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One pan Mediterranean lemon herb chicken skillet with artichokes and olives on a rustic wooden table.

Mediterranean Lemon Herb Chicken with Artichokes and Olives

A vibrant, one-pan Mediterranean meal featuring juicy pan-seared chicken breasts or thighs simmered in a bright, savory lemon-herb broth with tender artichoke hearts and briny mixed olives.- Prep Time: 15 minutes- Cook Time: 20 minutes- Total Time: 35 minutes
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 340

Ingredients
  

  • * 4 large chicken breasts boneless, skinless, cut evenly or used as whole thighs
  • * 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
  • * 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • * 4 cloves garlic minced
  • * 1 large fresh lemon juiced and zested
  • * 1 tablespoon dried oregano
  • * 1 teaspoon dried thyme
  • * 1/2 cup low-sodium chicken broth
  • * 1 can 14 oz marinated artichoke hearts, drained and halved
  • * 1 cup mixed green and Kalamata olives pitted
  • * 1/4 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley finely chopped
  • * 1/2 teaspoon fine sea salt or to taste
  • * 1/4 teaspoon freshly cracked black pepper or to taste

Method
 

* Step 1 (Season):
  1. Pat the chicken pieces completely dry with a paper towel. Season both sides uniformly with the salt, black pepper, and half of the dried oregano and thyme.
* Step 2 (Sear):
  1. Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a large, heavy skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and sear undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes per side until a rich golden brown crust forms. Temporarily transfer the chicken to a clean plate.
* Step 3 (Aromatics):
  1. Lower the heat to medium. Add the diced yellow onion to the residual oil in the skillet and sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until soft and translucent. Toss in the minced garlic and cook for exactly 1 minute, stirring constantly so it does not burn.
* Step 4 (Deglaze):
  1. Pour the low-sodium chicken broth and fresh lemon juice into the pan. Use a wooden spoon to vigorously scrape up all the flavorful, caramelized browned bits stuck to the bottom of the skillet.
* Step 5 (Sauce & Assemble):
  1. Stir in the remaining dried oregano, thyme, fresh lemon zest, and a pinch of black pepper. Nestle the seared chicken pieces (and any plate juices) back into the skillet. Scatter the drained artichoke hearts and mixed olives all around the poultry.
* Step 6 (Simmer):
  1. Bring the liquid to a light simmer, then drop the heat to low. Cover the skillet tightly with a lid and cook for 15 to 20 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest piece reads 165°F (74°C).
* Step 7 (Garnish):
  1. Remove the skillet from the heat source. Uncover and scatter the finely chopped fresh parsley and an extra dusting of lemon zest over the top. Serve hot directly from the pan.

Notes

* For an extra flavor twist, consider serving this dish alongside a hearty portion of roasted vegetables or grains to soak up the luxurious lemon broth.
* For a complete Mediterranean feast, consider trying our Garlic Herb Roasted Chicken and Vegetables (https://easymediterraneanrecipes.blog/recipes/garlic-herb-roasted-chicken-and-vegetables/) on your next meal rotation!