful Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives, including the perfect chicken selection, my special marinade secrets, and foolproof cooking method. Plus, you’ll discover versatile serving suggestions that make this dish suitable for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

Why This Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Recipe Works

● Uses budget-friendly chicken thighs or breasts that become incredibly tender
● Requires just one pan for easy cleanup and maximum flavor development
● Features a perfect balance of bright, tangy, and savory Mediterranean flavors
● Works beautifully as both a weeknight dinner and an impressive entertaining option
● Creates a built-in sauce that’s perfect for serving with rice, potatoes, or crusty bread

Choosing the Right Chicken for Mediterranean Lemon Chicken

Best Cuts for This Mediterranean Recipe

For the most flavorful Mediterranean Lemon Chicken, bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs deliver exceptional results. The dark meat remains juicy through the cooking process, while the skin crisps beautifully and adds richness to the dish. That said, chicken breasts work wonderfully too—just be careful not to overcook them.

Buying Tips for Mediterranean Lemon Chicken

When shopping for chicken, look for:

Fresh chicken with pinkish color and no strong odor
Organic or free-range options for best flavor (if budget allows)
Consistent sizing for even cooking (especially important with chicken breasts)

Substitutions for Mediterranean Lemon Chicken

Boneless thighs: Reduce cooking time by about 5-7 minutes
Chicken breasts: Check for doneness earlier to prevent drying out
Chicken tenderloins: Great for a quicker-cooking version

Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Ingredients & Prep

1. Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives: How to Make This Delicious Dish 2. Best Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Recipe with Artichokes & Olives 3. Why You Need to Try This Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives 4. Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives: A Flavorful One-Dish

Chicken Prep Essentials for Mediterranean Cooking

Before marinating your Mediterranean Lemon Chicken, pat the chicken pieces dry with paper towels this ensures better browning and helps the marinade adhere properly. If using chicken breasts, consider pounding them to even thickness for more consistent cooking.

Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Marinade

🍋 Fresh lemon juice (1/4 cup) + zest of 2 lemons
🌿 2 tablespoons fresh oregano (or 2 teaspoons dried)
🧄 4 garlic cloves, minced
🫒 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
✨ 1 teaspoon dried thyme
🧂 1 teaspoon kosher salt
⚫ 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

For best results, marinate the chicken for at least 30 minutes, but ideally 2-4 hours for maximum flavor infusion.

Mediterranean Pantry Staples

Artichoke hearts: Use jarred or canned, drained well
Kalamata olives: Provide essential Mediterranean flavor
Chicken broth: Creates a flavorful base for the sauce
Lemon: Both juice and zest add brightness
Quality olive oil: The foundation of Mediterranean cooking

Step-by-Step Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Cooking Instructions

Pre-Cooking Prep for Mediterranean Lemon Chicken

Remove chicken from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to take the chill off
Drain chicken from marinade, but reserve the liquid
Pat chicken pieces dry again with paper towels
Prepare artichokes and olives by draining and roughly chopping larger pieces

Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Cooking Method

Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C)
Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat
Place chicken skin-side down in hot pan and sear until golden brown (5-6 minutes)
Flip chicken and sear other side for 3 minutes
Remove chicken temporarily to a plate
In the same pan, sauté 1 diced onion until translucent (3-4 minutes)
Add 3 cloves minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant
Pour in 1/2 cup chicken broth, scraping up browned bits from pan
Add 1 cup artichoke hearts and 1/2 cup Kalamata olives
Return chicken to pan, skin side up
Add 2-3 sliced lemons around the chicken
Transfer to oven and bake for 25-30 minutes until chicken reaches proper temperature

Doneness Check for Mediterranean Lemon Chicken

Use an instant-read thermometer to verify doneness:

Chicken thighs should reach 175°F (79°C)
Chicken breasts should reach 165°F (74°C)

The chicken should be golden brown with crispy skin, and the sauce should be slightly reduced and fragrant.

Resting Your Mediterranean Lemon Chicken

Allow the finished dish to rest for 5-10 minutes before serving. This gives the juices time to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each bite is moist and flavorful. The sauce will also continue to develop its flavors during this time.

