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Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes and Olives Recipe

4.3 from 73 reviews

This Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives is a vibrant, flavorful dish featuring tender chicken thighs simmered with tangy lemon, briny olives, and tender artichoke hearts. Infused with garlic, onion, oregano, and a hint of white wine, it’s a perfect one-pan meal that brings a taste of the Mediterranean to your table in just 40 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Chicken

  • 4 bone-in, skin-on chicken thighs (or boneless, if preferred)
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Aromatics & Vegetables

  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 small onion, sliced
  • 1 can (14 oz) artichoke hearts, drained and quartered
  • ½ cup mixed olives (green and black)
  • 1 lemon, thinly sliced

Liquids & Seasonings

  • ½ cup dry white wine (or chicken broth)
  • 1 cup chicken broth
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ½ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional)

Garnish

  • Fresh parsley, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Sear the Chicken: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the chicken thighs with salt and pepper, then place skin-side down in the skillet. Sear for about 5 minutes until the skin becomes golden brown, then flip and cook the other side for 3 minutes. Remove chicken from the skillet and set aside.
  2. Sauté Aromatics: Using the same skillet, add the sliced onion and minced garlic. Cook them for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and fragrant.
  3. Deglaze the Pan: Pour in the dry white wine or chicken broth to the skillet. Scrape the bottom of the pan with a spatula to lift any browned bits. Let the liquid reduce slightly for approximately 2 minutes.
  4. Simmer with Ingredients: Add the chicken broth, dried oregano, crushed red pepper flakes (if using), artichoke hearts, mixed olives, and lemon slices to the skillet. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
  5. Cover and Cook: Return the chicken thighs to the skillet, placing them skin-side up. Cover the skillet with a lid and let everything simmer on medium-low heat for about 20 minutes, or until the chicken is fully cooked and tender.
  6. Garnish & Serve: Once cooked, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley over the top for a bright finish. Serve the chicken hot with your choice of side dishes such as rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad.

Notes

  • You can substitute boneless chicken thighs if preferred, adjusting cooking time slightly as needed.
  • Dry white wine adds depth of flavor, but chicken broth is an excellent non-alcoholic alternative.
  • For extra heat, increase crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
  • Make sure to drain artichoke hearts well to avoid excess liquid in the skillet.
  • This dish pairs beautifully with light grains or steamed vegetables for a balanced Mediterranean meal.

Keywords: Mediterranean chicken, lemon chicken, artichoke hearts, olives, stovetop chicken recipe, quick chicken dinner