Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives
When you think of Mediterranean cuisine, you imagine golden olive oil, sun-ripened lemons, aromatic herbs, and the comforting simplicity of home-cooked food. This Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives captures all of that — and more — in one skillet.
It’s the kind of meal that feels luxurious but is surprisingly easy to make. The chicken turns beautifully golden and tender, soaking up the citrus-herb flavors of the sauce. The combination of briny olives, tender artichoke hearts, and zesty lemon brings out an unforgettable taste that feels both refreshing and comforting.
🌟 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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✅ One-pan magic – Less cleanup, more flavor.
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✅ Light yet filling – Packed with protein and heart-healthy fats.
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✅ Tangy, herby, and savory – A true Mediterranean medley of flavors.
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✅ Ready in 30 minutes – Perfect for weeknights or elegant dinners.
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✅ Nutrient-rich – Full of antioxidants, healthy oils, and vitamins.
📝 Ingredients
For the Chicken:
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4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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1 lemon, zest and juice
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2 teaspoons dried oregano (or 1 tablespoon fresh, chopped)
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1 teaspoon garlic powder
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½ teaspoon salt
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¼ teaspoon black pepper
For the Sauce:
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1 cup canned or jarred artichoke hearts, drained and halved or quartered
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½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved (you can mix green and black for contrast)
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1 tablespoon capers (optional, for extra tang)
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½ cup low-sodium chicken broth
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¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
Optional Garnishes:
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Lemon slices
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Extra chopped parsley
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A drizzle of high-quality olive oil
🕐 Prep Time: 10 minutes
🍳 Cook Time: 25 minutes
🍽️ Serves: 4
👩🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Chicken
In a medium bowl, combine olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk together until blended.
Add the chicken breasts to the bowl and coat them thoroughly in the marinade. Let them sit for 10–15 minutes at room temperature, or refrigerate for up to 2 hours if you want deeper flavor.
💡 Tip: A quick lemon marinade tenderizes the chicken while infusing it with bright, aromatic flavor.
Step 2: Sear the Chicken
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, add a drizzle of olive oil.
Place the marinated chicken breasts in the skillet and sear for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown.
You’re not cooking them fully here — just locking in those flavors and creating a beautiful crust.
Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside on a plate.
Step 3: Build the Mediterranean Sauce
In the same skillet (don’t wipe it clean — those brown bits add flavor!), add a touch more olive oil if needed.
Pour in the chicken broth and gently scrape the bottom of the pan with a wooden spoon to deglaze it.
Now, add the artichoke hearts, olives, and capers. Let them simmer for 3–4 minutes, releasing their tangy, salty aromas into the sauce.
Step 4: Combine and Simmer
Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet. Spoon some of the sauce over each piece.
Cover and reduce heat to medium-low.
Simmer for 10–12 minutes, or until the chicken is cooked through (internal temperature 165°F / 74°C).
The sauce will slightly reduce and thicken, coating the chicken beautifully.
Step 5: Finish with Freshness
Once done, sprinkle chopped parsley over the top and add a few lemon slices for garnish.
Turn off the heat and let the dish rest for 5 minutes before serving — this allows all the flavors to meld together.
🍋 Serving Suggestions
This Mediterranean Lemon Chicken pairs beautifully with a range of sides:
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Garlic mashed potatoes – to soak up the delicious lemon sauce.
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Steamed couscous or quinoa – for a light, fluffy complement.
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Grilled vegetables or asparagus – add freshness and color.
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Crusty artisan bread – perfect for mopping up every drop of sauce.
For a low-carb option, serve over cauliflower rice or a bed of sautéed spinach.
🌿 Taste & Texture
Every bite is a dance of flavors:
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The lemon adds brightness and freshness.
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The olives bring saltiness and depth.
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The artichokes lend a subtle earthiness.
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The chicken remains tender and juicy, absorbing all those Mediterranean aromas.
It’s balanced — savory, citrusy, and lightly tangy, with a velvety sauce that brings it all together.
💪 Health Benefits
This dish doesn’t just taste incredible — it’s also incredibly nutritious:
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Olive oil provides healthy monounsaturated fats, supporting heart health.
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Lemon juice boosts vitamin C and aids digestion.
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Artichokes are high in antioxidants and fiber.
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Chicken offers lean protein to keep you full and energized.
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Parsley and oregano add detoxifying properties and essential minerals.
It’s a clean, wholesome meal that aligns with the Mediterranean diet — one of the world’s healthiest and most flavor-rich ways of eating.
🧠 Tips for Success
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Don’t overcook the chicken. Use a thermometer to ensure perfect tenderness.
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Use fresh lemon juice for a crisp, authentic taste — bottled juice won’t do justice.
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Experiment with herbs. Try rosemary or thyme for a different aromatic profile.
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Make it creamy. For a luxurious version, stir in a tablespoon of Greek yogurt or cream at the end.
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For extra punch: Add sun-dried tomatoes or roasted red peppers to the sauce.
🧊 Storage & Reheating
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Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
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Reheat gently on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of broth or lemon juice to refresh the sauce.
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It’s also freezer-friendly — store for up to 1 month and thaw overnight before reheating.
💬 Related Questions
1. Can I use chicken thighs instead of breasts?
Absolutely! Chicken thighs are juicier and hold up beautifully in this recipe. Adjust cooking time slightly (2–3 minutes longer).
2. What can I substitute for artichokes?
You can use zucchini, asparagus, or mushrooms for a similar earthy texture.
3. Can I make it dairy-free or keto?
It already is! This recipe fits keto, paleo, and Mediterranean diets without any modifications.
4. How can I make this in the oven?
Sear the chicken first, then transfer everything to a baking dish. Bake covered at 375°F (190°C) for 25–30 minutes until tender.
5. Can I add wine?
Yes — replace half the chicken broth with dry white wine for an elegant, restaurant-style flavor.
✨ Final Thoughts
This Mediterranean Lemon Chicken with Artichokes & Olives is proof that healthy doesn’t mean boring.
It’s a perfect harmony of vibrant citrus, briny olives, and herb-kissed chicken, all wrapped up in a glossy, golden sauce.
Whether it’s a weekday dinner or a weekend gathering, this dish brings the warmth of the Mediterranean sun to your table — one lemony bite at a time.
Serve it with love, and watch how it disappears fast! 💛🍋🍗