Pro Tips for Perfect Mediterranean Lemon Chicken

Avoiding Dry Mediterranean Lemon Chicken

Don’t overcrowd your pan when searing—work in batches if needed
Use bone-in chicken for juicier results
Create a protective layer of onions, artichokes, and olives underneath breasts if using them
Finish with a drizzle of good olive oil before serving

Tool Recommendations for Mediterranean Cooking

Cast iron skillet or heavy-duty oven-safe pan
Instant-read meat thermometer
Microplane for perfect lemon zesting
Quality chef’s knife for efficient prep

Storage & Reheating Mediterranean Lemon Chicken

This dish actually improves overnight as flavors meld! Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. When reheating, add a splash of chicken broth or water to maintain moisture, and warm gently in a covered skillet over medium-low heat.

Looking for more Mediterranean-inspired dishes? Check out my Greek-Style Lemon Potatoes recipe for the perfect pairing with this chicken!

Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Flavor Variations

Spicy Mediterranean Twist

Add 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes to the marinade or 1-2 thinly sliced fresh red chilies to the baking dish for a pleasant heat that complements the lemon brightness.

Mediterranean Lemon Chicken for Special Diets

Keto/Low-carb: This recipe is naturally keto-friendly! Serve with cauliflower rice or roasted vegetables
Dairy-free: Already dairy-free, no modifications needed
Paleo: Use homemade or compatible chicken broth

Global Mediterranean Flavor Inspirations

Regional Variation	Key Additions	Serving Suggestion
Greek-Style	Add feta cheese in the last 5 minutes of baking	Serve with lemon potatoes
Spanish-Inspired	Add smoked paprika and roasted red peppers	Pair with saffron rice
Moroccan Twist	Include preserved lemon and green olives instead of Kalamata	Serve with couscous
Italian Version	Add capers and fresh basil after cooking	Serve with polenta

Mediterranean Lemon Chicken Serving Suggestions

This versatile Mediterranean Lemon Chicken pairs beautifully with many sides:

Fluffy couscous or orzo pasta to absorb the delicious sauce
Roasted vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant
Caramelized Onion and Gruyère Tart for an elegant starter
Simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette
Crusty artisan bread for sopping up the sauce

For a complete Mediterranean feast, start with hummus and pita, serve this chicken as the main course, and finish with honey-drizzled Greek yogurt and fresh berries.

Looking for inspiration? Browse my Pinterest for beautiful Mediterranean recipe ideas and gorgeous food styling that will elevate your next dinner party!

Mediterranean Lemon Chicken FAQs

Can I make Mediterranean Lemon Chicken ahead of time?

Yes! This dish reheats beautifully. You can prepare it up to 2 days in advance and reheat in a 350°F oven for about 20 minutes. Add a splash of chicken broth before reheating to maintain moisture.

Can I use frozen artichoke hearts for Mediterranean Lemon Chicken?

Absolutely! Thaw and drain them well before adding. Frozen artichokes often have better texture than canned ones.

How do I prevent the Mediterranean Lemon Chicken sauce from becoming too bitter?

If using lemon slices in the dish, remove any seeds before cooking, as they can impart bitterness. If you’re sensitive to bitter flavors, you can also blanch the lemon slices in boiling water for 1 minute before adding them to the dish.

Is Mediterranean Lemon Chicken gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, but always check your chicken broth ingredients if you have celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity.

For another Mediterranean-inspired dish perfect for entertaining, try my Caramelized Onion Gruyère Tart!

Time to Bring Mediterranean Flavors to Your Table

Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives is more than just a recipe it’s an experience that brings the sunny, vibrant flavors of the Mediterranean right to your dinner table. The bright lemon, savory olives, and tender chicken create a harmony that’s both comforting and exciting.

I’d love to see your version of this dish! Try it tonight and discover why thousands of home cooks have made this Mediterranean Lemon Chicken a regular in their meal rotation. Remember, cooking is about bringing joy to your table embrace the process and enjoy the delicious results!

Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives: A Flavorful One-Dish Wonder